10 Mar Foundation invites proposals to transform public spaces

Sunshine Coast Foundation takes part in new Healthy Communities Initiative

The Sunshine Coast Foundation is facilitating access to nearly $1M in new funding. Grants are available to transform public spaces in response to COVID-19.

This funding is part of the Government of Canada’s new $31 million Healthy Communities Initiative. It supports community-led organizations in developing local, small-scale infrastructure projects that respond to the immediate needs arising from COVID-19, while building towards a more pandemic-resilient future. $1million from the fund is allocated to rural communities in British Columbia, including the Sunshine Coast.

“Public spaces are the glue of our communities: they enable feelings of belonging and of social cohesion,” said Foundation Board Chair Manjit Kang. “As the Sunshine Coast faces increased isolation due to COVID-19, the Healthy Communities Initiative will help our community to connect safely and benefit the mental and physical well-being of our residents.”

Until March 9^th, organizations are invited to apply for funding between $5,000 and $250,000 to lead projects that help create safe and vibrant public spaces, improve mobility options, or provide digital solutions to help their neighbourhoods or communities navigate the pandemic and recover from COVID-19. This could include projects that adapt crosswalks and access to public transport to allow for safe physical distancing, create community gardens and art installations, or provide free Wi-Fi in targeted public spaces. A variety of community-led organizations are eligible to apply, including local governments, charities, Indigenous communities, and registered non-profit organizations.

Applications for the rural region including the Sunshine Coast will be reviewed by a regional committee led by the Shuswap Community Foundation and Prince George Community Foundation.

The Sunshine Coast Foundation is working alongside Community Foundations of Canada, the Canadian Urban Institute, and other partners to serve communities across Canada.

The application period for the first round of funding closes on March 9, 2021 at 5:00PM PST. A second application period for funding will take place starting in May 2021.