The Cochrane Foundation is inviting applications for its Neighbour Grants program to help people in Cochrane and Area implement their own small acts of community right in the neighbourhoods and communities where they live.

Focus Areas

• Engage People Creatively
  • Community-created street murals, multi-racial or ethnic arts festivals, and non-partisan discussion on the importance of voting
• Community Life Involvement
  • Book or tool-sharing libraries, new kinds of neighbourhood festivals, and skill-sharing events
• Build Gathering Spaces
  • Lush community gardens and other naturalized areas
• Neighbourhood Development
  • Resident-driven functional design, sustainability workshops and reconciliation-themed learning initiatives
• Foster Pride & Presence
  • Both cultural sharing events and achievement celebrations of local youth and seniors

Funding Information

• Offering up to $5,000 for project expenses.

Project Criteria

To qualify the project must:

• Inspire Leadership
  • Help people be leaders within the everyday life of their own communities.
• Form Strong Bonds
  • Form new or stronger connections between local people, groups, and organizations.
• Instill Belonging
  • Create or strengthen people’s sense of belonging and inclusion.

Eligibility Criteria

• Grants are for project expenditures that relate to building community capacity and leadership, active citizenship and community engagement.
• Maximum request is $5000.
• Grants are restricted to non-profit organizations and projects that benefit the residents of Cochrane and surrounding area.
• The foundation prefers projects that show support from other funding sources and collaboration.
• The foundation prefers projects that benefit the greatest community need.
• The foundation does not fund total project costs.
• Funding is not available for deficit financing or already accrued expenses.
• The foundation does not fund projects or events that require membership or charge a price for participation/entry.
• The foundation does not fund developer or condo associations.
• For-profit groups and individuals are ineligible for support.
• Applicants cannot hold two neighbour grants at one given time.

For more information, visit Neighbour Grants.