Apply now for Neighbourhood Small Grants Program (Canada)

The Victoria Foundation’s Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program supports small, neighbourhood-led projects through grants of up to CAD 500. It is designed for individuals who want to connect neighbours, share skills, strengthen belonging, or celebrate diversity where they live. Applications for Victoria and other communities on Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands are accepted from 15 September 2026 to 30 October 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Victoria Foundation (Victoria Foundation’s Neighbourhood Small Grants program)

- Opportunity name: Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG)

- Funding type: Small grants to individuals for neighbourhood projects

- Grant amount: Up to CAD 500 per project

- Project length (target): Approximately 6 months after the grant decision

- Application window (source-stated): 15 September 2026 to 30 October 2026

- Eligible locations (source-stated):

- Victoria: Quadra Village, Oaklands, Burnside-Gorge, North Park (other CRD areas may be considered if funding allows)

- Other Communities: Vancouver Island and Gulf Island communities without a local NSG program (examples listed below)

- Application submission: Online application system (via Vancouver Foundation portal)

- Decision timeline (source-stated): Applicants hear back within four weeks of the application deadline

About the Opportunity

Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) supports community-minded individuals to lead practical, welcoming projects in their own neighbourhoods. Past projects mentioned in the program description include multicultural events, block parties, community gardens, and skill-sharing workshops. The program is delivered through local review and decision-making by community volunteers (a local NSG committee) and includes a short reporting requirement after project completion. Funding and Benefits

- Maximum grant size: Up to CAD 500 per project

- Timing: Projects must begin after the grant decision is made (no retroactive support)

- Honorarium allowance (budget restriction): - Grant money may be used to pay people for services (honorariums) - Total honorariums may not be more than CAD 350 per project

- Project expectations:

- While some projects may continue year-round, it is expected the project will be completed within 6 months of receiving the grant

- Additional steps after funding:

- Successful applicants must submit a short online report - Project leaders come together at the end of the cycle to celebrate (details not specified in the source) Who Is Eligible? The Neighbourhood Small Grants program is open to anyone living in the program’s geographically-defined areas:

- Victoria stream (location-specific):

- Core neighbourhoods: Quadra Village, Oaklands, Burnside-Gorge, North Park

- Applications from other CRD areas (including Saanich and Esquimalt) will be considered if funding allows - Youth-led projects are encouraged (preference statement in the source) - Other Communities stream (location-specific): - Vancouver Island and Gulf Island communities that don’t have a local NSG program

- Examples listed: Westshore, Sooke, Sidney, Duncan/Cowichan, Bamfield, and the Southern Gulf Islands

- Salt Spring is excluded from this stream because its local program runs in spring (as stated in the source)

Eligibility rules and exclusions (project-leader requirements)

The source states the NSG grants are for individuals, and not for organizations or businesses. In addition, projects must meet the following criteria: - Projects can be in-person or virtual (or both), but they must involve your neighbours - Projects must be free, accessible, and welcoming to all - You may not charge entrance fees - You may not request donations - You may not fundraise for other projects and/or organizations - Projects must begin after the grant decision - The applicant may apply for more than one NSG project per year, but previous projects must be completed and reports submitted before applying again - Preference will be given to new projects or projects that have been funded for fewer than three years in a row (preference statement; not an absolute requirement) - Projects are not funded if they involve: - Charging entrance fees, requesting donations, or fundraising for other projects - Financial profit to the project leader - Organizations or businesses - Infrastructure building/upgrading or purchasing of large equipment except for: - community gardens - and (as stated) limited exceptions including projects involving infrastructure building or upgrading, or purchasing of large equipment such as computers, are not eligible except as noted - Therapy and counseling support Eligible Activities or Priority Areas Neighbourhood Small Grants are awarded to projects that meet one or more of these goals: - Connect and engage neighbours

- Examples: block parties or emergency preparedness planning sessions

- Sharing skills and knowledge within the neighbourhood community

- Examples: a free yoga lesson; a virtual community kitchen where neighbours share cooking skills

- Build a sense of belonging and connection

- Examples: an Indigenous plant walking tour led by an Elder; neighbourhood clean-up

- Respect and celebrate diversity - Examples: a multicultural fashion show; a storytelling project involving seniors and youth; an online acrylic painting workshop open to all ages and skill levels Why This Opportunity Matters NSG is designed for grassroots, neighbourhood-level participation—supporting projects that are accessible, neighbour-centered, and completed within a relatively short timeframe (approximately six months). It also emphasizes community decision-making through local volunteers who review applications, and it includes reporting to capture short project outcomes. If you live within the specified Victoria neighbourhoods or one of the participating Vancouver Island/Gulf Island communities without a local NSG program, this program may be a practical way to fund a small project that engages your neighbours and s