Community Fund Application

Program Overview 

The City of Auburn has allocated $35,000 for Community Grants from the General Fund. $10,000 of this grant is for the Matching Grant. The City designates $25,000 to the Community Fund for community enhancement projects, which can be identified by the City or by the community. The Office of Equity, Engagement, & Outreach facilitates and manages these grant programs.  

The Equity, Engagement, & Outreach (EEO) Coordinator will act as the Project Manager for projects proposed internally or assist the applicant in executing their proposed project if the applicant indicates they do NOT want to be the Project Manager. The EEO Office will prioritize projects proposed externally. The goal of these funds is to add value to neighborhoods. Projects may relate to beautification, increasing the wellness of residents, and promoting inclusive participation and service.   

The Matching Grant process is not the most accessible as it requires the applicant to be or partner with an incorporated entity. By creating a separate Community Fund with the option of the EEO Coordinator acting as the project manager, we aim to increase our investments in certain areas, such as those without HOAs. 

Applications open January 1^st and close March 31^st. After the EEO Coordinator reviews the application, they will send a notification letter to the applicant ASAP. If the applicant indicated they did not want to be the Project Manager, a notification letter will be sent, communicating that the EEO Coordinator will act as the Project Manager.

What are some examples of projects? 

This program is meant to fund fun projects that help you as residents feel connected to where you live. Below are some project examples we came up with, but these are just ideas. Please feel free to submit your project! A project is eligible if it receives a passing score based on the scoring rubric. 

• Community garden 
• Community engagement events (e.g., National Night Out, Clean-Sweep, Neighborhood Meetings, etc.) 
• Disaster preparedness projects 
• Rainworks - positive messages and art, created with a clear paint, that appear when it rains 
• Little Free Library - creation and installation 

What are some ineligible projects? 

Projects that are ineligible include:  

• Infrastructure projects - sidewalks, ADA ramps, speed bumps, road repair, etc.
• Projects that are for individual benefit or don’t enhance the wider community.
• Projects on private property.

How can I submit a project? 

Applications can be submitted online via the application form accessible above OR they are available at the Mayor's Office on the 2nd floor of City Hall or on SpeakUp Auburn (registration required). Telephone or verbal requests will not be considered. 

Applications are accepted in any language. If you or someone from your community needs help filling out the application in a language other than English, please contact us to receive translation services.  

Important Documents 

• Community Fund Review Rubric (PDF)
• Budget Template (PDF)  or  Budget Template (XLS)

Submit completed applications via mail or email: 

• City of Auburn 
  ATTN: Neighborhood Programs 
  25 West Main Street 
  Auburn, Washington 98001
• Email the Equity, Engagement, & Outreach Coordinator at [email protected].