My Great Neighbourhood Grants

Any non-profit organization, school or group of residents in the City of Victoria can apply. A sponsor is required for those without non-profit status. 

Yes, all projects and activities funded by a My Great Neighbourhood Grant need to take place in Victoria. 

Projects that meet the following criteria and goals are best fitted for this program:  

• led by local residents  
• animate community space  
• create gathering spots or activities that bring people together 
• promote community development  
• serve as a neighbourhood improvement campaign  
• serve as a pilot project for a larger scale idea 

When the applicant is a group of residents or a business, a non-profit sponsor is required. This organization must be a B.C. registered non-profit society. Sponsorship ensures a level of accountability for grant projects.  
 
Sponsors have two small but important parts to play: 

For the Application 

• provide your Society number and contact information on the application. 
• understand and support the project application. 
• verify you have adequate insurance coverage for the lifetime of the project (if there is a cost, this can be covered within the administration fee in the budget). 
• an administration fee of up to 15 per cent of the items funded by the grant may be charged by the sponsor in the project budget (this fee is intended to offset any costs that may be associated through sponsoring a grant)
• provide a letter of support for the application
   

For a Successful Grant  

• co-sign the Letter of Agreement from the City
• receive the grant cheque on behalf of the project applicant and disperse the funds - some sponsors choose to disperse all funding immediately while others distribute funds in increments based on completion of phases or by refund, based on receipts provided
• ensure the project is completed as planned and a final report is filed with the City

Issues rarely arise with project sponsors, however, if sponsors have concerns with a project relating to any of the above, they can contact the Neighbourhood Liaison at the City listed on the Letter of Agreement to resolve any issues or questions.

Insurance is required when the project involves identifiable risk to participants during: 

• an event/activity 
• construction of a placemaking  project or  
• the lifespan of a placemaking  project    

If the project does not increase risk beyond normal levels (e.g., a poetry gathering in a park) or the responsible City department accepts the risk, then existing City insurance coverage would be considered enough to address the risk. If there is a larger risk, staff will advise on the best approach. 

If the property belongs to a third party (e.g., school district), the City requires a commitment from the third party to provide insurance coverage for the activity or project construction and/or lifespan. If there is a sponsoring organization (e.g., community association) and risk has been identified, they may extend their current coverage for an activity or project construction and/or lifespan.  

Your Neighbourhood Liaison at the City can help with identifying level of risk and if additional insurance will be required. 

The City of Victoria is committed to embedding equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility considerations into its policies, programs and services. Successful projects will ensure everyone, regardless of their race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, ability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or economic status can access and benefit from the project. To learn more, please request the My Great Neighbourhood Grant Resource Kit. 

Yes, the City encourages murals as they can increase the livability and artistic richness of our city. A mural in a well-considered location can bring a community together and improve spaces for residents. It can create belonging and a sense of pride, reduce graffiti and tagging, and allow neighbourhoods to shape their community through beautification.   

To qualify for this grant, murals must be initiated by residents and follow the community-led model. 

To receive more details on the community-led model, please email neighbourhoods@victoria.ca and we will send you information to start the conversation. 

Traffic control aims to create a safe environment for those involved in a project, while managing traffic related impacts and accessibility needs.  

A traffic control plan may be required for special events, activities and initiatives on city streets. Projects such as road murals and block parties will require a traffic control plan. Different levels of traffic control requirements will be in place for different projects. 

Low and medium risk projects are considered within the scope of the My Great Neighbourhood Grant program. Projects considered high risk are outside the scope of the grant program. 

To receive more details on traffic control and safety plans please request the My Great Neighbourhood Grant Resource Kit.

Yes, community-led, small-scale placemaking is possible in many City parks through a collaborative process with the community and staff. They are generally limited to a two-year time frame and must be implemented with minimal land disturbance. 

A few projects that could be supported include: 

• solar-powered fairy lights 
• temporary art-like sand sculptures or displays made from natural materials 
• portable seating (like Adirondack chairs) 
• projects that use existing concrete surfaces, such as street painting and seating areas 
• little free libraries 
• improvements to existing community gardens, such as trellises, furniture and community art 
• boulevard gardens  
• pollinator pathways  

To receive more details on placemaking in public parks, please request the My Great Neighbourhood Grant Resource Kit.  

If you are considering a placemaking project in public space, you must do a risk assessment and create a plan to address these risks. 

Here are some questions: 

• Could the installation damage underground or surface infrastructure? 
• Could the installation block access to underground or surface infrastructure? 
• Is there any risk of personal or property damage over the life of the project?  
• How does this project need to be maintained through its lifespan? 
• At the end of the project, what is your plan and budget for project removal and site restoration? 

There may also be costs for insurance, permits or contracted services that affect the feasibility of your project. City staff are available to walk you through these considerations and other guidelines, as necessary. To receive more details on placemaking in public spaces, please request the My Great Neighbourhood Grant Resource Kit. 

Yes, the City has created a special program within this grant fund to encourage residents to plant more trees on private property. You will need to find a minimum of 10 neighbours to participate. The grant will fund up to $1,000 for trees, staking materials, deer fencing and soil enhancements. This grant can also be used to hire a tree professional to lead a workshop on tree care.  

To receive more details on adding more trees to your neighbourhood, please request the My Great Neighbourhood Grant Resource Kit.  

Victoria's Zero Waste Event Guide must be followed when planning for a MGNG project or event. You can learn more about Zero Waste Victoria and waste reduction here.

Yes. Final project reports are required and must be completed and returned within 60 days of completing your project. The final report consists of some reflective questions, details about how the grant was spent and photos of your project or activity.  
 
The questions include: 

• What were the goals of your project? Did you achieve them?  
• What was it like to work with your neighbours?  
• How has your project been received by the community? 
• Are there any other thoughts or observations you would like to share?  

Further details are available in the My Great Neighbourhood Grant Resource Kit. Once you are accepted for funding, the report template will be sent to you.