The Vancouver Foundation, Canada’s largest community foundation, is accepting applications for their Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG).

Anyone in BC is eligible to apply for a NSG, which provides from $50 to $500 for projects which will bring a community together, build community strength and resilience, address and combat social isolation, or foster community creativity and wellbeing.

Some common projects include teaching community members a new skill, hosting arts and crafts workshops, cooking lessons, delivering care packages, teaching yoga or providing health and wellness information. However, there are many additional project types and there are no specific categories a project must fall into.

Events may be held virtually or in-person, but all in-person events must follow all public health guidelines.

Any product, service or event created with the NSG must be available for free, or by donation. The donation should be small and must be optional, it cannot be a requirement for anyone taking part.

The grant money can be used to offset expenses that were used to make the project possible, including products, transportation or services. An additional $350 may also be requested to provide honorariums to anyone who contributes skills or knowledge to the project, including yourself.

Businesses and non-profits are not eligible to apply for a NSG.

If you have an idea for a community project, you may submit an application to the Vancouver Foundation. Your application will then be reviewed by community volunteers, and you will know if you have been approved in two to eight weeks.

Last year, public dance performances in Merritt by the Love to Dance Academy were made possible through a Neighbourhood Small Grant.

For more information you can visit the Neighbourhood Small Grant website here and apply for a grant within Merritt under the Kamloops, Clearwater, Revelstoke and area section.

Applications will be accepted from March 1 to Nov. 9, 2021.