Neighbourhood Micro Grant Application

About St. Catharines Neighbourhood Micro Grants Program

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.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Applicants must be a resident-led group consisting of at least three (3) residents of the City of St. Catharines (not within the same household)
• If a component of the project includes the serving of food, one (1) group member must be a certified food handler OR be willing to participate in training to receive a Food Handler Certification
• Applicants must sign the City’s Volunteer Waiver Form
• Applicants must secure a Police Vulnerable Sector Check

Ineligible applicants include:

• Groups with all members living in the same household
• Non-profit organizations
• Individuals or for-profit businesses or ventures (including Business Improvement Areas)
• Political parties or organizations/groups with a specific political affiliation
• Religious or denominational organizations
• Industry, trade, or commercial associations
• Organizations with mandates from other levels of government (for example: universities, schools, and hospitals)
• Property owner/tenant and condominium corporations

Group Members

Your group must have a minimum of three members that do not live in the same household. All group members must be residents of St. Catharines.

About your Project

Project Location

Events and activities supported through the Neighbhourhood Micro Grants program must take place within the City of St. Catharines, hosted at a neighbourhood park or City-owned community centre. 

City-wide parks are exempt from the program.

City-wide parks include:

• Burgoyne Woods
• Montebello Park
• Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm
• Lester B. Pearson Park
• Lakeside Park
• Jaycee Gardens Park
• Sunset Beach

Project Timeline

The table below outlines the key dates associated with the Neighbourhood Micro Grants program. These dates are subject to change at the discretion of the Director of Community, Recreation and Culture Services.

Please enter details on your project's timeline:

Budget and Funding

Applicants may be awarded up to $1,500 per project.

Note: All events or activities taking place on City property will require a City issued permit. The fees related to the permit will follow the Council-approved rates and fees schedule.

All events or activities taking place on City property will require insurance. Neighbourhood groups may request to purchase insurance through the Corporation of the City of St. Catharines per the rates set by the City's third-party insurance provider. Further details can be found in the Neighbourhood Micro Grants Policy. 

Eligible use of funds

The following list outlines eligible costs:

• Project materials and supplies
• Insurance costs
• Community room rental fees
• Park permits
• Planning and development
• Interpretation and translation for events and communications
• Fundraising for community benefit (e.g. Food banks, local shelter’s, park or facility upgrades)

Ineligible use of funds

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
• Honourariums

Marketing and Outreach Plan

Community Engagement and Sustainability

Partners and Collaborators

Risk Management and Contingency Plans

Environmental Considerations

Evaluation and Measurement

All participants will be required to complete a final report following the completion of their project. The report will document the successes and challenges associated with the project, as well as a report of actual expenses incurred along with receipts. 

Evidence of Community Support

Include any letters of support or endorsements from community members, local businesses, or organizations that back your project.

Required Documentation

Please attach any additional documentation required, e.g., group member sign-up, insurance details, park permit applications, etc. 

Declaration

Privacy and Data Collection

The personal information entered on this form is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001. This information will be used to evaluate your eligibility for a Neighbourhood Micro Grant. Questions about the collection of personal information should be directed to the Community Initiatives Specialist at 905.688.5600 ext. 3145 or kcassano@stcatharines.ca. 

Questions specific to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act can be directed to the Office of the City Clerk at 905.688.5601 ext. 1517 or privacy@stcatharines.ca.