On May 15, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn's office announced the recipients of the Department of Neighborhoods "2012 Spring Small and Simple" matching fund awards, including four projects from West Seattle to South Park.

Here are the local recipients for 2012:

Alki Art Fair 2012
The city chips in $20,000 and Alki Art Fair Committee will raise $44,745
Produce and promote West Seattle’s premiere summer art showcase on Alki Beach that celebrates arts and music. The goal is to advance art education and appreciation while encouraging community involvement and cultural diversity for the community’s benefit.

West Seattle Community Fruit Harvest
City chips in $6,295 while the organization raises $9,535
Using volunteers and existing neighborhood groups, organize the harvest of fruit from residential fruit trees to distribute to partner organizations like food banks, women’s shelters, and senior centers within Delridge and West Seattle.

Roxhill Park - Castle Park Project
City chips in $20,000 while the community raises $20,000
Expand the Roxhill Park playground footprint and greatly enhance this destination park. The project will provide the additional funding to include a climbing and physical challenge course.

South Park Lucha Libre & Cultural Event
City chips in $10,000, Environmental Coalition of South Seattle covers $6,500
Through a community building collaboration between the Environmental Coalition of South Seattle (ECOSS); South Park Arts (Sparts), and the South Park Promotores and residents, plan, coordinate and hold a Latino-focused cultural event this summer. Lucha Libre (wrestling), local artists, and area youth performers will be highlighted.

Additional details on Neighborhood Matching Funds from Mayor McGinn's office

Mayor Mike McGinn today announced more than $500,000 in matching funds to support neighborhood projects across the city. 34 neighborhoods will receive awards from Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Neighborhood Matching Fund Program for projects as diverse as community fruit harvests to neighborhood festivals.

The Small and Simple Projects Fund, one of three funds managed by Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, provides cash awards of up to $20,000 in matching funds to neighborhood organizations committed to fostering and building a better community. The 2012 awards ranged from $4,200 to $20,000, and the organizations have pledged to match the City’s $534,666 contribution with resources valued at nearly $760,123.

“These awards recognize the dedication and hard work of community members working together to improve their neighborhood,” says Mayor Mike McGinn. “Whether the projects are for physical improvements or a community celebration, the benefit of this program is the connection and engagement of neighbors and the broader community.”

Recipients of the Neighborhood Matching Fund match their awards through a combination of locally raised money, donated materials and volunteer labor. On average, community volunteers invest $1.45 of donations and sweat equity for every $1 of taxpayer support.

“There’s a reason why the Neighborhood Matching Fund is being replicated by other cities across the country. This fund provides another reason for neighbors to get together and it allows them to create a vision to improve their neighborhood and it helps implement that vision. It’s the building block for community projects,” says Seattle City Councilmember Sally Bagshaw.

“The Neighborhood Matching Fund has been emulated by cities all over the world. And what makes it so successful is the connection and engagement that happens when neighbors work together to make improvements in their community,” says Bernie Matsuno, director of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods.

Since the program was created 24 years ago, the Neighborhood Matching Fund has awarded more than $49 million with a community match of more than $71 million. Projects have involved more than 85,600 volunteers who have donated over 573,000 work hours. To learn more about the Fund, visit www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf/.

For a complete listing of the 2012 Spring Small and Simple award recipients, visit http://www.seattle.gov/media.