Burlington community groups could receive up to $10,000 in funding

If you are part of a Burlington community group that wants to enhance positive aspects of your neighbourhood, advance arts and culture, improve parks or green spaces or do something else locally beneficial, you could receive up to $10,000 in funding. 

Today (Oct. 23), the city announced that it’s accepting applications for the Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund (NCMF). This project could see eligible groups receive 50 per cent of their funding, up to a maximum of $10,000. 

According to the city, the neighbourhood or community group must match the funding with an equal contribution made up through any combination of volunteer hours, donated services, materials or supplies or other funds raised. 

As for what projects qualify, a report from the city says examples of eligible initiatives include enhancing a park or creating a gathering or meeting space, converting a space for alternate use to meet a community need, planting a communal garden on publicly-accessible land or protecting, restoring or educating people about natural resources and environmental initiatives. 

“The fund is to inspire community-led projects with a goal of improving neighbourhoods by creating a sense of belonging, community pride and building meaningful connections,” the city said in a news release. 

Projects can increase walkability, promote beautification, encourage recreational activity, build social connections and improve safety or accessibility. The city says the projects will be planned, led and implemented by the community in a public setting.

The project must also be open and inclusive, located within Burlington, adhere to any regulatory standards (such as those in place for playgrounds) and benefit the community. 

“There’s lots of opportunity for groups to come together to create something that the community needs,” said Denise Beard, senior manager of community development, in a statement.

“As a city, we often don’t know of the little things that can add a great deal of value to a favourite, local spot. This is where residents can have an impact, get involved and champion a change.”

Projects that are not eligible for funding include festivals and events, and the funding is not meant to be used to pay for staff (although consultation services may be hired using the funds), equipment (with some exceptions), existing programs or services, replicate similar projects, cover an organization’s operating costs if they’re not linked to the project, cover alcohol, tobacco or gambling expenses, support fundraising initiatives, purchase land or buildings, fund travel or accommodation-related costs, cover gaps from other funding sources or cover marketing or advertising. The funding is also not intended for education, health care or web development projects. 

Existing programs and services are not eligible for funding

The deadline for submissions is Feb. 29, 2024.

To learn more, click here.