Neighbourhood Grants & Programs

Ideas that Connect Neighbours

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 are up to $500 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.

How to Apply

Applications will open in February 2027

 Priority will be given to first-time applicants during the application review process.

Get Creative!

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: 

1. Everyone has gifts — using an asset-based community development approach
2. Small is beautiful — believing in the power of small-scale initiatives
3. Local decisions are best — supporting local leadership
4. Where we live matters — maintaining a local, place-based approach
5. We learn together — foster skill-building and knowledge exchange
6. Everyone is invited — create accessibility and inclusion

Neighbourhood Connection

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.

Neighbourhood Beautification

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.

Neighbourhood Safety

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. 

Who can apply?

• Abbotsford residents, students, and anyone living on Semá:th, Máthxwi and Leq’a:mel First Nations reserves. Please note, applications are not accepted from registered organizations or associations.
• Projects must be held in Abbotsford or on Semá:th, Máthxwi and Leq’a:mel First Nations reserves; be inclusive to all, and free to attend!
• Priority will be given to first-time applicants during the application review process.

Check out the Neighbourhood Small Grants: How it works video for more details and ideas.

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.

• Abbotsford’s neighbourhood and community associations
• Map of Abbotsford’s communities (many communities have multiple neighbourhoods)  

Neighbourhoods have gathered around:

• Block parties
• Neighbourhood clean-ups
• Beautification projects
• Safety such as Block Watch or Seniors Watch

If you are interested in starting a neighbourhood association or holding a neighbourhood gathering in your neighbourhood email the Community Developer or call 604-557-1473.

• Abbotsford Demographic Profiles
• APD Community Policing – Block Watch
• Abbotsford Emergency Program

To learn more about how you can become involved in building a vibrant and healthy neighbourhood, contact the Community Developer at 604-557-1473.