Deadline: 31-Aug-2026
The Strong Neighbourhoods Grant supports residents and neighbourhood groups in Kelowna to lead local projects and events that strengthen neighbourhood connections. The program helps communities create vibrant, engaged, and connected neighbourhoods through resident-led initiatives.
Neighbourhood projects may receive up to $1,500, while neighbourhood events may receive up to $500 in matching funds. Successful applicants must match the grant through volunteer labour, donated materials, or cash contributions.
What is the Strong Neighbourhoods Grant?
The Strong Neighbourhoods Grant is a community funding opportunity for residents and neighbourhood groups.
The grant supports local projects and events that bring neighbours together, encourage participation, and improve neighbourhood life.
It is designed to help residents take an active role in shaping, strengthening, and celebrating their communities.
Main Purpose of the Grant
The main purpose of the grant is to foster stronger neighbourhood connections and community engagement.
The program supports initiatives that:
- Bring neighbours together
- Encourage local participation
- Build community pride
- Respond to neighbourhood needs
- Create shared community spaces
- Support resident-led action
- Strengthen local identity
- Help build vibrant and connected communities
Geographic Focus
Projects must take place within Kelowna’s geographic boundaries.
Applicants must live within Kelowna.
Projects should be neighbourhood-based rather than city-wide in scope.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Individual applicants
- Resident groups
- Neighbourhood groups
- Groups of three or more neighbours from separate households
- Local organisations proposing neighbourhood-based projects
Applicants must live within Kelowna’s geographic boundaries.
Project Scope Requirement
Projects must focus on a specific neighbourhood or local area.
The grant is not intended for city-wide initiatives.
Projects should respond to local neighbourhood needs, opportunities, or ideas.
Funding Amount
Funding is provided on a matching basis.
Available funding includes:
- Up to $1,500 for neighbourhood projects
- Up to $500 for neighbourhood events
Successful applicants must provide matching contributions.
Matching Contribution Requirement
Applicants must match the grant through community contributions.
Matching contributions may include:
- Volunteer labour
- Donated materials
- Cash contributions
- In-kind support
- Local sponsorships
This requirement encourages shared ownership and community participation.
What Types of Projects Are Supported?
The grant supports neighbourhood-based projects and events that strengthen community connections.
Examples may include:
- Neighbourhood gardens
- Alleyway enhancements
- Murals
- Story walks
- Block parties
- Festivals
- Porch concerts
- Movie nights
- Community beautification projects
- Local gathering activities
- Resident-led neighbourhood improvements
Key Concepts Explained
Neighbourhood-Based Project
A neighbourhood-based project is focused on a specific local area and designed to benefit residents in that neighbourhood.
Community-Led Initiative
A community-led initiative is planned and carried out by residents or local groups based on local ideas, needs, and opportunities.
Matching Funds
Matching funds mean applicants must contribute value equal to or connected with the grant amount. This can include volunteer time, donated materials, or cash support.
In-Kind Contribution
An in-kind contribution is a non-cash contribution, such as donated supplies, equipment, materials, professional services, or volunteer labour.
Community Engagement
Community engagement means involving residents in planning, participation, decision-making, and project delivery.
Project Timeline
Projects must be completed within the calendar year.
Applicants should prepare a realistic timeline that allows enough time for planning, community involvement, implementation, and completion.
How the Grant Works
Applicants propose a neighbourhood project or event that supports stronger community connections.
Applications are assessed based on alignment with the grant’s goals.
Successful applicants receive matching funding and must contribute volunteer time, materials, or financial support to complete the project.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare a clear proposal that explains the project idea, neighbourhood benefit, community participation, timeline, and matching contribution.
Suggested Application Steps
- Confirm that the applicant lives within Kelowna’s geographic boundaries.
- Form a group of three or more neighbours from separate households, where required.
- Identify a neighbourhood-based project or event idea.
- Explain how the project will strengthen neighbourhood connections.
- Confirm that the project is not city-wide in scope.
- Prepare a realistic project plan and timeline.
- Identify the matching contribution through volunteer labour, donated materials, or cash.
- Prepare a simple budget.
- Explain how neighbours will be involved.
- Submit the application according to the grant guidelines.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are assessed based on how well they support the program’s goals.
Assessment may consider:
- Alignment with neighbourhood connection goals
- Community engagement
- Local relevance
- Resident leadership
- Feasibility
- Matching contributions
- Neighbourhood benefit
- Ability to complete the project within the calendar year
Expected Results
Funded projects should create practical benefits for local neighbourhoods.
Expected results may include:
- Stronger relationships among neighbours
- Increased local participation
- Improved neighbourhood spaces
- Greater community pride
- More resident-led activity
- More inclusive community gatherings
- Better neighbourhood identity
- Stronger sense of belonging
Why It Matters
Strong neighbourhoods help create safer, healthier, and more connected communities.
Small resident-led projects can make a meaningful difference by bringing people together and improving local spaces.
The Strong Neighbourhoods Grant gives residents the support they need to turn local ideas into action.
By requiring matching contributions, the program also encourages shared responsibility and active community involvement.
Tips for Strong Applications
A strong application should clearly show how the project will bring neighbours together.
Applicants should focus on:
- A clear neighbourhood need or opportunity
- Strong resident involvement
- A realistic and simple project plan
- Clear matching contributions
- Practical community benefits
- Inclusive participation
- Local partnerships where relevant
- A clear budget
- A feasible timeline
- Completion within the calendar year
Applicants should avoid broad project ideas and focus on achievable activities with clear neighbourhood impact.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should carefully check the grant requirements before applying.
Common mistakes include:
- Proposing a city-wide project
- Applying without living in Kelowna
- Failing to show neighbourhood benefit
- Not identifying matching contributions
- Submitting a vague project idea
- Providing an unclear budget
- Not showing resident involvement
- Proposing a project that cannot be completed within the calendar year
- Failing to explain how the project strengthens community connections
FAQ
What is the Strong Neighbourhoods Grant?
It is a grant that supports residents and neighbourhood groups to carry out community-led projects and events that strengthen neighbourhood connections in Kelowna.
Who can apply?
Organisations and individual applicants may apply. Eligible applicants include groups of three or more neighbours from separate households.
Where must applicants live?
Applicants must live within Kelowna’s geographic boundaries.
How much funding is available?
Neighbourhood projects may receive up to $1,500, while neighbourhood events may receive up to $500.
Is matching support required?
Yes. Successful applicants must match the grant through volunteer labour, donated materials, or cash contributions.
What types of activities can be funded?
Examples include neighbourhood gardens, murals, alleyway enhancements, block parties, festivals, story walks, porch concerts, and movie nights.
When must projects be completed?
Projects must be completed within the calendar year.
Conclusion
The Strong Neighbourhoods Grant supports residents and neighbourhood groups in Kelowna to lead local projects and events that build stronger, more connected communities. With matching funding of up to $1,500 for projects and up to $500 for events, the program helps residents improve neighbourhood spaces, celebrate local identity, and encourage community participation.
Strong applications will be neighbourhood-based, resident-led, realistic, inclusive, and clearly designed to strengthen connections among neighbours.
For more information, visit City of Kelowna.