Neighbourhood Matching Fund

The Neighbourhood Matching Fund provides support for community groups to build community and neighbourhood connections while enhancing parks or other public spaces. 

Application inquiries open on March 15, 2021. If interested, you must contact staff by email: nmf@vancouver.ca or phone: 604-713-1869 by April 23, 2021 to discuss your project eligibility before applying. 

New criteria in response to COVID-19

For the spring 2021 applications, Neighbourhood Matching Fund is able to support community arts and culture projects only, in Vancouver Parks, community centres, and on publicly accessible digital platforms. 

   Eligible ​​​​​​​ Ineligible
Locations
  • Vancouver parks
  • Community centres
  • Digital platforms
  • Streets
  • Private property
Activities
  • Co-designing and creating a collaborative zine, poetry booklet, collection of recipes, storytelling podcast, virtual play, talent show, or other digital projects
  • Developing historical or cultural or nature-based self-guided neighbourhood walk with maps, digital resources, or identification guide
  • Improving or updating existing murals and sculptures
  • New outdoor sculptures or art installations 
  • In-person community events and gatherings (for example parades, seasonal celebrations, etc.)
  • One-time neighbourhood event or workshop that is not documented
  • Establishing, upgrading or restoring  community gardens, garden expansions, or green spaces
  • Murals on private property
  • Standard items that are a regular part of the Vancouver Park Board’s operation such as playgrounds, park benches, and other manufactured equipment

Neighbourhood Matching Fund

By City of Vancouver

 

  • Indigenous Garden at Britannia Carving Pavilion

    By City of Vancouver

  • Still Creek Street Murals

    By City of Vancouver

  • Beehive at Dunbar Community Centre

    By City of Vancouver

  • Container Mural at Pine Street Community Garden

    By City of Vancouver

  • "How you can help the bees" zine by Cloudscape Comics

    By City of Vancouver

  • Local fibre growth, weaving, and education at China Creek North Park

    By City of Vancouver

The Neighborhood Matching Fund is not a grant.

Community groups are awarded funds for project expenses based on a matching value of volunteer labour, in-kind donations, or cash support.

About the Neighbourhood Matching Fund

Neighbourhood Matching Funds projects involve the creation of innovative and lasting work for community enjoyment and use. These projects express something unique about the neighbourhood.

Applications are accepted twice annually in the spring and fall. 

The Vancouver Park Board can provide funds up to $10,000 to match volunteer time and donated contributions from the community.

Projects must actively involve the local community and build neighborhood connections. Examples of community participation include:

  • Participatory installation
  • Collaborative painting 
  • Cultural knowledge sharing 
  • Design and learning workshops

What creative ideas do you and neighbours have? Contact Neighbourhood Matching Fund staff to discuss your project for eligibility at nmf@vancouver.ca or 604-713-1869.

Spring 2021

  For the spring 2021 call for applications, we will only be able to support projects taking place in Vancouver parks or virtual projects that have a strong community focus.    

Eligibility confirmation deadline April 23, 2021
Application deadline April 30, 2021
Decisions made Early June 2021
Project start Summer/fall 2021

Applications will not be considered unless you contact staff in advance and receive approval to apply.

Resources

Equity in parks and recreation

Starting great conversations to address historical inequities.

Previous projects

View previous Neighbourhood Matching Fund projects in ArtFinder.

Make an outdoor mural

Interested in creating a mural in your community? Apply for paint supplies and support for your outdoor mural.

Suggested artist fees

Artist fees vary from project to project and it is ultimately up to the artist you work with. Artists with different levels of experience may have different rates for service. Some may choose to waive their fee.

We encourage you to support paying artists for their valuable services.

View suggested artist fees (Section C.1 - C.3, Canadian Artists Representation Copyright Collective website)

Contact Neighbourhood Matching Fund programmers

Mailing address
Neighbourhood Matching Fund
Vancouver Park Board
2099 Beach Ave
Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4

Phone: 604-713-1869

nmf@vancouver.ca