Apply for Funding
Community Placemaking Program
We invest in community-driven projects to collaboratively create and transform public spaces into vibrant, inclusive and thriving places. Our Community Placemaking Program provides up to $40,000 in funding for communities towards initiatives that foster positive social, economic and environmental impacts.
With the Community Placemaking Program, our primary goals are to:
- Support community-led initiatives that reflect local values and aspirations.
- Enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors by revitalizing public spaces.
- Promote equity, inclusivity, and sustainability in urban and rural environments.
- Strengthen local business and economic vibrancy.
- Foster social cohesion and community connection.
Types of Organizations we fund:
We welcome proposals that are led by any of the following organizations:
First Nations
Governments, bands, corporations controlled by First Nations
Local and Regional Governments
Municipalities, regional districts, and incorporated areas
Registered not-for-profit organizations and charities
- Local community-based organizations
- Economic development organizations
- Industry associations
- Regional and sectoral organizations
- Educational organizations and institutions
Project Eligibility
To be eligible for the Community Placemaking Program, projects must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be located in a central area of your community, where the public space can generate activity for multiple local businesses and organizations.
- Create or enhance a public space that will serves as a hub for community and local economic activity.
- Demonstrate community collaboration that aligns with local assets, strengths, and priorities – demonstrated through a feasible project plan with achievable goals, resourcing, and partnerships.
- Include a long-term sustainability plan, covering operations, programming, and maintenance.
Funding Application Guidelines
In line with our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan and our commitment to fostering inclusive economic development growth that enhances community wellbeing across our region, we have updated our Community Placemaking program.
Our Community Placemaking program has a straightforward application process that is outlined in the Funding Program Application Guide. Our work now focuses on supporting communities and organizations to develop successful project plans with foster long-term financial sustainability and community benefit.
In our guide, we share valuable insights into our program with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, including:
- How we commit to working with you to develop your project plan.
- Eligible and ineligible project examples to clearly demonstrate the program’s focus.
- How we make funding decisions focused on community wellbeing.
- How we support you with media outreach, community engagement, and project reporting.
Continuous Funding Intake
We take a collaborative approach. Rather than setting application deadlines, we work closely with you on the development of your project plan and application to ensure it meets your community’s needs and maximizes impact.
Our staff will review completed applications and fulfill their due diligence responsibilities to make a recommendation for funds to be approved. Through the course of the project review process, we maintain transparency, ask questions, and identify components of the project that may need additional development, or work with you to mitigate project-related risks.
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received. If we receive more proposals than our annual program funding budget allows, we will assess and prioritize projects based on each project’s readiness to proceed, alignment with the program’s objectives, community need, and their potential to deliver the greatest impact.
Working in Collaboration With You
We invite you to conctact us before you begin an application. By sharing your plan with us early, we can work in collaboration with you to develop a successful funding application together.
We are available by phone, video conference, and we are also happy to meet in-person, often traveling to your community to speak with you. Please reach out for more information or to begin your application process.
Hilary Muth
Special and Rural Projects Coordinator
250-871-7797
hilary@islandcoastaltrust.ca
