Victorians love to build their communities together!
However, sometimes these community projects and events just don’t have enough money to help them fully come to fruition.
The City of Victoria announced on Friday January 20th that up to 36 community projects will be able to receive grant funding with more than $106,000 available from the My Great Neighbourhood Grants.
City Council voted to increase the budget for community projects in their council meeting on Thursday and now 2023 events will reap the benefits.
Mayor Marianne Alto shared her joy in the grant funding increase following the successful council vote.
“The My Great Neighbourhood Grant program is incredibly important during these times when community is coming together again,” said Mayor Alto.
“It is exciting to see residents start to reconnect with the goal of adding vibrancy and resiliency to their neighbourhoods.”
Beginning this year, Victoria will provide successful applicants with up to $7,500 for placemaking and resiliency projects and up to $1,500 for activities, matching contributions from the community. The city will also assist with costs to cover traffic control.
Last year the city granted up to $5,000 for placemaking and resiliency projects and only up to $1,000 for activities.
In 2022, this funding helped bring to life several murals, community art pieces, green space and food system projects as well as many community gatherings.
A call for applications will open in April for those seeking help funding their community-based projects and events.
Any not-for-profit organization, informal group or school can apply, however a sponsor is required for those without not-for-profit status.
City staff say they will be available to help residents through the application process.
