Neighbourhood Grants & Programs

We offer a small grant of up to $500 for you to bring your community project to life. With a Neighbourhood Small Grant, you join our network of thousands of project leaders who have taken steps to better their neighbourhoods—just like you.

Why are we doing this? Because magic happens when neighbours connect. It forms friendships, makes our communities safer and more vibrant. The Neighbourhood Small Grants program have helped make communities in British Columbia stronger, safer, and more welcoming since 1999.

Applications for all projects that connect people socially or involve sharing skills or talents with each other are welcome. You can learn more about project eligibility at Neighbourhood Small Grants.

All applications will open from February 16 to April 13, 2026, and will be reviewed in early May. 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.

Project due date – November 1, 2026
- May – November to complete projects

In partnership with

Neighbourhood Grants

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 2026

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.

Apply Today!

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

Neighbourhood Associations & Resources

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 604-557-1464.
To learn more about how you can become involved in building a vibrant and healthy neighbourhood, contact the Community Developer at 604-557-1464.

Featured Projects

"Making Gardening Accessible" sign for Neighbourhood Grant project in 2025

Making Gardening Accessible

Over 50 people learned about food security and were provided with free gardening supplies, thanks to West Coast Seeds and Devan Nursery.

Small soap creations for Neighbourhood Grant project in 2025

Soap Making & Social Lunch

Participants connected over shared lunch and storytelling while enjoying a hands-on soap making demo that sparked new community connections and interest in local activities.

A photo of smiling people sitting on lawn chairs from the Creekstone Neighbourhood Block Party for Neighbourhood Grant project in 2025

Creekstone Lane Neighbourhood Family Social

This free and inclusive neighbourhood gathering grew to over 100 attendees last year! Bringing neighbours together through live music, shared food, and community generosity... including food bank donations.

Hand made Polyglot tree from Cafe Franco for Neighbourhood Grant project in 2025

Café Franco: A Celebration of Language & Culture

Café Franco brought language to life with a vibrant Polyglot Tree, multilingual greetings, and delicious treats. Through food, prizes, and shared stories, the event celebrated multilingualism and sparked meaningful cross-generational connections.

stock image of child adding dirt to plotted plant

Bloom & Bond

Bloom and Bond brought kids and neighbours together for a feel good day of gardening, prizes, and teamwork. From cleaning up garden plots to beautifying the streets, the event sparked community pride, new skills, and stronger local connections.

Middle Schoolers holding hand made survival kits

Middle School Survival Kits

Ronan's team prepared "Middle School Survival Kits" for grade 5 grads! The survival kits included masks, school supplies, & other school essentials to help these future middle schoolers feel prepared & excited for their next big step!

Students at table with care packages

Nurse Care Packages

Maggies's team used their NSG grant to create "Nurse Care Packages" to show appreciation towards our hard working nurses! These care packages were designed to help nurses take time to improve their own health & wellness.

Mothers and daughters posing with artwork

Pre-Teen Mother Daughter Project

Rupinder's goal with this project was to provide an opportunity for mothers and pre-teen daughters to bond and connect meaningfully through engaging activities..