New Neighbourhood Small Grants help strengthen our community

In partnership with the Vancouver Foundation and Bowen Island Municipality, the Bowen Island Community Foundation launched the Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) Program on February 11, 2020. The deadline for application is April 6.  The NSG Program provides grants of up to $500 for individuals with ideas to help connect and engage residents in their neighbourhood. The goal of NSG is to build connections between neighbours, stimulate creativity, encourage local solutions, and engage people from all backgrounds and circumstances in the life of their community.

 

We believe change comes best from within a community. We believe that behind every change is a spark of an idea. We want to give the opportunity for more ideas to shine.

Your Bowen Island Community Foundation is providing grants of $50 to $500 for local projects that build community and make our island a better place to live. The program is in partnership with Bowen Island Municipality and the Vancouver Foundation.

Neighbourhood Small Grants is a program the Vancouver Foundation started in 1999 that has now spread throughout B.C. in collaboration with other community foundations.

The program is based on one simple idea––that everyone is a valuable member of the community and that we all have something to share. It helps residents of any age, experience or background take part in building community.

Though these grants are small, the results are powerful. Each project creates new relationships and a better tomorrow.

Lots of different ideas can get funded. In other communities the program has funded block parties, emergency preparedness workshops, art-making projects and art shows, community gardens, book exchange boxes, festivals, cultural celebrations, sports days and much more. Check out www.neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca/stories to see more about what others have done through the program. We’re particularly looking for ideas that build connections.

Here are some examples of other Neighbourhood Small Grants Projects:

  • Block party with drumming session with Metis elder
  • Engaging children with passive house building and environmental footprint
  • Curries and conversations
  • Singing gathering
  • Bringing bulb flowers into your daily life
  • Give soul to the dying home crafts
  • Dungeons and Dragons tournament
  • Map your Neighbourhood emergency response
  • Origami Club
  • Public speaking workshop
  • Community potluck

Registered organizations and businesses are not eligible to apply. These grants are specifically for individuals and small volunteer-based neighbourhood and community groups. The deadline for applying is April 6 and grant money must be used by Nov. 30. Get more information on the Neighbourhood Small Grants and apply at bowenfoundation.com/neighbourhood-small-grants/.

The more connected we feel, the stronger our sense of belonging––to our neighbourhood or broader community––and the stronger our desire to make it a better place for everyone.

The Bowen Island Community Foundation is a registered charity engaging the community and inspiring generosity that will benefit Bowen Island for generations.

Published in Bowen Island Undercurrent
February 27, 2020