It’s easy to apply for neighbourhood grants

There is still time for people who have ideas on community projects that bring people together to apply for a Neighbourhood Small Grant.

The program awards grants of up to $500 to people who have idea for a community-friendly project — including youth-led projects — in their neighbourhood. Projects can include multicultural events, block parties, community gardening and skillsharing workshops.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program will also consider projects that help reduce social isolation, while still complying with social-distancing requirements.

“We have between 20 to 25 projects already funded for 2020,” said Alex Norfolk, neighbourhood engagement co-ordinator for the Quadra Village Community Centre. “It is super easy to apply.”

This is the 20th year of the program, which operates in 17 communities across British Columbia.

The Quadra Village Community Centre is the local implementing organization of the program, in partnership with the Oaklands Community Association, Burnside Gorge Community Association and North Park Neighbourhood Association.

Norfolk said that the annual program, funded by the Victoria Foundation and its partners, typically runs out of funds by March or April every year. But with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer applications have been received, resulting in having funds yet to be allocated.

Quadra Village Community Centre usually restricts proposals to anyone living in the Hillside — Quadra, Oaklands, Burnside or North Park neighbourhoods. This year, they have extended the application zone, opening the doors for people living in all of Victoria to apply.

“We have had one project where volunteers would put together and delivered care packages to people — typically seniors — who have been unable to get groceries during the lockdown,” said Norfolk, who has been with the organization for three years.

The main criteria for projects are that they be free and accessible to everybody.

“We get a lot of proposals for block parties, gardening and cultural exchanges,” said Norfolk.

Other ideas include a community clean-up event, a community kitchen, emergency preparedness planning sessions or a native plant walking tour. Preference will be given to new projects that have been funded fewer than three years in a row.

People must be prepared to execute the program once it has been accepted. While some projects can span a whole year, the expectation is that the grant be spent by Nov. 15.

If the project takes place on a street, park or public space, it must follow municipal bylaws. It is incumbent to the applicant to obtain necessary permits and liability insurance prior to the start of the project.

An eight-person committee, made up of community members, reviews applications and grant approval for submitted projects.

“As I said earlier, it’s supereasy to apply and we want to approve your proposal.”

The deadline for proposals is July 31, although there is a possibility that may be extended as well.

The Responsive Neighbourhood Small Grants program is a partnership between the Victoria Foundation, the Vancouver Foundation and community foundations across Vancouver Island.

For more information, or to apply, go to victoriafoundation.bc.ca/applications-open-for-responsive-neighbourhood-small-grants. parrais@timescolonist.com