We lead busy lives. We work hard and sometimes commute long distances. We have families to care for and errands to run. Who has time to connect with neighbours?
The benefits of connecting with one’s community are significant; when neighbours know and trust each other, people are healthier and happier, our children do better in school and in their social development, and community members support and look out for one another in times of stress or emergency.
Your Bowen Island Community Foundation’s Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program is based on a simple but powerful idea — that everyone is a valuable member of the community and that we all have something to share. NSG empowers community members to put their ideas into action by providing grants up to $500 for projects that make neighbourhoods better places to live.
Some examples of our NSGs from this past year: Bishop’s Hill Community Enhancement Bus Shelter Project by Laura FitzGerald; Spa Night/Offers and Needs Market (for Moms!) by Ashley Kwon; Support the Bees by Emiko Ando; Calming Traffic on Miller Road by Nova Pon; Speak the Spark Storytelling Workshop by Catriona Main; Fruit and Nut Tree Pruning Workshops by Elaine Cameron.
See these and others at https://bowenfoundation.com/r-nsg-project-stories-and-photos/
A neighbourhood is so much more than a geographically localized area. It is the place we call home, where our children play, and where we have the most invested financially and emotionally.
Building community increases our health and happiness, reduces social isolation, and builds networks of care for people who could use our help.
Do you have a great idea that will connect and engage neighbours? How about a neighbourhood block party? A beach clean-up? Skills and knowledge sharing? Art or music lessons? A sustainable gardening workshop? Storytelling sessions? A celebration of diversity? An event to connect to Indigenous culture and communities? An ethnic cooking night to prepare and share? A neighbourhood walking tour? A showcase of local history?
The deadline for applications is Saturday, November 30. Learn more and apply now at: https://bowenfoundation.com/neighbourhood-small-grants/
Have any questions? Contact Martina at [email protected] or 778-233-9631.
