Community building grants: Connecting neighbours and communities
We provide grants of $50-$500 to help residents, neighbourhood groups, and community groups strengthen their communities by bringing their neighbours together.
Activities that qualify for grant funding
Our grant program supports activities that:
- increase communication and engagement with residents, such as newsletters, online communication, and community forums
- improve a neighbourhood's physical surroundings, such as boulevard and community gardens, wall murals, signage
- address local issues, such as community education events or stream or shore clean ups
- develop and strengthen relationships within the community or neighbourhood, such as block parties
Who can apply
- We require two residents from the same neighbourhood — but not the same address — to apply for this grant together
- We also accept applications from community and neighbourhood groups
- We do not accept applications from registered non-profit organizations
How to apply
To apply for a community building grant, download the application form, which includes the full list of requirements.
Neighbourhood spotlight
Here's how some communities have used grants for projects that help to connect neighbours.
Carisbrooke Community Garden
The Carisbrooke Community Garden is a popular place for play and picnics. With help from a Community Building Grant, it is brimming with fresh fruits and veggies during the summer months.
“This garden provided endless learning for children and families in the community. We then build baskets to give out to the people living here. The community has been so supportive.”
Page Road block party
Residents of Page Road have been hosting a community block party on their street every summer for about two decades. The event involves families from the street and folks from some neighbouring streets. This year’s event was the first in almost two years after the long COVID pause. Everyone enjoyed the live band, and it gave neighbours a chance to come out and safely socialize once again after two years.
Chili 'N Ribs Contest
The residents who share the lane between Sunnyhurst Road and Fromme Road in Lynn Valley have hosted back lane parties to maintain community and social connections. For example, they held a Chili ‘N Ribs Contest this October. There were judges and prizes for the best chili and ribs and lots of activities for the kids, such as making caramel apples and decorating pumpkins. The event was a great success, with 60-80 people attending, including 15-20 kids.
Blueridge Creek cleanup
To mark World River Day on September 26, 2021, residents of the Blueridge Community organized a Blueridge Creek cleanup. When visiting the creek, residents had noticed a lot of garbage in and around the creek area. The cleanup effort helped keep the creek tidy and free of waste and allowed neighbours to get to know each other and show up for a great cause. It also served to help kids develop a relationship with nature and local creeks to continue to care for them as they grow up.
Lynn Valley shout out for frontline workers
Arthanks, a local group of artists across Greater Vancouver, organized a shout-out event for frontline works on May 23 in the plaza at Lynn Valley Village. During the appreciation event, Athanks presented frontline workers with original pieces of art. The Carnival Band played at the event while children made art and crafts and drew on the pavement as a clown juggled and performed magic tricks.
