If you have an idea that brings people together, shares skills or stories, or strengthens connection in your neighbourhood — NSG may be a good fit.

NSG supports projects that are:

• Resident-led — organized by neighbours, not organizations
• Free and open — welcoming to the broader community
• Local — taking place in the neighbourhood where you live
• Connection-focused — building relationships, belonging, and shared care

Projects might include:

• A neighbourhood gathering or cultural celebration
• A skill-sharing workshop or storytelling circle
• A community garden or greening activity
• A youth-led initiative
• A creative or arts-based project
• A small-scale event that helps neighbours meet and collaborate

Ideas don’t need to fit into a specific category — and they don’t need to be large or complex. Simple, thoughtful projects often have the greatest impact.

If you’re unsure whether your idea fits, join an info session or reach out — we’re happy to talk it through.

Review the NSG application here.

Neighbourhood Small Grants is about more than hosting events — it’s about strengthening the social fabric of our communities.

Through small, resident-led projects, NSG helps cultivate:

• Connection — neighbours meeting, collaborating, and building relationships
• Belonging — a shared sense of pride, care, and participation
• Gifts and Skills — opportunities for people to share talents, stories, and lived experience
• Inclusion — welcoming spaces that reduce barriers and celebrate diversity
• Local Leadership — residents stepping forward with ideas and initiative

When neighbours organize something together — even something simple — it builds confidence, visibility, and trust.

That’s the kind of community we’re working toward.

NSG is designed to circulate opportunity and create space for new voices to lead.

We encourage experienced project leaders to mentor others, collaborate, and help neighbours step forward with their own ideas.

To ensure leadership continues to grow across the region, individuals who have received two NSG grants as the lead applicant are asked to take a pause from serving as lead and support someone new to step into that role.

This helps expand participation, build confidence, and ensure more residents have the opportunity to host.

Before submitting an application, please review the following:

Who Can Apply

• NSG is for residents and informal volunteer | community groups.
• Applicants must live in the community where they apply.
• Projects must take place within that same community.

Registered charities, nonprofits, businesses, and political organizations are not eligible to apply as lead applicants.

Project Requirements

Projects must:

• Be free and open to the public
• Be resident-led (partnerships are welcome)
• Take place in accessible community spaces
• Follow local bylaws and obtain permits where required

Events may not be held in businesses, private membership venues, or places of worship without prior approval.

Budget Basics

• Grants are up to $500.
• Budgets should reflect actual costs and thoughtful planning.
• Borrowing, sharing, and donations are encouraged.
• Funds should be spent locally whenever possible.

Food often helps bring people together. When planning, consider dietary needs to create a welcoming environment.

What NSG Does Not Fund

• Major capital upgrades or large equipment purchases
• Therapy or counselling services
• Projects designed for financial profit (modest honorariums are permitted)
• Political campaigning, partisan advocacy, or fundraising

Application Limits

Applicants may apply for one NSG grant at a time. You are welcome to collaborate on other projects.

Applications are reviewed by local NSG Advisory Committees — volunteers including past project leaders and community members who understand neighbourhood dynamics and grassroots leadership.

Projects are assessed using four simple lenses:

1. Connection & Belonging

Does the project bring neighbours together in meaningful ways?
Will it strengthen shared care, pride, or participation in the community?

2. Gifts & Skill Sharing

Does the project create space for neighbours to share their skills, talents, or lived experience?

3. Inclusion & Accessibility

Is the project welcoming to a range of neighbours?
Have barriers such as cost, location, food, age, or mobility been considered?

4. Budget Feasibility

Is the budget clear, realistic, and aligned with NSG guidelines?

Each category is scored on a scale of up to five points.

Neighbourhood Small Grants is strengthened by the residents who participate — as project leaders, volunteers, reviewers, and neighbours.

There are many ways to stay involved:

• Attend an Info Session to learn more about the program
• Join your local NSG Advisory Committee and help review applications (approx. 8 hours over two weeks)
• Collaborate on a neighbour’s project
• Subscribe to updates to hear when applications open and see what’s happening across the region

Whether you’re ready to host a project or simply curious about what’s happening in your community, you’re welcome here.