The city has announced several neighborhood projects that will receive more than $350,000 in matching funds from the Department of Neighborhoods.

The money will support projects in West Seattle and South Park covering subjects as diverse as public art, race and social justice, youth-development, and climate protection.

Four times a year, Small and Simple Project Fund Awards are given to groups committed to building a better community. Locally raised money, donated materials, and volunteer labor match the funding. The awards range from $1,105 to $15,000. Communities will match the city's $352,318 contribution with resources valued at $478,383.

"This is the largest number of Small and Simple Matching Fund projects we've awarded," said Stella Chao, director of the Department of Neighborhoods. "The mayor's and the city's commitment to community building and civic engagement is clear. These projects include a number of the mayor's priorities, including new funding categories in climate protection, public school partnerships, and the opportunity for youth."

Projects awarded are:

- White Center Music Nights White Center Community. Organization pledged match, $11,925; city matching fund, $15,000. This project will present a free four-part series of world music, which would encourage economic and community growth, as well as stimulate improvement needs and displace negative activity. Music Nights was developed to encourage bridges within the diverse community, as well as the wider population.

- Orchard Street Ravine Restoration Friends of Orchard Street Ravine, city grant $11,000. This project will restore an overgrown ravine area to its natural habitat and provide a green space for neighborhood enjoyment and education. This specific request is to provide funds to hire professional help to plant, water and weed in several areas in the ravine where

volunteers will not be allowed to work, due to steep slope liability concerns.

- Roxhill Neighborhood Beautification Roxhill Elementary PTSA pledged $15,000, with city matching fund providing $15,000. The PTSA hopes to improve the presence of our school in our community. We hope to install a reader board and mosaic sign to make us more visible to the community and to enhance the landscaping and brighten up the playground for students and community residents.

- Concord Elementary Connections Concord Elementary PTSA pledged $30,000 with another $30,000 from the city matching fund. The Concord PTA and local community partners will host community dinners with educational themes. Each event will help increase student academic achievement by connecting the families, school and agencies.

- Denny Middle School Friends of Denny Mariachi $11,158 was the pledged amount with $30,000 from the matching fund. This project will launch an after school mariachi program at Denny Middle School as part of a larger effort to strengthen and expand mariachi education opportunities in West Seattle. The program will lead to increased parental involvement, higher academic success for students, and positive connections between schools and community organizations.

- World Arts: Music in our Community, Friends of High Point pledged $84,486 with $30,000 city grant. World Arts will involve families in learning about music from various cultures. Through after school lessons, Saturday family sessions, and community performances, families will share their cultural experiences as well as increase their involvement in the school community.

- Highland Park Earth Support, Highland Park Elementary PTA pledged $16,025 with $30,000 coming from the city matching fund. Highland Park families and staff will initiate an environmental learning program that highlights cultural experiences as they relate to preserving and learning about natural resources. Ten educational opportunities will be presented to the community by culturally relevant educators and environmentalists.

- Vietnamese Parent Involvement; Vietnamese Friendship Association pledged $26,107 with $30,000 from the city matching fund. The Vietnamese Friendship Association, in partnership with Chief Sealth High School, the Office of Family and Community Partnerships, and South Seattle Community College, will actively engage Vietnamese parents through workshops, discussions and events to increase parental involvement and increase student's academic achievement.