COQUITLAM, B.C., March 7, 2023 – If you had $500 to spend, what small project or event could you dream up to bring people together?
Coquitlam residents of all ages have until April 18 to apply for a Neighbourhood Small Grant (NSG) of up to $500 at www.coquitlam.ca/neighbourhoodgrants for projects that connect neighbours, reduce social isolation and build a more welcoming, engaged community. Ideas could include social gatherings, improvement projects or workshops to share skills.
The City offers the grants in partnership with the Coquitlam Foundation, Vancouver Foundation and the Association of Neighbourhood Houses of BC.
Plan Your Project
Neighbourhood Small Grants remove financial barriers for projects that connect people, whether in a neighbourhood, building or group with a common interest. The grants never have to be paid back, no matter how the project turns out.
Grant funding is only for individuals or informal groups – not businesses or registered organizations – and may be used for expenses such as products, transportation, services or honorariums of up to $350 for those sharing skills. Any grant-funded product, service or event must be offered for free or by a small optional donation.
A good place to start brainstorming is to view examples on the Neighbourhood Small Grant website, including:
- Plant-based zero-waste cooking classes;
- An outdoor community movie night;
- Performances at seniors’ centres;
- A wildfire prevention work party barbecue;
- A workshop on Indigenous language and painting;
- Craft and woodworking classes;
- A pollinator garden at a co-op;
- A party celebrating student volunteers;
- A chili cook-off and more.
It’s Easy to Apply
Go to www.coquitlam.ca/neighbourhoodgrants for information or to start the simple online application process.
A grant committee will review applications after the April 18 deadline. Successful applicants will be informed in May and receive funds by cheque within about two weeks.
Grant recipients will be encouraged to complete their projects by Nov. 30, and to share stories and photos of their activities on the Neighbourhood Small Grant website and social media. They will also be invited to a wrap-up celebration.
The next application intake for Coquitlam is anticipated to take place in the fall.
Creating Welcoming Neighbourhoods
The Small Neighbourhood Grant program dovetails with Coquitlam’s ongoing work to create welcoming, connected neighbourhoods through initiatives such as Neighbourhood Nights, grants for block parties and a variety of volunteer programs.
The aim is to make Coquitlam’s neighbourhoods places where people know and help each other, celebrate together and work as a team to make their community a better place to live. Coquitlam’s Welcoming Neighbourhoods webpage includes information about City supports and programs.
Other Grant Opportunities:
While the Neighbourhood Small Grant is intended for individuals or informal groups, registered non-profit organizations can apply for the Spirit of Coquitlam Grant. Learn more and apply at www.coquitlam.ca/grants.
Media contacts:
Cherie Layne & Ami Goshalia
Neighbourhood Small Grant Coordinators
Neighbourhood Small Grants – Coquitlam
604-468-9598
NSGCoquitlam@gmail.com
Darryl Lal
Manager Policy & Business Services
City of Coquitlam
604-927-3587
dlal@coquitlam.ca