Deadline: 15-Apr-23
The City of Abbotsford has continued partnership with the Vancouver Foundation and the Abbotsford Community Foundation to launch the Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program to fund small-scale projects. Applicants are encouraged to bring community projects to life, join a network of project leaders who have taken steps to improve their neighborhoods and foster connectivity and engagement.
The Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program was established through a partnership with the Abbotsford Community Foundation, the Vancouver Foundation and the City of Abbotsford to fund small-scale neighbourhood based projects. Residents are encouraged to bring community projects to life, join a network of project leaders who have taken steps to improve their neighborhoods and foster connectivity and engagement. Abbotsford residents of any age, experience, or background can take part in building and strengthening community.
These grants can cover basic supply costs and honorariums with activities being provided free and inclusive. Grants are available for Abbotsford residents and students, it is not intended for businesses, associations, or non-profits. They are committed to helping their community build strong, healthy, and cohesive neighbourhoods. They want to invite residents to be a part of building relationships, promoting neighbourhood safety and creating a sense of community, while getting out to meet their neighbours and have fun!
The NSG program helps residents of any age, experience, or background take part in building and strengthening community. Grants range from $500-$1000 and are available for individuals with ideas to help connect and engage residents in their neighbourhood.
The Grant can cover basic supply costs and honorariums. The activity that is being provided must be free and inclusive. Grants are available for Abbotsford residents and students, it is not intended for businesses, associations, or non-profits.
The Neighbourhood Small Grants have made a visible difference in communities across BC. From book exchanges, benches and community gardens, these grants are helping to build safer, more inclusive, and connected communities.
The NSG program is based on these six principles of grassroots grantmaking:
- Everyone has gifts — using an asset-based community development approach
- Small is beautiful — believing in the power of small-scale initiatives
- Local decisions are best — supporting local leadership
- Where they live matters — maintaining a local, place-based approach
- They learn together — foster skill-building and knowledge exchange
- Everyone is invited — create accessibility and inclusion
Grant Categories
- Neighbourhood Connection: This category is for projects that enhance the connections in a community. These projects could include “Neighborhood Night” block parties, sport & culture activities, and workshops. Activities where residents share their knowledge and skills with other community members are encouraged; as well as projects that inspire the participation of children and youth.
- Neighbourhood Beautification: This category is for projects that have the goal of refreshing or making a public space more beautiful and inviting. Some examples include park or neighborhood clean-ups, fence painting, gardening, trail and sign refurbishing.
- Neighbourhood Safety: This category is for residents who want to improve the safety of their neighbourhood environment. Examples of eligible projects could include landscaping for visibility and surveillance, street lighting, graffiti clean-ups, and the re-design of public space to deter crime. Block watch activities and emergency planning can also be included in this category.
Funding Information
- Grants range from $50-$1000 and are available for individuals with ideas to help connect and engage residents in their neighbourhood.
Eligibility Criteria
- Abbotsford residents and students. Please note, applications are not accepted from registered organizations or associations.
- Projects must be held in Abbotsford, be inclusive to all, and free to attend!
For more information, visit Neighbourhood Small Grants.
