The city of Bainbridge Island has launched a program to provide funding for neighborhood improvement projects.

The Neighborhood Matching Grant Program will provide funding of up to $5,000 for projects or events that create or enhance a tangible improvement in a Bainbridge Island neighborhood. Grants will also be awarded to efforts to build or expand neighborhood and community connections or civic engagement among Bainbridge residents.

City officials said all projects that get grants must benefit the public, and must include at least two Bainbridge Island households as applicants. Details about the program and an application are available on the city website at http://www.bainbridgewa.gov/891/Neighborhood-Matching-Grant.

Applicants begin the process by submitting an “idea letter” to the city.

“The city is very excited to be launching this project as a mechanism to support community improvements and encourage community fellowship,” said

City Manager Doug Schulze.

“We’ve long been looking for a way to foster togetherness and encourage creative problem-solving, and we believe that this program will be effective at attaining both of these goals,” he said.

Officials noted that dozens of Washington communities offer their residents a Neighborhood Matching Grant Program, which have been used to support projects such as pea patch gardens, neighborhood newsletters, neighborhood watches or Map Your Neighborhood emergency preparedness program, as well as neighborhood beautification projects.

Funds will be available for qualifying projects on a first-come, first-served basis. All projects must be completed within a calendar year.

For more information on the program contact Kellie Stickney at 206-780-3741.