Greenest City Neighbourhood Small Grants

Greenest City Neighbourhood Small Grants (GCNSG) support small community projects in Vancouver led by neighbours like you that:
  • bring community together
  • increase connection between neighbours
  • build community strength and resilience 
  • encourage community creativity and wellbeing
Each GCNSG project must address one or more of the Greenest City Action Plan goals:
  • Making businesses greener
  • Growing and eating local food
  •  Making buildings more energy efficient
  • Promoting greener forms of transportation
  • Creating zero waste
  • Mitigating climate change
  • Breathing clean air
  • Improving access to nature and planting trees
  • Conserving drinking water
  • Reducing our ecological footprint
You can apply for a grant up to $500. With the money you can bring your project idea to life, and share your gifts and talents with others in your community. Once you have been approved, you will use the money to cover project expenses. 
Your project can take place online or in person, provided it follows current public health guidelines.
It should be as inclusive as possible, and any product, service, or event you create must be offered free of charge.
Apply online or get help with your application in your community

What principles guide Greenest City Neighbourhood Small Grants? 

Everyone has gifts
All neighbours can offer their ideas, talents, skills, experiences and contacts as gifts to build a strong community and share with others.
Small is powerful
Small amounts of money can bring powerful changes in your community. Small projects can  bring new relationships, increase self-confidence, develop leaders, create a stronger sense of place, and start local traditions and connections.
Local decisions are best
Neighbours from diverse backgrounds and experiences make-up the volunteer Neighbourhood Grants Committee. They get an opportunity to make decisions on who should get the grants in their community. 
Doing projects right where we live matters
We value the importance of projects happening in the local community, because neighbours know what works best. This means if you live in Richmond, you plan and host your project in Richmond, with people who also live in Richmond. In this example, your grant would come through the Richmond Community coordinator.
We learn together
Everyone involved in projects will have opportunities to learn, reflect, exchange and share knowledge, skills and information.
Everyone is invited 
All neighbours living in British Columbia are welcome and invited to take part in the NSG. Neighbours of any age, ethnicity, income, cultural background, gender identity, ability and sexual orientation are welcome. Find your NSG Community here
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF GREENEST CITY NEIGHBOURHOOD SMALL GRANTS
Who can apply? 
  • You can apply if you live in Vancouver. Find your NSG Community/Region here. 
  • You apply for and organize your project in your current home community/region. 
Example: If you live in South Vancouver, you will need to apply and organize your project in South Vancouver. NOTE: Online virtual projects are allowed.

  • Projects must follow current Public Health Guidelines. If you need help with your application contact your community NSG Coordinator.
  • These grants are specifically for individual community members. Registered organizations, non-profits and businesses are not eligible for Greenest City Neighbourhood Small Grants.
What projects are eligible? 
  • Projects must be free and inclusive to all participants. You cannot ask for donations or charge admission at your project.
  • Projects that bring neighbours together in person and/or virtually are eligible.
  • Project ideas to get you started:
    • Share skills: Teach others how to craft or build something that meets that GCNSG goals above. We all have something to offer!
      • Example idea: Rain barrel installation workshop.
    • Reduce food waste: Sharing the bounty from community and backyard gardens puts what’s already in the neighbourhood to good use and doesn’t need a lot of extra costs
      • Example idea: Community sharing fridge.
    • Reuse or share what’s already in your community: We have so many resources in our lives already, that are available for sharing or rehoming.
      • Example idea: Host a clothing swap, and see if a local business or two will sponsor some snacks to fuel the day
    • Be creative/innovative: These are just ideas to get you started. Make them yours, or do something else altogether. Your creativity is what makes NSG what it is!
      • Example idea: Invite local Indigenous artists to lead and create an inclusive and beautiful gathering place in your neighbourhood. 
      • Get other NSG story ideas here!
What information do you need to know about Greenest City Neighbourhood Small Grants?
  • We encourage projects that are accessible and inviting to all neighbours. For gatherings in person, find a space to use that is accessible and safe for everyone.
  • We encourage applicants to reach out to local businesses for donations or in-kind-gifts, like food and supplies. Donations and gifts add to your project’s activities and budget.
  • At your project, you may not fundraise on behalf of other organizations and/or projects.
  • You can apply for and receive one GCNSG grants in one calendar year.
    Once you complete and submit your first project story to your community NSG Coordinator, you can reapply for a second grant.
  • Your project cannot involve counselling or psychotherapy.
  • Your projects must happen after the grant decision is made, not before. GCNSG cannot support projects that have already started or already happened.
  • If your project was funded in Spring 2022, the grant must be used by November 30th, 2022.
  • If your project was funded in Fall 2022, the grant must be used by March 15th, 2023.
What do you need to think about when you are estimating your project costs?

  • If you need help with your estimating your application budget/costs, contact your community NSG Coordinator.
  • Grant requests for projects are up to $500.
  • Grant money may be used to pay people or yourself honorariums to help with your project. An honorarium is a small fee paid to someone for their in-kind skills, gifts or knowledge contributions for the success of the project. Example: A local artist (or yourself) shares their skills and talents with their neighbours and receives an honoraria.
  • Total honorarium fees listed in the budget may not be more than $350 per project. The final approved honorarium amount is the decision of the Neighbourhood Grants Committee (NGC) that reviews grant applications.
  • Your project might need insurance or permits. Include these in your budget. Allow for time to get any permits or insurance.
  • You are responsible for keeping track of your expenses for all project costs, and for making sure your budget balances. To learn more about expense tracking contact your community NSG Coordinator.
What happens after you apply for your NSG project?
  • You will receive an email confirmation from the NSG granting system.
  • Your application will be reviewed by a volunteer Neighbourhood Grants Committee (NGC), and they or the NSG Coordinator will be in touch with any questions. Please check your email often after you apply and make yourself available for a call if needed.
What happens after your grant has been approved?
  • You will receive information from your NSG Coordinator about when and how you will receive your funds. Grant payments are by cheque or direct bank deposit.
  • You will be invited to take part in an Orientation for all Project Leaders. Make yourself available for this important event.
  • After your project is over, you have to return any unused or leftover grant money to your community NSG Coordinator. 
  • If you want to do another project, you have to apply again.
  • To help future applicants, and inspire others to do similar projects, please share and help tell your NSG story with photos, videos and by writing a short story of your project. Ways to share:
  • You will be invited to an NSG Community Celebration event organized by your Community Coordinator. You are invited to share your project story at the event.
Written By:

Andrew Kohlgrueber

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