Eligibility & FAQ’s

What are Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG)?   

NSG provides up to $500 to individuals or groups of neighbours and friends to do local projects together that focus on building community and making their communities better places to live. The program is based on a simple but powerful idea—that everyone is a valuable member of the community and that we all have something to share.

How do you apply?   

You can apply online at www.neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca.  If you need help with your application please contact the Campbell River Community Foundation.

Who can apply? 

These grants are meant for individuals or groups of people who live in the same community and the projects are meant to take place in the area where they live.   We encourage applicants to have even more people involved in organizing their project.  Neighbourhood Small Grants are about building community after all!

How are the decisions made about who gets funding? 

A group of volunteers who also live in our community decide which applications will get funding and distributes the funds between those projects.  They are called the NSG Review Committee.

What kinds of ideas get funded?  

Lots of different ideas can get funded, with a focus on those that build connections. In the past the program has funded block parties; emergency preparedness workshops; art making projects and art shows; community garden projects; book exchange boxes; music, harvest and lantern festivals; cultural celebrations; sports days; and much more! Preference will be given to new projects or those that have been funded for less than three consecutive years.

What are the other guidelines for projects?

• Grants are for individuals and small volunteer-based neighbourhood/community groups – organizations and businesses are not eligible.

• Applicants must live within School District #72 (excluding Quadra Island and Cortes Island who have their own NSG programs).

• Projects must be free, accessible and welcoming to all.      No entrance fees, request for donations, or fundraising is permitted.

• Except for community gardens, projects involving purchasing of assets are not eligible.

• Projects involving therapy and counselling support are not eligible.

• Applicants may not profit financially from the project.

• Honoraria of up to $350 may be used to pay people for services to help with the project. (ie a carpenter or face painter).

• An activity within a festival or event led by an individual that helps strengthens neighbourhood or community connections is eligible

• If a project is going to take place on neighbourhood streets or public spaces/parks, applicants will need to follow municipal by-laws and obtain appropriate permits and liability insurance prior to their project start date.

How can organizations be involved in projects?  

Although organizations cannot apply for these grants, we encourage them to spread the word to the members of their programs! When members of programs at an organization are funded, applicants are encouraged to do their projects outside of regular program activities and to open them up to people not already linked to the program. Staff can provide support and mentorship for a project, but the applicants are encouraged to plan, implement and take leadership in their projects.

What is the timeline?  

The NSG applications are open twice, every Spring and Fall. Retroactive funding is not available, so projects can start once the applicants have been notified that their application has been approved, which will happen 4-6 weeks after the deadline. Project activities can continue longer but grant money must be used within 6 months of receiving the grant.   Project Leaders are encouraged to share the stories of their project upon completion.  The stories can be shared by video, pictures and short summaries.

Remember that you may ask for $350 to be allocated for honorariums to anyone who contributes skills or knowledge as part of your project, including yourself.

Once you are ready to apply, you can submit your project via our online application.