Deadline: 31-May-2026
The Spruce Up Your Story initiative is accepting applications to support the restoration, repair, and improvement of existing community spaces across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The programme helps communities strengthen shared spaces that continue to bring people together while improving accessibility, sustainability, and long-term usability.
Selected projects can receive up to $25,000 in funding support, with a total funding pool of $150,000 available. The initiative supports practical upgrades and repairs that enhance community belonging, improve essential public spaces, and help facilities remain functional and resilient for future generations.
What is the Spruce Up Your Story Initiative?
Spruce Up Your Story is a community improvement funding programme designed to support restoration and enhancement projects for existing shared community spaces.
The initiative focuses on:
- Community connection
- Accessibility improvements
- Long-term sustainability
- Public space restoration
- Strengthening community infrastructure
- Supporting local gathering spaces
The programme encourages projects that improve spaces where residents gather, participate in activities, and build stronger community relationships.
Main Objectives of the Programme
The initiative aims to strengthen communities by supporting improvements to shared spaces that serve local residents.
Key Goals Include:
- Supporting a sense of belonging
- Improving community accessibility
- Extending the lifespan of shared facilities
- Enhancing public usability of spaces
- Supporting essential community needs
- Making facilities more resilient against wear and tear
Types of Projects Supported
The programme funds practical repair and improvement projects for existing community facilities and spaces.
Examples of Eligible Projects
Supported activities may include:
- Roof repairs for community centres
- Upgrades to youth centres
- Repainting park fences
- Installing new seating in ice rinks
- Accessibility improvements
- Repairs to recreational facilities
- Renovation of gathering spaces
- Community hall upgrades
- Outdoor public space improvements
- Maintenance and restoration projects
The focus is on improving existing spaces rather than constructing entirely new facilities.
Focus Areas of the Initiative
Community Belonging and Inclusion
Projects should help create spaces where people feel connected, welcomed, and included.
Accessibility Improvements
The initiative encourages upgrades that improve access for:
Sustainability and Durability
Projects should help existing spaces remain functional and resilient against future damage or deterioration.
Essential Community Needs
Funding supports spaces that play an important role in community life and local activities.
Funding Available
Maximum Grant Amount
Selected projects may receive:
- Up to $25,000 in cash funding
Total Programme Funding Pool
The overall available funding is:
- $150,000
Exceptional Funding Cases
Although most grants do not exceed $25,000, larger awards have been provided in previous years based on:
- Project quality
- Community impact
- Strength of application
- Exceptional need or merit
Who Can Apply?
The initiative is open to communities across:
- Manitoba
- Saskatchewan
There is no limit to the number of communities that may receive funding.
Eligible Community Spaces
Projects may involve shared public or community-serving spaces such as:
- Community centres
- Youth centres
- Parks
- Recreation facilities
- Ice rinks
- Community halls
- Shared gathering spaces
- Public-use facilities
How Applications Are Evaluated
Applications are assessed based on how well the project aligns with programme goals and community impact priorities.
Evaluation Criteria May Include:
- Community benefit
- Accessibility improvements
- Long-term sustainability
- Practicality of the project
- Strength of community impact
- Importance of the space to local residents
- Feasibility of implementation
Why This Programme Matters
Strengthens Community Connections
Shared spaces help people connect, collaborate, and build stronger communities.
Supports Long-Term Infrastructure Sustainability
The initiative helps communities maintain and preserve important facilities instead of allowing them to deteriorate.
Improves Accessibility and Inclusion
Funding supports upgrades that make public spaces more accessible and welcoming to everyone.
Encourages Community Pride
Well-maintained shared spaces contribute to local identity, civic participation, and community engagement.
Addresses Practical Local Needs
The programme supports realistic, community-driven improvements that directly benefit local residents.
How to Apply
Step 1: Identify a Community Space in Need of Improvement
Choose an existing facility or public space that requires restoration, repairs, or upgrades.
Step 2: Define the Project Scope
Clearly explain:
- What improvements are needed
- Why the upgrades are important
- How the project benefits the community
Step 3: Demonstrate Community Impact
Describe how the space is used and how the improvements will strengthen accessibility, usability, or inclusion.
Step 4: Prepare a Budget
Include:
- Estimated repair or upgrade costs
- Materials and labour expenses
- Funding needs
- Additional contributions if applicable
Step 5: Submit the Application
Complete the official application process before the programme deadline.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on practical and achievable improvements
- Demonstrate clear community benefit
- Show how the project improves accessibility
- Explain why the space is important locally
- Include realistic budgets and timelines
- Highlight long-term sustainability benefits
- Use clear photos or supporting information if allowed
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting vague project descriptions
- Requesting funding for unrelated activities
- Proposing entirely new construction instead of improvements
- Weak explanations of community impact
- Unrealistic budgets or timelines
- Lack of accessibility or sustainability considerations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Spruce Up Your Story initiative?
It is a funding programme supporting repairs and improvements to existing community spaces in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
How much funding is available per project?
Projects can receive up to $25,000 in funding support.
What is the total programme funding pool?
The initiative has a total funding pool of $150,000.
What types of projects are eligible?
Eligible projects include repairs, restoration work, accessibility upgrades, and improvements to existing community facilities and shared spaces.
Can multiple communities receive funding?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of communities that may receive funding.
Are new building construction projects eligible?
The programme mainly supports improvements and restoration of existing spaces rather than entirely new construction projects.
How are projects evaluated?
Applications are assessed based on community impact, accessibility, sustainability, practicality, and alignment with programme goals.
Final Thoughts
The Spruce Up Your Story Grants 2026 provide valuable support for communities in Manitoba and Saskatchewan seeking to improve and preserve important shared spaces.
By funding practical upgrades, accessibility improvements, and restoration projects, the initiative helps strengthen community connection, sustainability, and local pride while ensuring that public spaces continue serving residents for years to come.
For more information, visit Red River Mutual.