Spirit of Coquitlam Grant

The Spirit of Coquitlam grant supports not-for-profit, community-based organizations that are based in and serving Coquitlam residents. The intent of the grant is to build community spirit by providing funds for public art, sport activities and programs, festivals and events, sport hosting, capital projects, and new initiatives that align with the City’s strategic goals.

Funding for the Spirit of Coquitlam Grant Program is derived from the Casino Host Agreement revenue. Since 2002, the City of Coquitlam has awarded grants to over 230 different organizations through the Spirit of Coquitlam Grant Program. 

The 2023 Spring intake for the Spirit of Coquitlam Grant is now closed.
The 2023 Fall intake is planned for September 2023.

If you have questions about the grant or would like to speak to someone about your application, please email the Grant Coordinator.

  1. How to Apply
  2. Application Guidelines
  3. General Eligibility Criteria
  4. Grant Application Checklist
  • Review the Application Guide (PDF)
  • Review the Project Streams & Eligibility Criteria below to determine which project stream is most appropriate for your application
  • Complete the online Application Form
    • Applicants are encouraged to create an account with the online application. Creating an account enables you to save your application and complete over multiple sessions. Without an account, you must submit the application in one session.
  • Ensure all required fields indicated by an asterisk (*) are filled before submitting
  • You are only required to complete the sections of the application form that relate to the project stream you are applying for
  • Review the Grant Application Attachment Checklist to ensure all required attachments are included

If you'd prefer a fillable PDF Application Form, email the Grant Coordinator for a copy. 

Questions?

Contact the Grant Coordinator by email or call 604-927-3571 for support. You are encouraged to schedule an appointment to discuss your application before completing.


Project Streams and Eligibility Criteria

The Spirit of Coquitlam Grant includes six project categories. Applicants should apply to the stream that best matches their project. All applications must meet the general eligibility criteria, as well as the category specific criteria below.

  1. Festivals and Events
  2. Capital Projects
  3. Sports Equipment
  4. Sport Hosting
  5. Playground Equipment
  6. Community Support Projects

The City of Coquitlam is excited to support festivals and events in Coquitlam. 

  • The grant will fund festivals and events for a maximumof five years.
    • Year One: up to 90% of total project costs to a maximum of $15,000
    • Year Two: up to 70% of total project costs to a maximum of $15,000
    • Year Three: up to 50% of total project costs to a maximum of $15,000
  • If mutually acceptable to the City and the applicant, years four and five may be funded on the same terms as year three, while the parties work to develop a longer term funding strategy.
  • Applications for projects with a total cost of $5,000 or less are eligible for up to 90% each year.
  • Sustainability and environmental impact: In addition to the above maximums, applicants who commit to providing any of the following and include the additional estimated costs in their budget template, may receive an additional $5,000 per service or equipment (up to a maximum total of $20,000) upfront:
  • Professional waste management services, as evidenced by a third-party waste diversion report for the event 
  • Refillable water bottle stations
  • Bicycle valet/secure bicycle parking
  • Applicants are invited to submit evidence of other costs (e.g., quotes) for services or equipment that minimize the environmental impact of their festival or event for consideration
  • Festivals and events that receive Spirit of Coquitlam grant funds must be open to the public, and may only charge participants a fee to recover costs attributable directly to the festival/event. Priority may be given to free or low cost events.
  • Funding for festivals and events that anticipate fewer than 500 participants will be subject to the Simon Fraser Formula, to ensure that Spirit of Coquitlam grant funds are used primarily to benefit Coquitlam residents.
  • Festivals & Events applicants are encouraged to apply at least six months before their anticipated event date to improve the application’s chance of success.
  • Festivals and events that anticipate over 500 participants may be exempt from the Simon Fraser Formula if evidence is provided of anticipated substantial economic benefit to Coquitlam businesses. Contact the Grant Coordinator if you would like your festival/event to be considered for this exemption. 

Evaluation Criteria

  • Applications for Festival and Event funding that meet all eligibility requirements will be evaluated on the following criteria. Applicants are encouraged to include information that is relevant to their project:
  • A clear explanation of what the event will be
  • Logistical details confirmed (dates, venue confirmed or on hold, evidence of other sources of funding, acts/entertainers/vendors etc.)
  • Quantitative evidence of the benefits to the City and its residents (number of attendees, $ value of economic activity such as vendors, artists, hotel nights, local purchases, etc.)
  • Description of cultural and community significance (demonstrated consideration of diversity, equity and inclusion, opportunities for cross-cultural sharing and learning, connecting residents to each other, encouraging active participation, training and learning for volunteers, youth-focused, etc.)
  • Incorporation of environmental sustainability initiatives (highlighting sustainable transportation options to the event, reducing/separating waste, minimizing/eliminating single-use plastic items from food services, etc.)