The My Great Neighbourhood Grant program helps residents bring their ideas to life and strengthen connections where they live. Whether you’re looking to build community, enhance a public space or lead a new community building initiative, these grants support projects that make neighbourhoods more vibrant, resilient and inclusive.
The City will match up to $8,000 for placemaking projects, $5,000 for community resiliency projects and up to $1,500 for events and activities. The community match can be made through different avenues including volunteer hours, other funding and in-kind donations. Community involvement is an important part of each approved project. The grant policy provides further details on what can be funded.
Applications are now open for 2026. Read the My Great Neighbourhood Grant Policy to learn about funding categories and types of eligible projects.
If you'd like to learn more about how to plan community projects such as murals, placemaking and tree planting ideas, check out the My Great Neighbourhood Grant Resource Kit.
How to Apply Step 1: Use the My Great Neighbourhood Grant Application Guide to prepare your application. The questions from the online application form are included. We suggest you draft all your answers before starting with the online form. Step 2: You can copy and paste your content into the online application form. (You must complete the online form in one session. It cannot be saved and completed later.) Please note: Applications are reviewed each month and are allocated on a rolling intake until all funds have been distributed. If you have any questions email neighbourhoods@victoria.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in learning more about applying for a My Great Neighbourhood Grant? If after reading these FAQs you would like to learn more, please read the My Great Neighbourhood Grant Resources Kit.
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. Learn more in the My Great Neighbourhood Grant Resource Kit.
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 read 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.
Murals require community leadership, permissions and City-approved designs. Volunteer time counts towards budgets and anti-graffiti steps and short-term maintenance are expected. Designs must be appropriate and inclusive.
Street murals must use safe, durable paints with projects planned for safety and community participation. The City must approve materials and traffic control measures based on risk.
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.
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 view the My Great Neighbourhood Grant Resource Kit to learn about with rules on land disturbance and accessibility and City approvals for features like libraries and signage.
Public space projects need risk review, permits, community approval and plans for upkeep. High-risk projects aren't eligible. You must 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. For more information please read 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.
Yes. Final project reports are required and must be completed and returned within 60 days of completing your project. It needs to include project results, budget and how the community responded to the 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?
