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My Great Neighbourhood Grant: Strengthening Community Connections (Canada)

Deadline: 01-May-2026

The My Great Neighbourhood Grant Program by the City of Victoria funds community-led projects that strengthen neighbourhood connections and improve local spaces.

Grants provide up to $7,000 for placemaking projects, $5,000 for community resiliency initiatives, and $1,000 for events and activities, with required community matching contributions.

Eligible applicants include registered non-profits, neighbourhood associations, and schools, while informal groups must partner with a qualified sponsor.

The My Great Neighbourhood Grant Program supports grassroots initiatives that enhance neighbourhood pride, foster belonging, and improve quality of life within the City of Victoria.

The program prioritizes placemaking, community-building, and neighbourhood resilience, with projects required to directly benefit city residents.

Program Purpose and Strategic Objectives

The grant program is designed to:

  • Activate and improve neighbourhood spaces

  • Strengthen relationships between neighbours

  • Build community identity and expression

  • Foster civic pride and local engagement

  • Increase neighbourhood resilience

At its core, the program supports community-led initiatives that demonstrate clear neighbourhood support and participation.

Funding Categories and Grant Amounts

The City of Victoria provides funding across three categories:

1. Placemaking Projects (Up to $7,000)

These projects focus on enhancing physical neighbourhood spaces.

Examples include:

  • Murals and public art installations

  • Community gardens

  • Streetscape improvements

  • Beautification projects

Eligible costs:

  • Materials (paint, wood, metal)

  • Equipment rentals

  • Insurance and permit fees

  • Professional labour

2. Community Resiliency Projects (Up to $5,000)

These projects strengthen neighbourhood capacity and adaptability.

Examples include:

  • Emergency preparedness initiatives

  • Skill-building workshops

  • Community resource networks

Eligible costs:

  • Program supplies

  • Insurance and permit fees

  • Professional facilitation

  • Room rentals

3. Events and Activities (Up to $1,000)

These initiatives encourage neighbour-to-neighbour connection.

Examples include:

  • Block parties

  • Cultural celebrations

  • Neighbourhood gatherings

Eligible costs:

  • Craft supplies

  • Food

  • Equipment rentals

  • Facilitation fees

Matching Requirement

Approved projects must demonstrate community investment through:

  • Volunteer hours

  • In-kind donations

  • Other funding sources

This ensures strong community participation and ownership.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Registered non-profit organizations

  • Community and neighbourhood associations

  • Schools

Informal groups or businesses may apply only if:

  • They partner with a registered non-profit organization

  • The non-profit acts as sponsor and receives funds

All applicants or sponsors must:

  • Be registered non-profit or charitable organizations in good standing

  • Have a clear mandate and competent administration

  • Not be in arrears with the City of Victoria

  • Not be in bankruptcy or seeking creditor protection

Geographic Requirement

Projects must:

  • Take place within a specific neighbourhood of the City of Victoria

  • Directly benefit residents of Victoria

Projects outside city limits are not eligible.

Eligible Expenses Explained

For Placemaking Projects

  • Construction materials

  • Public art supplies

  • Equipment rentals

  • Insurance and permit fees

  • Professional labour

For Resiliency and Activity Projects

  • Program materials (craft supplies, food)

  • Insurance and permits

  • Professional facilitation

  • Venue rental

The program may include modest payments such as:

  • Facilitator fees

  • Honorariums to recognize contributions

Budget Caps and Financial Limits

Applicants must follow strict budget guidelines:

  • Facilitation costs for an individual cannot exceed 25% of funded items

  • Honorariums are capped at $100 per contributor

  • Sponsoring non-profit administration fees are capped at 15% of the grant, up to $100

  • Non-profits applying independently cannot claim an administration fee

Clear and realistic budgeting is essential for approval.

Why This Grant Matters

The My Great Neighbourhood Grant Program:

  • Encourages grassroots leadership

  • Builds stronger social networks

  • Enhances neighbourhood pride

  • Supports inclusive community engagement

  • Promotes civic participation

By requiring matching contributions, the program ensures community ownership and sustainability.

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Identify Project Category

Determine whether your initiative fits under:

  • Placemaking

  • Community resiliency

  • Events and activities

Step 2: Secure a Sponsor (If Needed)

If you are an informal group or business:

  • Partner with a registered non-profit organization

  • Confirm their willingness to act as sponsor

Step 3: Build Community Support

  • Gather neighbourhood endorsements

  • Demonstrate volunteer involvement

  • Document matching contributions

Step 4: Prepare a Detailed Budget

  • Align expenses with eligible categories

  • Respect facilitation and honorarium caps

  • Exclude ineligible costs

Step 5: Submit Application

Complete and submit the application by the stated deadline through the City of Victoria’s grant portal.

Incomplete or ineligible applications will not be considered.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to demonstrate neighbourhood support

  • Ignoring matching contribution requirements

  • Exceeding facilitation or administration caps

  • Submitting unclear or inflated budgets

  • Applying without an eligible sponsor

Strong proposals show clear community engagement and practical planning.

Key Definitions

Placemaking: Community-driven improvements to public spaces that enhance identity and livability.

Community Resiliency: The ability of a neighbourhood to adapt, connect, and respond to challenges.

Honorarium: A modest payment to recognize voluntary contributions.

In-Kind Donation: Non-cash contributions such as materials, services, or volunteer time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much funding can I request?

Up to $7,000 for placemaking, $5,000 for resiliency projects, and $1,000 for events.

2. Do we need to match the funding?

Yes. Projects must demonstrate matching contributions through volunteer hours, funding, or in-kind support.

3. Can a business apply?

Only if it partners with a registered non-profit that acts as sponsor.

4. Are honorariums allowed?

Yes, but they are capped at $100 per contributor.

5. Can independent non-profits claim administrative costs?

No. Only sponsoring non-profits may claim up to 15%, capped at $100.

6. Can projects take place outside Victoria?

No. Projects must occur within a City of Victoria neighbourhood.

7. What makes a strong application?

Clear neighbourhood support, realistic budgeting, compliance with funding caps, and strong community impact.

Conclusion

The My Great Neighbourhood Grant Program provides targeted funding to activate neighbourhood spaces, strengthen local connections, and build community resilience in Victoria.

With grants up to $7,000 and required community matching, the program promotes grassroots leadership and shared ownership.

Community groups that demonstrate strong neighbourhood engagement, clear planning, and measurable local impact are well positioned for success.

For more information, visit City of Victoria.