With provincial health orders easing, it’s time to start gathering again.
And if you’re thinking about getting the neighbours together for a party — or to spruce up the area you live in — you may be eligible for some seed money.
Until April 29, Neighbourhood Small Grants ranging from $50 to $500 will be available via the City of Coquitlam, Coquitlam Foundation and Vancouver Foundation.
The cash is aimed to
- bring people together
- tackle social isolation
- build stronger communities
through teaching a skill, celebrating or sharing resources and ideas.
Launched in 1999, the Neighbourhood Small Grants are delivered by the Vancouver Foundation and are funded by the city and the two foundations, with the Coquitlam Foundation administering the program locally.
Previous grant recipients used the money for
- workshops
- social events
- gardening and history projects
- book and game exchanges
- seniors outreach
Funding to cover project expenses such as products, transportation and honorariums is for individuals or informal groups only.
(Businesses and registered organizations cannot apply; however, applications for Spirit of Coquitlam or Revenue Recovery grants are open until April 11 via coquitlam.ca/grants.)
The events or activities organized must be free for the neighbourhood or offered with a small optional donation.
Applicants will be notified in May if they are successful; the grants will be provided within two weeks by cheque and the events must take place within six months.
The next intake for Neighbourhood Small Grants is expected in the fall.
For details or to apply, visit neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca or email info@coquitlamfoundation.com.
