The City of Abbotsford is committed to helping our community build strong, healthy, and cohesive neighbourhoods. We want to invite residents to be a part of building relationships, promoting neighbourhood safety and creating a sense of community, while getting out to meet their neighbours and have fun!
The City of Abbotsford has continued partnership with the Vancouver Foundation and the Abbotsford Community Foundation to launch the Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program to fund small-scale projects. Applicants are encouraged to bring community projects to life, join a network of project leaders who have taken steps to improve their neighborhoods and foster connectivity and engagement.
The NSG program helps residents of any age, experience, or background take part in building and strengthening community. Grants range from $500-$1000 and are available for individuals with ideas to help connect and engage residents in their neighbourhood.
The Grant can cover basic supply costs and honorariums. The activity that is being provided must be free and inclusive. Grants are available for Abbotsford residents and students, it is not intended for businesses, associations, or non-profits.
Applications for 2023 will be open from March 1st to April 30th. All applications will be reviewed between May 1-15th 2023. If you have an existing NSG account, please login and apply as you have done in the past. If you are a first-time applicant to the NSG program, you will need to select your community from a drop-down menu.
The Neighbourhood Small Grants have made a visible difference in communities across BC. From book exchanges, benches and community gardens, these grants are helping to build safer, more inclusive, and connected communities.
The NSG program is based on these six principles of grassroots grantmaking:
This category is for projects that enhance the connections in a community. These projects could include “Neighborhood Night” block parties, sport & culture activities, and workshops. Activities where residents share their knowledge and skills with other community members are encouraged; as well as projects that inspire the participation of children and youth.
This category is for projects that have the goal of refreshing or making a public space more beautiful and inviting. Some examples include park or neighborhood clean-ups, fence painting, gardening, trail and sign refurbishing.
This category is for residents who want to improve the safety of their neighbourhood environment. Examples of eligible projects could include landscaping for visibility and surveillance, street lighting, graffiti clean-ups, and the re-design of public space to deter crime. Block watch activities and emergency planning can also be included in this category.
Check out the Neighbourhood Small Grants: How it works video for more details and ideas.
The Community Event Tool-Kit is a resource of equipment available for residents hosting an approved Neighbourhood Block-Party or Outdoor Public Event. Included in the Event-Kit are tables, chairs, tents, and outdoor games.
Some neighbourhoods have neighbourhood associations. A neighbourhood association is a group of neighbours that want improve their neighbourhood, or just get to know their neighbours better. Neighbourhood associations give residents a forum to discuss common concerns and to brainstorm possible solutions.
Neighbourhoods have gathered around:
If you are interested in starting a neighbourhood association or holding a neighbourhood gathering in your neighbourhood email the Community Developer or call 604-557-1464.
To learn more about how you can become involved in building a vibrant and healthy neighbourhood, contact the Community Developer at 604-557-1464.
