City - Community Partnership Programs

There are several programs offered by the City of Vancouver which encourage and support community initiatives that strengthen community spirit and identity. The City of Vancouver also works together with citizens at the community level, through a wide range of programs and initiatives. Click on the links below for more information about these programs and more:

Artists in Communities Program (supports artists working in community contexts and encourages the development of a wide variety of interactions between artists and community members)
Block Parties (Engineering Services Film & Special Events webpage containing guidelines, important information and how to apply for a block party)
Book Awards (publishers and authors are eligible to apply for this annual award for books that demonstrate excellence and contribute to an appreciation and understanding of Vancouver’s history, unique character, or its residents)
Celebration Grants (offers a range of grant programs in support of the performing, visual, literary and media arts)
City Hall Lights Program (acknowledges significant cultural and religious dates that are celebrated by Vancouver's diverse communities)
Community Centre Associations (information can be obtained by contacting your local community centre)
Community Gardens (the Park Board will collaborate with interested groups in assisting the development of community gardens which are operated by volunteers from the community)
Community Gardens & the 2010 Challenge; Grow A Row, Share A Row Program (indulge your love for gardening and help citizens in need at the same time by becoming part of a new special community gardening initiative)
Community Services Grants (provide financial support to non-profit organizations to address social problems and bring about positive social change)
Community Visions Program & CityPlan (brings the community and the City of Vancouver together to help decide future directions for neighbourhoods)
Creative City (a project that will gather input from Vancouver citizens and its artists, arts administrators, and creative sector workers, to develop a 10-year Arts and Culture strategic plan for Vancouver)
Creative City Task Force (Council has directed the Task Force to work with the community to develop strategic recommendations on the City’s future role in arts and culture)
Cultural Grants (offers a range of grant programs in support of the performing, visual, literary and media arts)
Cultural Harmony Awards (recognizes individuals and organizations that display a significant and sustained commitment to the promotion of cultural harmony in our city)
Diversity & Multiculturalism in Vancouver (and the City of Vancouver's response)
Food Policy (an overview of the many projects and activities in which the Food Policy team and Vancouver Food Policy Council are engaged, including backyard chickens and urban bee-keeping!)
Get involved in your city! (the City of Vancouver offers a wide variety of programs and initiatives to help you get involved in your city)
Graffiti Management Program - Spread the Paint! (information for residents, businesses, property owners, community groups and artists)
Green Streets Program (personalize your neighbourhood, become a volunteer street gardener in your community!)
Greenways Program (helps to integrate nature into our urban landscape)
Keep Vancouver Spectacular - KVS (get involved in our annual neighbourhood cleanup program)
Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program ( NEPP) (a series of workshops that will provide residents with information, training and skills to help them through an emergency or disaster)
Neighbourhood Houses (a volunteer-driven, community based organization committed to enhancing neighbourhoods, and supported by the City of Vancouver and other community agencies)
Neighbourhood Matching Fund (promotes the development of community and builds neighbourhood connections)
ParkPartners (creating safer, cleaner and greener parks)
Public Art Program (the program is a planning framework which encompasses a variety of activities-public- and private-sector artist commissions, community art initiatives, and citizen donations of art work)
Public Involvement Program (providing opportunities for citizens to get involved and become informed about civic issues, and take part in civic decision-making processes)
Street Partnership Program (helps to beautify communities and create a 'green' city)
Volunteer Opportunities: Advisory Bodies (volunteering to become a member of an advisory body is one of the many ways residents can serve their fellow citizens, and contribute to the operations of the City of Vancouver)
Volunteer Opportunities: Vancouver Police Department (there are many ways you can get involved with your Vancouver Police Department and assist the VPD with its goal of making Vancouver the safest major city in Canada)
Volunteer Opportunities: Vantage Point (Vantage Point strives to match people who have the skills and time to give, with organizations who need their help)

Comments or questions? Send us e-mail at community@vancouver.ca