Applications are now open for the 2024 Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program in Squamish, offering residents up to $500 to fund community-building initiatives. The application window runs from April 1 to April 28.
Backed by the Vancouver Foundation and the District of Squamish since 2017, the program by Squamish Community Foundation empowers individuals and informal groups to launch grassroots projects that foster connection, belonging, and community engagement. Since its local inception, more than 200 projects have received support.
In 2024 alone, $17,195 was awarded to a variety of initiatives, including a neighbourhood bike crawl, a community barbeque, Capture the Flag tournaments, a 2SLGTBQIA+ celebration concert, kids’ nature yoga, and an adaptive mountain biking event.
“It felt amazing to see relationships form over the weekend with all the new faces,” said Josh, organizer of the Capture the Squamish Flag event. “Many who met last year came back and brought even more people. It’s very rewarding.”
Another recipient, Holly, who organized the bike crawl, reflected on the project’s impact: “It created a way for people to connect and enjoy each other’s company in a playful, fun, and novel way.”
Since its provincial launch in 1999, the NSG program has helped foster stronger, more inclusive communities across B.C. by supporting small-scale local projects such as community gardens, book exchanges, and cultural events.
“Obviously, it’s lovely to hear all the positive things about progressing as a rider, feeling supported, having so much fun with a group of other female disabled riders learning together,” said Sierra, organizer of the adaptive mountain biking session.
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