Submit Applications for Small Projects Grant Program (Canada)

Deadline: 09-Oct-26

The City of Mississauga Small Projects Grant Program provides up to $2,500 to eligible not-for-profit community organizations and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) for projects that benefit local residents. The program supports community-building, active living, skill development, inclusion, and innovative programs that strengthen community engagement across Mississauga. What Is the Small Projects Grant Program? The Small Projects Grant Program (SPG) is a City of Mississauga funding opportunity designed to help local community organizations deliver small-scale projects, programs, and activities. The program supports initiatives that contribute to: - Active and healthy lifestyles. - Community engagement. - Social inclusion. - Skill development. - Recreation. - Community connection. - Accessibility. - Innovation and program improvement. The program aligns with the City’s strategic priorities, including those identified in its Future Directions: Recreation Plan and Parks, Forestry & Environment Plan. How Much Funding Is Available? Eligible applicants can request up to $2,500. Funding can be used for eligible expenses directly associated with delivering an approved project or program. The grant is intended for relatively small-scale initiatives that provide clear benefits to Mississauga residents. What Expenses Can the Grant Cover? Eligible project-related costs may include: - Equipment rental. - Facility rental. - Entertainment costs. - Facilitator costs. - Information technology expenses. - Marketing expenses. - Recreation equipment. - Supplies directly required for project delivery. - Other eligible expenses connected to the approved activity. Applicants should ensure that requested costs are directly connected to the proposed project. What Activities Can Be Funded? The Small Projects Grant can support a broad range of community initiatives.

Examples include:

- Neighbourhood events. - Community-building activities. - Workshops. - Skill-development sessions. - Digital skills training. - Leadership development. - Mentorship programmes. - Active living programmes. - Physical health activities. - Recreation initiatives. - Improvements to existing community programmes. - New programmes or services. - Activities designed to reach new audiences. - Projects that remove participation barriers. Projects that demonstrate growth, improvement, accessibility, or innovation are particularly relevant to the program. Why Does the Small Projects Grant Matter? Small community projects can provide practical opportunities for residents to connect, learn new skills, become more active, and participate in local activities. The programme helps community organizations test or expand ideas without requiring a large funding commitment. Funding can therefore be useful for organizations seeking to: - Introduce a new community programme. - Expand an existing activity. - Reach residents who are currently underserved. - Improve accessibility. - Organize a neighbourhood event. - Provide skills training. - Encourage physical activity. - Strengthen community participation. Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

- Not-for-profit community organizations. - Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) that meet the program requirements. Applicants must be registered in the City of Mississauga’s Community Group Registry Program. Projects must provide benefits to residents within Mississauga. What Makes a Project Eligible? A strong project should demonstrate a clear community benefit.

The proposed initiative should:

- Serve Mississauga residents. - Have a clear purpose. - Provide a community, recreational, health, skills, or engagement benefit. - Use the grant for eligible project-related costs. - Demonstrate growth, improvement, innovation, or increased accessibility where possible. - Take place within Mississauga. What Is Not Eligible? The grant does not support several types of expenses and activities.

Ineligible costs include:

- Staff salaries. - Consulting fees. - Major capital expenditures. - Activities taking place outside Mississauga. - Costs that are not directly related to eligible project delivery. - Other expenses excluded under the program’s detailed guidelines. Applicants should review the complete eligibility requirements before including an expense in their budget. How to Apply Applicants should develop a concise project plan that clearly explains the community need and how the funding will be used.

Step 1: Confirm Your Organization’s Eligibility

Ensure that your organization is an eligible not-for-profit community organization or BIA and is registered with the City’s Community Group Registry Program.

Step 2: Identify the Community Need

Explain the issue or opportunity your project will address. For example, the project might respond to: - Social isolation. - Lack of recreational opportunities. - Barriers to participation. - Limited digital skills. - Lack of community connections. - Need for new health and active-living opportunities.

Step 3: Develop the Project

Clearly describe:

- What activities will take place. - Who will participate. - Where the activities will take place. - How many residents are expected to benefit. - When the project will be delivered. - What outcomes you expect.

Step 4: Prepare the Budget

Create a realistic budget showing exactly how the requested funding will be spent. Eligible costs could include facility rental, equipment rental, supplies, marketing, facilitators, or other approved project expenses.

Step 5: Demonstrate Community Impact

Explain how the project will improve life for Mississauga residents. Where possible, include measurable outcomes such as: - Number of participants. - Number of sessions. - Number of residents reached. - Skills developed. - New audiences reached. - Participation barriers removed.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Complete the required application through the City’s designated grant process and provide all requested organizational and project