Indigenous Neighbourhood Small Grant Program (Canada)

The Indigenous Neighbourhood Small Grant (I-NSG) program provides grants of up to $500 to Indigenous individuals and informal groups living in Metro Vancouver to deliver free community projects. Funding can support creative, educational, cultural, and community-building activities that strengthen Indigenous leadership, wellbeing, connections, and community participation.

About the Indigenous Neighbourhood Small Grant Program

The Indigenous Neighbourhood Small Grant Program supports Indigenous individuals and informal groups in Metro Vancouver to develop projects that bring people together and strengthen community connections.

The program aims to uplift Indigenous voices, talents, leadership, and creativity while encouraging stronger relationships within Indigenous communities and between Indigenous residents and their neighbours.

Projects can cover a broad range of community-focused activities, including creative, educational, cultural, health, wellbeing, and neighbourhood-building initiatives.

Grant Amount

Eligible applicants can request up to $500 for an approved project.

Applicants may use up to $350 of the grant as honorariums for contributors, including the applicant themselves.

Funding can also help cover reasonable project expenses such as:

Materials and supplies.
Transportation.
Professional or community services.
Online platform subscriptions.
Other costs directly required to deliver the project.

All products, services, activities, or events supported through the grant must be provided free of charge to the community.

What Types of Projects Can Be Supported?

The I-NSG program supports projects that encourage community participation and Indigenous leadership.

Potential activities may include:

Community gatherings.
Indigenous arts and creative activities.
Educational workshops.
Cultural activities.
Community health and wellbeing initiatives.
Neighbourhood connection projects.
Knowledge-sharing activities.
Online community events.
Activities that showcase Indigenous voices and talents.

The project should provide a clear benefit to the local community and align with the program’s objectives.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Identify as Indigenous.
Reside in Metro Vancouver.
Deliver the proposed project within Metro Vancouver.
Apply as an individual or informal group rather than as a registered organisation or business.

The program is intended to directly support Indigenous residents who want to create community-focused initiatives.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The program does not accept applications from:

Businesses.
Registered organisations.
Applicants who do not identify as Indigenous.
Individuals who do not reside in Metro Vancouver.
Projects taking place outside Metro Vancouver.

Applicants should also ensure that any required permits or insurance are secured before submitting an application.

Online and In-Person Projects

Projects can take place either online or in person.

For in-person activities, applicants must comply with applicable local public health requirements and obtain any permits or insurance that may be necessary.

Online projects may use digital platforms where appropriate, including platforms requiring a subscription that can be covered by eligible grant expenses.

Eligible Grant Expenses

The grant can be used for costs directly associated with delivering the approved project.

Examples include:

Project materials.
Transportation expenses.
Services required for project delivery.
Online platforms or subscriptions.
Honorariums for contributors.

Up to $350 may be allocated toward honorariums, including an honorarium for the applicant.

Community Benefit Requirement

A key requirement is that the project must provide its resulting activities, services, products, or events free to the community.

Applicants should therefore explain:

Who will benefit.
What the project will provide.
How community members will participate.
How the project supports Indigenous voices or leadership.
How the activity strengthens community connection or wellbeing.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Make sure you identify as Indigenous, live in Metro Vancouver, and can deliver the project within the region.

Step 2: Develop Your Project Idea

Define a practical community activity that supports Indigenous leadership, creativity, wellbeing, education, or connection.

Step 3: Prepare a Simple Budget

Determine how much funding is required, up to the $500 maximum.

If using grant funding for honorariums, remember that the honorarium allocation cannot exceed $350.

Step 4: Check Requirements

Before applying, confirm that:

The project takes place in Metro Vancouver.
Activities will be free to the community.
Any necessary permits have been obtained.
Required insurance is in place.
The project follows applicable public health requirements.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Provide the required project and budget information and explain how the activity will benefit the Indigenous community and local neighbourhood.

Application Tips

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

Keeping the project realistic and achievable with $500.
Clearly explaining the community benefit.
Providing a simple and reasonable budget.
Explaining how Indigenous voices and leadership will be represented.
Clearly identifying the intended participants.
Making sure all grant-supported activities are free.
Securing permits and insurance before applying where required.
Considering whether an online or in-person format is most suitable.

Why It Matters

Small community projects can create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous residents to connect, share knowledge, express creativity, and strengthen neighbourhood relationships.

By providing flexible micro-grants directly to Indigenous individuals and informal groups, the I-NSG program helps residents turn community ideas into accessible activities without requiring applicants to operate through a registered organisation.

Key Program Details

Program: Indigenous Neighbourhood Small Grant Program
Location: Metro Vancouver
Target applicants: Indigenous individuals and informal groups
Maximum grant: $500
Maximum honorarium allocation: $350
Project format: Online or in person
Businesses eligible: No
Registered organisations eligible: No
Community access: Grant-supported products, services, and events must be free
Main focus: Indigenous leadership, creativity, community connection, health, and wellbeing

Frequently Asked Questions

How much funding is available?

Applicants can request up to $500 for an eligible Indigenous-led community project.

Can the applicant receive an honorarium?

Yes. Up to $350 of the grant can be allocated as honorariums for contributors, including the applicant.

Who can apply for the Indigenous Neighbourhood Small Grant?

Indigenous individuals and informal groups who live in Metro Vancouver can apply, provided their proposed project takes place within the region.

Can businesses apply?

No. Businesses and registered organisations are not eligible under the stated program criteria.

Can the project be held online?

Yes. Projects can be delivered online or in person, provided they meet the program requirements.

What can the grant pay for?

Eligible expenses can include materials, transportation, services, online platform subscriptions, and approved honorariums.

Do community members have to pay to participate?

No. Products, services, and events created with grant support must be offered free of charge to the community.

Conclusion

The Indigenous Neighbourhood Small Grant Program provides flexible funding of up to $500 for Indigenous individuals and informal groups in Metro Vancouver to turn community ideas into meaningful projects. By supporting free creative, educational, cultural, and community-building activities, the program helps strengthen Indigenous leadership, wellbeing, neighbourhood connections, and community participation.