Apply now for Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grant Program (Canada)

Deadline: 14-Oct-2026

The Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grant provides up to $12,500 to eligible non-profit and charitable organizations delivering programs, services, and events that improve the quality of life of Richmond residents. Funding is available through separate Operating and Project streams, but applicants may apply to only one stream during each funding cycle.

About the Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grant

The Parks, Recreation and Community Events Grant forms part of the City of Richmond’s annual City Grants Program. It strengthens the ability of local non-profit and charitable organizations to deliver accessible recreational activities, sports programs, community services, and public events. Funding may support ongoing organizational operations or a specific time-limited project that addresses an identified community need and aligns with the City’s strategic priorities. Purpose of the Grant The grant supports organizations that help make Richmond a healthy, active, inclusive, safe, and connected community.

Its objectives include:

- Improving residents’ quality of life - Promoting physical and mental well-being - Increasing access to recreation and sport - Supporting community events and experiences - Strengthening inclusion and belonging - Creating opportunities for learning and exploration - Building community resilience - Encouraging volunteerism - Developing partnerships - Increasing organizational and community capacity City Recreation and Sport Priorities Applicants must demonstrate alignment with at least one of the City of Richmond’s recreation and sport priorities. Well-Being and Active Lifestyles Projects may encourage residents to participate in healthy, active living.

Activities could include:

- Community recreation - Accessible fitness activities - Sports participation - Outdoor programming - Wellness initiatives - Activities supporting physical and mental health Physical Literacy Physical literacy refers to the confidence, motivation, knowledge, and physical competence needed to participate in movement and physical activity throughout life.

Eligible initiatives may help residents:

- Develop fundamental movement skills - Build confidence in physical activities - Participate safely in recreation and sport - Establish lifelong active habits - Access age-appropriate movement opportunities Access to Public Spaces and Experiences Projects may help residents use and enjoy public spaces, parks, recreation facilities, and community experiences. Strong initiatives should identify barriers to access and explain how those barriers will be reduced. Learning and Exploration Programs may create opportunities for residents to: - Develop new skills - Explore recreational interests - Participate in cultural or community experiences - Learn through play and activity - Build confidence and personal capacity Inclusion and Belonging The grant supports programs and events that welcome Richmond’s diverse communities. Projects may address barriers associated with: Applicants should explain how the proposed activities will be inclusive, accessible, and responsive to community needs. Safe and Resilient Communities Eligible programs may strengthen community safety, preparedness, social connection, and resilience.

This can include activities that:

- Build neighbourhood relationships - Reduce isolation - Develop support networks - Promote safe participation - Improve community preparedness - Strengthen residents’ ability to respond to challenges Volunteerism and Partnerships The City encourages initiatives that build community capacity through volunteers and collaborative partnerships.

Applicants may demonstrate:

- Volunteer recruitment and training - Meaningful volunteer roles - Partnerships with local organizations - Shared use of resources - Community-led planning - Opportunities for residents to contribute - Long-term organizational capacity building Funding Streams

Funding is available through two streams: the Operating Stream and the Project Stream.

The maximum grant available under either stream is $12,500. Applicants may apply to only one stream during each funding cycle. Operating Stream The Operating Stream supports the core expenses required to maintain ongoing programs, services, and organizational activities.

Eligible operating costs may include:

- Rent - Utilities - Administrative expenses - Staff salaries - Insurance - Program coordination - Office costs - Other essential operational expenses Applicants should explain how operating support will strengthen service delivery and benefit Richmond residents. Organizations already receiving ongoing City support may not apply through the Operating Stream. Project Stream The Project Stream supports a specific program, service, activity, initiative, or community event with a defined start and end date.

A project application should identify:

- The community need - The target participants - The proposed activities - The delivery schedule - The expected results - The project budget - The method for evaluating success Organizations already receiving ongoing support from the City may apply only through the Project Stream. Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be either:

- Non-profit societies registered in British Columbia - Charitable organizations registered in Canada Applicants must deliver programs, services, or community events that benefit Richmond residents.

Organizations should also demonstrate:

- A clear community mandate - Responsible governance - Sound financial management - Capacity to deliver the proposed activities - Alignment with City priorities - Evidence of community benefit Who Is Not Eligible?

The following cannot apply:

- For-profit organizations - Private businesses - Individuals - Schools - Political parties - Organizations that primarily provide funding to other groups Organizations that do not provide a clear and direct benefit to Richmond residents are also unlikely to qualify. Rules for Selec