Starting next Monday, Coquitlam organizations will have two opportunities to apply for much-needed financial support from the City.
COQUITLAM, B.C., March 11, 2022 – Starting next Monday, Coquitlam organizations will have two opportunities to apply for much-needed financial support from the City.
Coquitlam is accepting applications March 14 to April 11 through links at www.coquitlam.ca/grants for its returning Spirit of Coquitlam Grant program and a one-time Revenue Recovery Grant – both of which support registered not-for profit organizations serving Coquitlam residents. Qualifying organizations may apply for both grants.
Updates to Spirit of Coquitlam Grant Program
Since their launch in 2002, Spirit of Coquitlam Grants have helped hundreds of organizations host events, purchase equipment or complete initiatives or capital projects that benefit Coquitlam residents.
The program was put on hiatus in early 2020 as limited funding was available through the City’s Casino Community Capital Fund due to the closure of the Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam. The grant program was temporarily replaced in 2020 and 2021 with pandemic grants that funneled over $250,000 to sustain organizations through the COVID-19 Community Support & Recovery Plan (CSRP).
Following a comprehensive review, including a survey of local not-for-profits and review of similar municipal grant programs, Spirit of Coquitlam Grants have relaunched with changes to simplify and streamline the process such as:
- Six updated categories reflecting the City’s strategic direction and community needs: Festivals and events, capital projects, sports equipment, sport hosting, playground equipment and community support projects; and
- A new applicant budget template and guide with details about category requirements and evaluation criteria.
Other changes have also been made to increase the program’s financial sustainability, such as category funding limits and creating annual grant administration budgets based on confirmed revenue, rather than anticipated revenue.
As in past years, individual grant amounts will vary based on the category and project, and a second grant intake will take place in the fall. Details about the grant and application process are available at www.coquitlam.ca/spiritgrant.
One-time Revenue Recovery Grant
The City is also dedicating a total of $50,000 this spring to supporting Coquitlam not-for-profit organizations with pandemic-related revenue loss in 2021 and/or 2022. Each $5,000 Revenue Recovery Grant can be used to replace lost revenue from cancelled events, fewer program registrants, reduced income from other sources, or other situations related directly to the pandemic.
Financed through the City’s Casino Community Capital Fund, the one-time grant is similar to the former CSRP-funded Revenue Recovery Grants that distributed $119,682 to 25 organizations in 2020 and 2021. Priority for the 2022 grants will go to applicants that did not receive funding through the CSRP program.
Details about application process and eligibility can be found on the Revenue Recovery Grant page at www.coquitlam.ca/grants.
Timing for Grant Awards
The City will review applications from both grant programs from mid-April to mid-May. Spirit of Coquitlam Grant recommendations will be presented to Council for approval in June and July and successful applicants will receive funding in July. Revenue Recovery grant recipients will be notified at the end of May.
The fall Spirit of Coquitlam grant intake will take place in September.
Small Neighbourhood Grants Available
In addition to the community grant programs run by the City, Coquitlam partners with the Coquitlam Foundation and Vancouver Foundation on the Neighbourhood Small Grant program, which provides people of any age grants between $50 to $500 for 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. The Small Neighbourhood Grant is open to individuals who live in Coquitlam.
The program is accepting applications from March 18 to April 29. Information can be found through the link at www.coquitlam.ca/neighbourhoodgrants.
Media contact
Chris Siddaway
Community Partnerships and Policy Manager
Parks, Recreation, Culture and Facilities
604-927-3547
communitygrant@coquitlam.ca