Bellevue is a city that thrives on community engagement and collective action. Numerous local initiatives offer residents opportunities to contribute to the city’s growth and well-being. Here are some notable programs making a difference:
Keep Bellevue Beautiful
This program promotes a clean and attractive city through litter cleanups, abandoned shopping cart retrieval, and beautification projects. Volunteers participate in community-led litter removal initiatives across Bellevue’s 16 neighborhood areas, ensuring each is served on a rotating basis throughout the year. The program also includes the Adopt-A-Street initiative, encouraging individuals and groups to keep their favorite streets free from litter. Learn more
Building Community through Connection
The Neighborhood Outreach program fosters community through various initiatives:
- Cultural Conversations: A safe space for community connection that inspires change through storytelling, new friendships, and awareness of diverse cultures. The group meets approximately every six weeks from September to May.
- Block Parties: Encouraging neighbors to work together on community service projects and providing resources and support for neighborhood parties each summer.
- Jubilee in the Community: A partnership with Jubilee REACH, where volunteers help homeowners with yard maintenance and exterior home improvement needs.
The Bellevue Foundation
Formerly known as the Eastside Foundation, The Bellevue Foundation mobilizes community resources to address social challenges and create a Bellevue where everyone can thrive. The foundation brings together businesses, governments, nonprofits, and philanthropy to develop innovative programs addressing challenges and opportunities in Bellevue. Learn more
Neighborhood Enhancement Program (NEP)
NEP is a city-funded program that allows residents to propose and vote on small capital improvement projects that enhance their neighborhood. These projects aim to improve quality of life, strengthen community spaces, and add character to public areas. Past projects have included public art installations, crosswalk and pedestrian safety upgrades, trail connections, street lighting, picnic shelters, play structures, and streetscape improvements. Learn more
Bona Fide Bellevue
Bona Fide Bellevue offers numerous volunteer opportunities through initiatives like Improve the Vue, the Mural Arts Program, and the Friendship and Herb Gardens. Community events such as the Live Worship Shop House Tour, Bellevue UnWINEd, Rhythm & Brews, and Light Up Bellevue provide additional avenues for involvement. Learn more
SPLASHForward
SPLASHForward advocates for a public world-class sustainable regional aquatics center and satellite facilities on the Eastside. Their mission is to build healthier, stronger, and safer communities by creating equitable access to aquatic facilities and programs that build essential life skills, inclusion, connection, and active lifestyles. Learn more
Bellevue Cares
Visit Bellevue’s community give-back program connects visitors, meeting professionals, and convention groups with meaningful volunteer experiences that strengthen the community and protect natural landscapes. Through donation opportunities, hands-on team-building experiences, and partnerships with trusted local community partners, Bellevue Cares empowers conventions, meetings, and events to transform their time in Bellevue into measurable community impact. Learn more
These initiatives exemplify the spirit of community in Bellevue, offering residents and visitors alike the chance to contribute to the city’s vibrant and inclusive culture.