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Everyone has something to offer their community, so share your talents and create connections with a small grant up to $500.
Small amounts of money have the potential to bring powerful changes into local communities. That’s the idea behind Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG), a province-wide program coordinated locally by the Columbia Valley Community Foundation.
Project leaders can access grants of up to $500 to deliver a range of programs that foster local connections between neighbours and create lasting social impacts within the community. This fund is intended to help bring ideas to life that might otherwise face financial barriers or that are in need of a little inspirational boost.
As seen by the wide variety of applications received in 2024, Thiloma Hofer, executive director at the Community Foundation says, “A small grant of $500 can kickstart people’s imagination and inspire them to start a project.”
From spinning and dyeing wool workshops, to a community garden in Edgewater, and new little libraries in several neighbourhoods across the valley, these locally-led initiatives fostered social connections through shared skills, ideas and experiences. A street barbecue and picnic at the Windermere Museum brought the entire block together, with neighbours expressing immense gratitude for the opportunity to gather, connect and share a meal. The true spirit of the NSG program is captured nicely by 2024 project leader, Megan Arn: “We [now] all wave a little more, say a few more words, and feel a bit more connected along our little avenue.”
Neighbourhood Small Grants is a grassroots granting approach to get people connecting, creating, and making lasting memories with the focus and goal to create and bring a stronger sense of belonging in a community. No experience is necessary, and applications are quick and simple. An array of projects will be considered, and while this grant is not open to businesses or non-profits, we encourage everyone and anyone to apply with their big ‘little’ idea.
For more information and how to apply, visit www.valleyfoundation.ca or email [email protected]
The application opens March 1 and closes April 13.
