Applications for Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) between $50 and $500 will be accepted at neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca from Sept. 30 to Nov. 15 through a new partnership between the City of Coquitlam, Coquitlam Foundation and Vancouver Foundation.
COQUITLAM, BC, Sept. 29, 2021 – Do you have an idea for a low-cost project that will help make Coquitlam safer, stronger or more connected?
Applications for Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) between $50 and $500 will be accepted at www.neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca from Sept. 30 to Nov. 15 through a new partnership between the City of Coquitlam, Coquitlam Foundation and Vancouver Foundation.
The grants will support projects in Coquitlam that bring people together, tackle social isolation and build a stronger community. This could involve teaching a skill, creating opportunities to celebrate together, sharing resources or other ideas.
Wide Variety of Projects Eligible
Vancouver Foundation, which launched NSG in 1999, partners with organizations across B.C. to deliver the program. Coquitlam Foundation has signed on to administer Coquitlam’s new NSG program, which will be funded by the City and both foundations.
Applicants are encouraged to be creative with their project ideas. Examples of past activities are posted on the NSG website and have included neighbourhood gatherings, online workshops and social events, gardening and composting projects, book and game exchanges, telephone calls to seniors, cooking and craft-making events, history projects and others.
The funding is for individuals or informal groups only – not businesses or registered organizations – to cover project expenses such as products, transportation, services, as well as honorariums of up to $350 for those sharing skills.
Any product, service or event created with a NSG must be offered for free or by a small optional donation. The grants never have to be paid back, regardless of the outcome.
Simple Application Process
The NSG website provides guidance about completing the simple online application process. The applications will be reviewed by the grant committee after the Nov. 15 deadline, and successful applicants informed in December, with funds provided by cheque within about two weeks.
Successful applicants will be encouraged to carry out their projects within six months, and to share stories and photos of their activities on the NSG website and social media. Grant recipients are also invited to a wrap-up celebration.
The next application intake for Coquitlam NSGs is anticipated to take place in the spring.
For more information, visit www.neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca or email info@coquitlamfoundation.com.
Media contacts:
Carol Cahoon
Executive Director
Coquitlam Foundation
604-468-9598
ccahoon@coquitlamfoundation.com
Chris Siddaway
Community Partnerships & Policies Manager
City of Coquitlam
604-927-3556
csiddaway@coquitlam.ca