Magic happens when neighbours connect. It forms friendships, makes our communities safer and more vibrant. Neighbourhood Small Grants program is managed by the Vancouver Foundation which believes the best people to effect change in a community are the ones who live within it. Since 1999, the grants provided have made a visible difference in communities across BC, improving the power of community connection.
Neighbourhood Small Grants
These grants empower residents to try a small-scale project that fosters a sense of belonging and unity. Here’s why they matter:
- Bringing Community Together: Small Neighbourhood Grants serve as bridges, uniting diverse individuals under common goals and aspirations.
- Increasing Connection Between Neighbours: By facilitating interactions, these grants dissolve barriers and encourage meaningful relationships to blossom.
- Building Community Strength and Resilience: Through collaborative efforts, communities become more resilient in the face of challenges, relying on the support networks forged by initiatives funded by these grants.
- Encouraging Community Creativity and Wellbeing: Creativity flourishes in environments where individuals feel connected and supported. These grants empower community members to unleash their creativity for the betterment of society, promoting overall well-being.
- Financial Support: With grants of up to $500, residents can bring their project ideas to life, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their communities.
- Inclusivity and Accessibility: Projects funded by these grants strive to be inclusive, ensuring that everyone in the community can participate regardless of their background or financial status.
What Can You Do with a Small Grant?
The ripple effect of the grants is powerful. Each project creates new relationships and a better tomorrow. The Neighbourhood Small Grants program runs on the basis of four beliefs. First, small ideas are beautiful ideas. Then, everyone has a gift to offer to those around them. Third, the project you create is yours — you choose how you want it to look and feel like. And finally, through the Neighbourhood Small Grants program that you might find your chosen family.
From block parties to ESL learners’ parties, to seed swaps, the sky is the limit. All you need is your idea. Generally, small grants:
- Promote Learning and Understanding: Small Grants encourage residents to explore diverse perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of one another and the world around them.
- Combat Social Isolation: By facilitating community-led projects and events, these grants combat social isolation, creating spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued.
- Enrich Lives: Through the creative use of resources, residents have the opportunity to enrich their lives and those of others, sparking inspiration and igniting a passion for lifelong learning.
- Inspire Friendship and Collaboration: Whether through workshops, events, or initiatives, Library Small Grants facilitate connections that transcend cultural boundaries, laying the foundation for lasting friendships and collaborations.
Apply for a Neighbourhood Small Grant
Neighbourhood Small Grants was created by Vancouver Foundation through local partnerships to build community and strengthen connections right where people live. The power of community connection facilitated by Neighbourhood Small Grants cannot be overstated. These grants not only fund projects but also empower individuals to make meaningful contributions to their neighborhoods. By bringing people together, breaking down barriers, and fostering creativity and inclusivity, these grants create stronger, more resilient communities where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Applications for Neighbourhood Small Grants are open until April 18, 2024.