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
GCNSG projects that are given top funding priority are those that directly help advance the Climate Emergency Action Plan and the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, by:
  • Promoting greener forms of transportation
  • Making homes and buildings more energy efficient
  • Taking care of our forests, wetlands, and other natural climate solutions
  • Educating about local climate impacts and solutions
  • Helping community prepare for the impacts of climate
  • Advancing climate equity and justice in disproportionately impacted communities
Additional types of projects that are welcome include:
  • Growing and eating local food
  • Creating zero waste
  • Breathing clean air
  • Conserving drinking water
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 and a role to play in climate action
All neighbours can offer their ideas, talents, skills, experiences and contacts as gifts to build a strong community and share with others in the fight against climate change.
Local action matters
While climate change is a global phenomenon, solutions to the crisis are needed at every scale – from all levels of government to organizations, communities, and individuals have unique tools we can deploy to make a difference.
Small is powerful
Big transformations are built on countless smaller decisions. Small projects can foster relationships, develop leaders, and build the momentum for the kind of change that is commensurate to the climate crisis.
Local Decisions are best
We value the importance of projects happening in the local community, which means you should apply for, plan, and host your project in your neighbourhood. The Neighbourhood Grants Committee is also made up of neighbours from diverse backgrounds and experiences and they decide who should get the grants in their community. 
We learn together
Everyone involved in projects will have opportunities to learn, reflect, exchange and share knowledge, skills and information.
Everyone is invited 
Certain communities are more impacted by issues of poverty, lack of services, and unequal opportunities. A just transition makes sure that neighbours of all ages, ethnicities, incomes, cultural backgrounds, gender identities, abilities and sexual orientations can take part. 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 to take climate action. Take on projects with the potential to reduce carbon pollution in Vancouver’s biggest local sources (buildings and transportation).
      Examples of projects include:
      • Running bike repair or cycling clinics
      • Leading a neighbourhood walking, cycling or carpooling challenge
      • Organizing an energy retrofit challenge in your neighbourhood
      • Creating a  home energy workshop and inviting an energy advisor for multiple home energy audits 
    • Share knowledge to inspire climate action. Educational initiatives can help increase awareness and support across our city for climate action.

      Examples of projects include:
      • Running local climate-focused workshops or information sessions (e.g. home energy efficiency training, 101 on local climate impacts and solutions)
      • Creating art or signage that engages and informs about climate action
      • Hosting a neighbourhood climate action fair, including opportunities to volunteer with local environmental non-profits
      • Running an awareness campaign in your building or neighbourhood on preparing for climate impacts like heat waves.
    • Prioritize climate equity and justice.

      Examples of projects include:

      • Projects like the above that specifically benefit lower-income, racialized and vulnerable communities

        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 2023, the grant must be used by November 30th, 2023.
  • If your project was funded in Fall 2023, the grant must be used by February 29th, 2024.
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

More by this author
What's New

Blog

News and announcements about the Neighbourhood Small Grants program. Updated by staff at Vancouver Foundation and network partners.