The Neighbourhood Micro Grants pilot project seeks to support grassroots initiatives within the City of St. Catharines that aim to improve the social, economic, and cultural well-being of local neighbourhoods.
All projects supported through this program must be free and accessible, hosted at a city-owned park or facility, and be either a one-time event or a series of events taking place within a maximum of a one-month period.
Approved applicants may be awarded between $500 and $1,500 per project. The grant awarded to each applicant is at the discretion of the Special Event Fee Reduction Task Force.
Application Periods
Applications for projects taking place between Dec. 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025, will be accepted from July 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2024.
Apply beginning July 1, 2024:
Applications for projects taking place between June 1, 2025, and Nov. 30, 2025, will be accepted from Jan. 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Applicants who receive funding through the Neighbourhood Micro Grants program will be responsible for the event setup and cleanup to ensure the municipal facility is left in the same condition as when the applicant took possession.
The applicant must also comply with the standard terms and conditions as stated in the rental permit issued by the City.
Eligible and Ineligible Use of Funds
The following list outlines eligible costs:
- Project materials and supplies
- Insurance costs
- Community room rental fees
- Park permit fees
- Planning and development
- Interpretation and translation for events and communications
- Fundraising for community benefit (e.g. Food banks, local shelters, park or facility upgrades)
Requests for the following purposes are not eligible for consideration:
- Fundraising events for personal gain / use
- Donations to charitable causes
- Reserve funds
- Capital costs
- Debt repayment
- Political or religious activities
Frequently Asked Questions
|
Who can apply? |
| A group consisting of a minimum of three St. Catharines residents, not living within the same household. |
| Do applicants have to get a park permit, rent a community room, or obtain insurance? |
| Yes, however, these fees are considered eligible costs and can be accommodated through the project funding. |
| Can we use funds to cover capital costs associated with the project? |
| No, capital costs are not considered an eligible expense under the policy. |
| Do groups have to get insurance for one-day events? |
| Yes, all projects approved through the Neighbourhood Micro Grants pilot project must secure insurance. These fees are considered eligible costs and can be accommodated through the project funding. |
| When can I apply? |
| Applications for projects taking place between Dec. 1 and May 31 must be submitted between July 1 and Sept. 30. Projects taking place between June 1 and Nov. 30 must be submitted between Jan. 1 and March 31. |
| Can my project be in a City-wide park? |
| No, projects cannot take place in city-wide parks. City-wide parks include Burgoyne Woods, Montebello Park, Happy Rolph's Animal Farm, Lester B. Pearson Park, Lakeside Park, Jaycee Gardens Park and Sunset Beach. |