News Release: Neighbourhood Small Grants Available for Greater Victorians
Victoria, BC – Localized events both large and small have a way of bringing neighbours and neighbourhoods together to form important social connections and create a sense of community and belonging.
In this spirit of community-building, the Victoria Foundation is delighted to be opening up its Neighbourhood Small Grants program for applications. Through this funding stream, groups, families, and individuals in Greater Victoria will have the opportunity to apply of grants of up $50 to $500 to lead a project in their neighbourhood.
Four neighbourhoods in particular are able to participate through one funding stream, namely Quadra Village, Burnside Gorge, North Park, and Oaklands. All other residents of our region are invited to apply through a second stream.
“I just love the Neighbourhood Small Grants program because it is truly at the grassroots level and encourages anyone with an idea and some determination to bring their project to life and bring some joy to their community,” said Sandra Richardson, CEO of the Victoria Foundation. “We’re so delighted to be a part of this initiative, which has now spread from humble beginnings in Vancouver and Victoria to include all of Vancouver Island.”
In total, there are now six additional Neighbourhood Small Grants programs on Vancouver Island, in Nanaimo, Parksville-Qualicum, the Comox Valley, Campbell River, Clayoquot Sound, and North Island-Mt. Waddington. And those who don’t live in any of the communities are also invited to apply to the second stream.
Projects supported by NSGs are those that bring community together, build community strength and resilience, or tackle social isolation. Some common types of projects include care package deliveries or teaching people a new skill, but there are also many unique projects that don’t fall into these categories. Any product, service, or event created with the support of a Neighbourhood Small Grant must be offered for free or by an optional small donation.
Applications for Neighbourhood Small Grants are open until October 30. Decisions on which projects will be receiving grants will be made in the fall, for projects to be carried out by May 2022.
More information and the application portal are available at victoriafoundation.bc.ca/grants-funding/grants/nsg.