Indigenous NSG
The Indigenous Neighbourhood Small Grants (I-NSG) is a program for Indigenous individuals living in Metro Vancouver.
Overview
I-NSG community-led projects will:
- Uplift and showcase Indigenous voices and talents
- Increase connection between Indigenous people and neighbouring communities
- Promote Indigenous leadership
- Encourage community health and wellbeing
You can apply for a grant up to $500, to share your ideas, gifts and talents with your neighbours, and to help you bring your project idea to life. We encourage project initiatives that advocate for Indigenous communities such as promoting Indigenous rights, education, healthcare etc. Once you have applied for a grant and your project has been approved, you do not need to pay the money back.
Applications will be reviewed by the Neighbourhood Grants Committee and the Indigenous NSG Community Coordinator within 3-4 weeks of when applications are submitted.
To apply for I-NSG, you must identify as Indigenous, live in Metro Vancouver and your project must take place in Metro Vancouver. If you have any questions, please contact: indigenousNSG@Vacpc.org
Who can apply?
Open to Metro Vancouver Indigenous people of any age, experience or background to take part in building a community.
EligibilityKey Dates & Details
Applications for I-NSG are accepted in two cycles in Metro Vancouver:
Spring
March 7 to April 18, 2023 – Projects to be completed by November 30, 2023
Fall
September 7 to October 24, 2023* – Projects to be completed by March 15, 2024
*As long as funds are still available.
How to begin
For many, this is the first grant people are applying for. Most start off with a general idea of what they want to do, but wonder how to put the details down on paper. Or they might be unsure if what they’re doing qualifies. Be sure to read through the Eligibility & FAQs page first before submitting your application. Remember it might be overwhelming to apply but we are here to help you in every step!
Your Community Coordinator
Mary Stephanie Lasam
For project ideas and help: Reach out to the I-NSG Community Coordinator Mary Stephanie Lasam, join the Project Leader Connections Facebook Group and check-out the Project Resources Page:
Project Resources
Eligibility
To apply for I-NSG, you must identify as Indigenous, live in Metro Vancouver and your project must take place in Metro Vancouver. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie at: indigenousNSG@Vacpc.org
You may apply for any project that will bring your community together, build community strength and resilience, or tackle social isolation.
Some common types of Neighbourhood Small Grant projects include care package deliveries or teaching people a new skill, but there are also many unique projects that don’t fall into these categories.
Any product, service or event created with the support of a Neighbourhood Small Grant must be offered for free.
You can ask for up to $500 for any Neighbourhood Small Grant program.
You can use the grant to offset any expenses that were needed for the project. This includes products, transportation or services.
You may ask for up to $350 to provide honorariums to anyone who contributes skills or knowledge to your project — including yourself.
For example, if you plan to host an online cooking class and will be teaching it yourself, you may pay yourself an honorarium. If you are inviting a guest to teach it, you may pay them the honorarium instead. You can also use the grant to purchase the ingredients needed for the class as well as a premium subscription with a platform like Zoom to host many attendees in your class.
You may not fundraise for other projects and/or organizations. However, we encourage you to seek donations or gifts in kind from local businesses to help support your project.
Applications are reviewed by volunteer Neighbourhood Grants Committees and final funding allocations will be awarded upon the discretion of each local committee. For more information contact your Community Coordinator.
Anyone who lives in British Columbia can apply. You must find out which NSG community you belong to by visiting the Communities page.
You may not apply on behalf of a business or registered organization, but you may apply on behalf of an informal group (for example, a meetup or shared interest group).
Your project can take place either online or in-person. All in-person events should follow your local public health guidelines.
Your project can take place either online or in-person. All in-person events should follow your local public health guidelines.
If your project requires any permits, such as a city or park board permit, they must be acquired and approved prior to applying for any Neighbourhood Small Grant.
Most projects will not require liability insurance, but bigger projects or events may need them. If you do, you must purchase it ahead of applying for any Neighbourhood Small Grant.
Get inspired
Project ideas to get you started
We find these tend to be popular ideas among first-time applicants. They excite neighbours, are easily organized with two people and are low-cost.
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