Neighbourhood Small Grants Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who is eligible to apply for a Neighbourhood Small Grant?
    Any resident who lives within the boundary of the Neighbourhood Small Grants program neighbourhoods is eligible to apply.
  2. I live in an area where NSG boundaries overlap. Which neighborhood house should apply through?
    You can apply to whichever neighbourhood you prefer, but you should only apply through one NSG area.
  3. Can an organization or group apply for a small grant? 
    Registered organizations are not eligible for funding through Neighbourhood Small Grants. Only individuals can apply for a small grant.
  4. How much can I apply for? 
    ou can apply for up to $500 (or for one of the two grants of $1000 in each neighbourhood) to support your project.
  5. Can the small grant support a fundraising activity?
    The project cannot financially benefit an individual, group, or third party for fundraising initiatives.
  6. Is it possible to provide an honorarium to a participant of a project? 
    If you feel an honorarium is required for someone who has provided professional services, i.e. an artist or carpenter teaching a specific skill, a maximum honorarium of $50 can be provided.
  7. Can the small grant cover municipal permits? 
    Applicants can apply part of their small grant towards the cost of municipal permits. All projects must adhere to municipal bylaws.
  8. What if we need to buy equipment for our project?
    If you are planning to buy anything with your grant dollars that will be useful after the project ends, such as tools, electronic devices, furniture, sports or outdoor equipment, please make sure first that the equipment is not available through a loan or donation. Any equipment must be stored at a common location and you must make sure that anyone who wants to use it can have access to it.
  9. Are livestock allowed at events?
    Farm animals are not allowed at any event in the city, i.e. donkey and or pony rides.
  10. When is the deadline to finish the project?
    The deadline for all projects to be completed is November 30, 2013.
  11. Can we continue with the project after the deadline?
    Yes, we encourage projects to continue after the deadline.
  12. Can I apply again for a previously funded project? 
    Yes, previously funded projects are welcome to apply again, provided the project fits with the Neighbourhood Small Grants program goals.
  13. Can I apply for more than one NSG grant?
    Applying for more than one grant is permitted, but applicants must ensure that they will able to carry out the projects as planned and in the time allowed.
  14. What’s the difference between NSG grants and Greenest City NSG grants?
    The Greenest City NSG program is a partnership between Vancouver Foundation and the City of Vancouver. Greenest City NSG grants have a green focus. Our aim is to encourage local green initiatives, designed and undertaken by residents, right in their community. To find out more about this program, visit www.vancouverfoundation.ca/nsg-greenestcityfund.
  15. Can I apply for both a NSG grant and a Greenest City NSG grant?
    Applying in both grant programs is permitted, but applicants must ensure that they will able to carry out the projects as planned and in the time allowed. Applying to both programs for the same project is not permitted.
  16. What’s the difference between NSG grants and DTES Small Arts Grants?
    The DTES Small Arts Grant program, founded in 2008, gives DTES artists the opportunity to advance their careers by expanding their portfolios and showcasing their work. Artists can receive funds of up to $1000. For more information, visit: http://vancouverfoundationsmallarts.ca.
  17. When will I know if my grant application was approved?
    Depending on which neighbourhood house you apply to, you can expect to hear from your neighbourhood house coordinator in approximately 6-10 weeks following the program deadline. If you have specific questions about your application, please contact your neighbourhood house coordinator (contact list here). Thank you for your patience while applications are being reviewed.
Download a pdf of the Neighbourhood Small Grants FAQs here.