The Community Spirit Grant is open to any Sturgeon County resident who has an idea for a project within Sturgeon County that supports community building, inclusion or addresses neighbourhood social change. This can be done in a variety of ways such as folk schools, community art projects (murals, showcases), enhancing or creating neighbourhood gathering places (maybe getting creative with some unused space in your neighbourhood), community building initiatives and events (harvest dinners, winter skates, family dances, etc.), community lending projects, little free libraries, or tool lending.
Applicants are eligible for up to $1,500 in grant funding for your neighbourhood, based on project need, as well as administrative support on permits, help with advertising, one-on-one planning meetings and recommendations to enhance project sustainability, as well as additional supplies (activity bags, lawn games, board games, canopies), if needed.
The project must:
- Promote community spirit and pride of community assets and space or create educational opportunity and/or community awareness;
- Provide public benefit to your neighbourhood within Sturgeon County that enhances shared public spaces or creates a learning environment that strengthens community spirit;
- Involve community members in creating and completing the project;
- Be completed and sustained by the community;
- Foster connection and sustain positive community relations;
- Demonstrate that there is community support for the project.
Eligible applicants
Applicants* must be residents of Sturgeon County. Two applicants, not from the same household, must apply together if you are not on behalf of a nonprofit association. For folk schools, the host and facilitator would be the applicants.
*The recipient receiving the funding must be over 18 yrs of age and will be responsible for signing the application, receiving the funds and completing the final reporting.
Note: Events primarily religious in nature are not eligible. Schools and businesses are not eligible. If you’re unsure whether your project qualifies, we encourage you to call to discuss eligibility.
Eligible activities include but are not limited to: harvest dinners, winter skates, cultural workshops, group art projects.
Be creative! If you have an idea that isn’t on our list, please contact the Community Development Supervisor to discuss your idea prior to completing the application. Applications will be considered throughout the calendar year, based on available funding.
If you have any questions, please email fcss@sturgeoncounty.ca or call 780-939-8336.
Reporting
Successful applicants will be required to complete the accountability report once the project is complete.
Invoices/receipts will be required. All unspent money will need to be resubmitted or used for another community project upon approval.