Have an idea that would make your neighbourhood a better place to live? Turn your creative ideas into reality with help from a Neighbourhood Grant. Kelowna residents interested in planning a neighbourhood enhancing project for the fall season are encouraged to apply for a matching grant by Friday, June 7. New for June, applicants may apply for up to $1,500 to support their neighbourhood project, up from the previous $1,000.
“Even though the program supports small-scale neighbourhood-based projects, the increase from $1,000 to $1,500 will allow greater flexibility for creative neighbourhood enhancement projects and will help create social connections in Kelowna neighbourhoods,” said Tanya Sletten, Community Development Coordinator. “It allows for more money to go to the project as opposed to permits and insurance that they may also require.”
The Neighbourhood Grant is funded by Central Okanagan Foundation through the City of Kelowna’s Strong Neighbourhoods program. Last year, more than 400 residents participated in nine projects, including beautifying a back alley, creating a tile mosaic and planting a neighbourhood garden.
“Our project had a little bit of everything,” said Sara Thirnbeck, a 2018 grant recipient who helped beautify a boulevard in her Rutland neighbourhood. “Starting this project felt intimidating at first, but we really pulled together as a whole neighbourhood to make it happen piece by piece. The boulevard has become a point of connection and a topic of conversation.”
While residents can apply any time, funding is released three times per year and the next two intakes are on June 7 and Nov. 1.
Another opportunity for neighbourliness is Neighbour Day, coming up on Sunday, June 9. Celebrating its fourth year in Kelowna, Neighbour Day is an excellent opportunity to meet new neighbours, perform random acts of neighbourliness or hold a neighbourhood get-together.
Residents planning to participate in Neighbour Day can register their activity or event at kelowna.ca/neighbourhoods. While all registrants will receive a Neighbour Day package, those who register their Neighbour Day event by Friday, May 31 will also be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card to put towards their event, courtesy of Save-On-Foods.
In celebration of Neighbour Day, Outstanding Neighbour Nominations submitted by Monday, June 10 will be entered to win a prize as a thank you for the amazing contributions to your community.
For more information about the Neighbourhood Grant or Neighbour Day, visit kelowna.ca/neighbourhoods.