Neighbourhood Activation Fund guidelines

The Neighbourhood Activation Fund is a strategic tool to achieve the City’s social, economic and cultural goals. These funding guidelines represent a partnership with community-based organizations that contribute significantly to the goals concerning community capacity, equitable access, well-being, diversity, civic participation and civic cohesion.

The program framework is based on three key themes:

  • Create opportunities at the neighbourhood level.
  • Connect and strengthen relationships between neighbours by creating more ways to connect and encouraging new and diverse connections.
  • Innovate at the community level.

To align with the Waiver of Fees Policy, eligible programs/recipients include:

  • A not-for-profit or an organization that operates for the betterment of the community (e.g., neighbourhood association, service club, special interest club and arts/culture groups).
  • Classroom education/training specifically designed to improve the skills of volunteers, recreation professionals, coaches and trainers.
  • Applicants in good financial standing with the City of Kingston and whose mandate aligns with the City’s priorities.
  • Programs and services that are sustainable with appropriate governance/oversight and are open to the entire community.
  • Programs and services being offered to the public for free.

The majority of the City’s cultural grants are administered at arm’s length through the City of Kingston Arts Fund (CKAF); however, the Community Development Department can provide financial investments in culture through the Neighbourhood Activation Fund. Funding an applicant’s request depends on the event’s alignment with the City of Kingston Strategic Priority of Fostering a Caring and Inclusive Community.

Impact Report upon completion of the event

Fund recipients will be asked to provide measurable and practical examples of how the needs of your population are better-met thanks to the Neighbourhood Activation Fund. Consider the following questions:

  • How many people came to the event?
  • Did it make the impact you anticipated?
  • Did the project come in on budget?

The Community Development Coordinator will work with fund recipients to complete the Impact Report.