Neighbourhood Small Grants: a tool to help us respond to COVID-19
This is an unprecedented time for all of us — but challenging times have a way of bringing out the best in West Coasters.
Neighbourhood Small Grants are based on a simple but powerful idea: when people feel a sense of connection and belonging to their neighbourhood, they are more likely to be engaged in activities that make it a better place to live. While COVID-19 has changed the way we can gather as neighbours, the underlying importance of connection and community service has never been greater.
The original plan was to accept and evaluate NSGs through March and April, but we realize that many of your earlier ideas (involving in-person events) aren’t possible right now. However, the NSG program is innovative and able to adapt to community needs. We plan to use NSG to help our community in the short term- but what this looks like exactly, we’re not sure yet! We’re currently researching how similar programs are innovating under this new public health reality and we know our community members will have great ideas as well. Here’s our working plan:
- Postpone the spring (“green grants”) round of NSG and offer a full environmental-themed NSG program later in the year
- Reach out to our partner organizations and community members to continue brainstorming how NSG can help (maybe it’s a virtual gathering, maybe it’s a grocery delivery program… there are many possibilities!)
- Keep the online application form open this spring and evaluate ideas on a rolling basis over the coming weeks/months
Remember, social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation! If you have an idea for how NSG can help our community respond to COVID-19, reach out to brooke@clayoquotbiosphere.org or call her at 250-725-8227!