Neighbourhood Small Grants Network

Do you have an idea that connects your neighbours? Apply for up to $500 and bring your project or event idea to life! All communities in British Columbia are invited to apply. To get you inspired, here are some ideas of NSG Projects from one of our communities: - food share gardens... - candle making - tea & poetry - environmental film & discussion - virtual cooking classes - and more!! Find your NSG Community and apply today: https://neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca/communities/ The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #nsgnetwork #beyondtheblockparty

Our next R-NSG story comes from Central Vancouver. The Brewery Creek Food Share Stand was created by Project Leaders Jaymie and Jeremy last summer as a space to share extra produce from the Brewery Creek Community Garden to other gardeners and people in the community. Supported by Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House Little Mountain Neighbourhood House the NSG and Vancouver's Greenest City Small Grants, the stand "is a removable structure that attaches onto the entry posts into... the garden. It is comprised of two shelves covered by a roof and has accompanying signage." wrote Jaymie "Some of the main considerations for the stand was: that it could be removed in the winter (to prevent damage); it was small: and it’s shape discouraged other items from being left on or near the shelf (ie. books, clothes). "The feedback from the stand was overwhelmingly positive; people liked that there was a way to share with their neighbours and with the local community. They thought this set a good tone for what principles the garden believed in." The stand is currently safely stored until it's harvest season once again; Jaymee and Jeremy are excited to bring it out again, and begin connecting with neighbours over harvest once more. One of their goals is to share this concept with other gardeners, interested neighbours and NSG folx. For more details and to get in touch with Jaymie & Jeremy visit: https://www.brewerycreekgarden.com/ Thank you for sharing your NSG story with us, and we're excited to hear about the success of the Food Share Stand this summer! The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation City of Vancouver - Local Government Vancouver's Greenest City Initiative #greenestcitynsg #nsgnetwork #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #beyondtheblockparty #nsgstories

Neighbourhood Small Grants is based on a simple but powerful idea that the best people to bring a community together are the ones within it. Grants are given to anyone with an idea to contribute to their community no experience necessary! Apply today: www.neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca

Do you live in the city of Vancouver, and have a great green idea that also connects your neighbours? The Greenest City NSG is for you! In partnership with the @CityofVancouver the Greenest City NSG offers up to $500 to Vancouver neighbours who are interested in: creating zero waste, improving access to nature, clean air and water, growing local food, and more! Great project ideas include:... - Little seed / plant libraries - Rain barrel installation workshops - Planting food within community gardens - Repair-it workshops Learn more about the Greenest City NSG and apply today: https://neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca/o/greenest-city-grants/ Vancouver Foundation The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC #nsgnetwork #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #greenestcitynsg #greenestcity #beyondtheblockparty

Do you have an idea that connects your neighbours? Apply for up to $500 and bring your project or event idea to life! All communities in British Columbia are invited to apply. The Neighbourhood Small Grants is based on a simple but powerful idea that the best people to bring a community together are the ones within it. Grants are given to anyone with an idea to contribute to their community no experience necessary. We believe everyone has something to offer. Learn more or a...pply for a Neighbourhood Small Grant today! www.neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation #nsgnetwork #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #beyondtheblockparty

Our next R-NSG project comes from North Surrey. Project Leader Akshaya, his wife Priyadarsini and two other families organized a Care Package Project for members of their community. Akshaya and Priyadarsini usually support their neighbourhood through participating in community events, but in response to the pandemic, shifted their way of connecting to their community. Supported by Oak Avenue Neighbourhood Hub Society and the NSG, 40 care packets were delivered to the Lookout ...Shelter at Guilford, in Surrey. Each package contained food, toiletries, a reusable cloth and hand sanitizer. "This was our first NSG project this year" wrote Akshaya "we look forward to getting more ideas to support our own community in near future." Thank you Akshaya and Priyadarsini for sharing your project story, and we are excited to hear what your NSG future holds! The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #nsgnetwork #beyondtheblockparty #nsgstories

Our next R-NSG project comes from North Vancouver, the Porcupine Lane Positive Project was organized by 11 year old Sydnee, in response to social isolation in her neighbourhood. Beside Sydnee's house there is a short path her family likes to call "Porcupine Lane", because there are a lot of prickle bushes growing beside the trail. A lot of people like to walk their dogs down the path. Supported by North Shore Neighbourhood House, the NSG and her parents, Sydnee's cleaned ou...t a section of the prickle bushes and decorated the fence with art, encouraging messages, and quotes. Thank you for sharing your photos with us Sydnee and congratulations on the success of your Porcupine Lane Positive Project, it's beautiful! The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation #nsgstories #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #nsgnetwork #beyondtheblockparty

Our next R-NSG Project Story comes from East Vancouver, a socially distanced scavenger hunt organized by Amanda (rockmonsterfriends). Supported by Kiwassa Neighbourhood House Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House and the NSG, the Rock Monster Hunt project took place on a rainy day in August. Despite the downpour, the event was a huge success with 45 people participating, and connections made throughout the day. Amanda is a children's author and wro...te a book called Rock Monsters, which "helps explain COVID-19 to children and talks about washing your hands, thanking essential workers, keeping our bodies healthy, calling loved ones and spreading joy" explained Amanda. Running with the theme of her book, Amanda used "rock monsters [for] the scavenger hunt and it was a great success. Everything was safe, outside and socially distant, and families formed teams, so they stayed together without the need to get too close to others. There were rhyming clues and tasks to complete. Families worked their way through the games clues and passwords at their own pace. They were looking different coloured rock monsters along the way. There were prizes and snacks hidden around the neighborhood and many were donated by local businesses. Thank you for sharing your story Amanda and thank you to all the local businesses who supported this project! Sal Y Limón Bakery Sate Circus Play Cafe Bandidas Taqueria Osteria Savio Volpe Earnest Ice Cream Paul's Place Omelettery The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation #nsgstories #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #nsgnetwork #beyondtheblockparty

Another great R-NSG project! This time in East Vancouver, a virtual scavenger hunt, connecting community in fun. #repost Vancouver Foundation The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC #nsgnetwork #beyondtheblockparty #nsgstories #neighbourhoodsmallgrants

Our next NSG Project Story comes from Burnaby! In response to social isolation and loneliness, project leader Lan decided to create Mini Fairy Garden kits for her neighbours. "I [wanted] to bring a little fun and beauty into my neighbours' lives]" wrote Lan. "This mini fairy garden project was a huge hit with the kids in my neighbourhood [and] I was able to make 20 mini fairy garden kits. Every kit was a little different from each other, with shiny pebbles, sand or rocks of ...different colours, popsicle or stir sticks, moss, acorns, fairies, a teacup or coffee mug, [and much more!] We added succulent plants to our gardens, I felt it was a low maintenance plant for beginners." Supported by BNH North House, BNH South House and the NSG, Lan organized a Facebook Group (link below) and instructional videos for the kids who received kits, and she had Zoom calls with them to get their Fairy Gardens going. "I’m very happy with how beautiful everyone’s work turned out. With each person’s creative imagination, each kit was used to create a unique mini garden. The neighbourhood got to enjoy each other’s work, which gave us great joy when we saw each other’s gardens". Thank you Lan for sharing your story and photos! If you're interested in learning more about the Mini Fairy Garden Project check-out the social media accounts below: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/642009739996777 Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/mini.fairy.gardens/ The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation #nsgstories #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #beyondtheblockparty

Our next R-NSG Project Story comes from the Westend in Downtown Vancouver. The Art for Heart project led by Geetanjali, gathered folks from the community in a virtual art workshop. Geetanjali recently moved to Vancouver in December of 2019. The Responsive Neighbourhood Small Grants program provided Geetanjali with the opportunity to serve [her] new home and its people. Supported by Gordon Neighbourhood House and the NSG, professionally trained as a teacher and a lifelong ...artist Geetanjali applied to host an online art class. I live alone in Vancouver and am eager to connect with other people who might be alone and are in need of support and mental escape in this tough time, Geetanjali explained, I find art to be therapeutic, and want to share it. Over Zoom video chat sessions the participants bonded and painted together. It was a wonderful experience connecting with them and doing some amazing art, she remarked. We had three zoom sessions on three Sundays. What started out as eight strangers who are now friends and fellow artists. it was a great experience for all. Thank you Geetanjali for sharing your story and we hope you apply for an NSG grant again! The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #nsgnetwork #beyondtheblockparty #nsgstories

The Metro Vancouver Program Partners met last week, and showed off some of your R-NSG projects! We love to see all the creative ideas you've had during this different time, and thought some of them may inspire you too. Have projects to share? Send them our way to: [email protected] The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #nsgstories #beyondtheblockparty

Let’s play 20 Questions!! Jackie will be hosting Let’s Talk NSG tonight, Sept 30, from 7-9pm. Logon to join the fun and get to know other NSG Project Leaders! When: Wednesday, Sept 30 7-9pm Who: Anyone interested in the NSG! Where: Project Leader Connections FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/nsgprojectleaderconnections... How: Join the PLC Group before the session to ensure you get in The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #nsgnetwork #letstalknsg

Inspiring R-NSG project! The NSG has kept our communities connected during this year of isolation, you’re all bringing hope to our neighbourhoods.

We are excited to share that long-time NSG Project Leader and Grants Committee Volunteer, Amie Peacock, was recently interviewed by Stephen Quinn on the CBC Early Edition! Amie founded Beyond The Conversation, an organization that proactively provides social resources and events needed to change the landscape of social isolation and loneliness. Amie spoke to Stephen about the importance of addressing isolation and loneliness always, but especially during the time we're livin...g in now. Congratulations Amie, thank you for all the amazing work you do for our community! Have a listen to the interview below: https://www.cbc.ca//cl/15802180-loneliness-election-issue BeyondThe Conversation The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #nsgnetwork #BeyondTheConversation

We have news to share with the NSG Network! For the first time ever applications will be accepted in the Fall, and those projects will have until March 15, 2021 to complete. This means that winter holiday, New Years and Valentines projects can happen for the first time! Each Metro Vancouver community has different Fall 2020 application deadlines view them here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/gk0ml/NSGDeadlines_Fall2020.docx Apply this weekend, and get your Fall/Winter NSG projec...ts going! www.neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca As always, if you have any questions reach out to your community's Program Coordinator or email us at [email protected]. The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #nsgnetwork

Our next R-NSG Project Story comes from the neighbourhood of Hastings Sunrise in Vancouver. Project Leader Myriam organized a pole painting gathering in the heart of her industrial neighbourhood. Supported by Kiwassa Neighbourhood House Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House and the NSG, Myriam and her crew of painters gathered in the summer to beautify their community. "We wanted a statement that was clear we are a queer friendly and inclusive n...eighbourhood, and we wanted the poles to reflect that. We asked queer artists in Vancouver to come paint, something that represented community for them." The impact the poles have had on that corner of the neighbourhood is exciting! "Doing the project was a beautiful thing for us in this particular time. It allowed us to get together, but in a safe way. There was a community feel. For our neighbourhood it’s a really interesting intersection on our streets, it’s become a gathering place for our area! It’s small, but it’s brought joy to our industrial community." Thank you for sharing your story Myriam, and we hope that this project will continue to blossom as a gathering place for you and your neighbours! The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation #nsgstories #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #beyondtheblockparty #nsgnetwork

The next Let's Talk NSG session with Yunuen from Burnaby is tomorrow, Thurs Sept 24! Logon between 12-2pm to chat about the book Deepening Community - Finding Joy in Chaotic Times by Paul Born (link below). Come for conversation, leave with connections! When: Thursday, Sept 24 12-2 pm Who: Anyone interested in the NSG! What: Deepening Community Book by Paul Born -http://www.deepeningcommunity.org/... Where: Project Leader Connections Group -https://www.facebook.com/groups/nsgprojectleaderconnections How: Join the PLC Group before the session to ensure you get in The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #nsgnetwork #letstalknsg

Our next NSG Project Story comes from Kitsilano, Vancouver. Maya, a grade 10 student is a second time NSG grant recipient and project leader. Supported by Kits House and the NSG, this summer she led virtual workshops teaching other teens in her community the art of sashiko, Japanese visible mending. The four participants and Maya met throughout July, and their work is astounding! In preparation for the workshop sessions, Maya put together kits for each of the participants to... pick-up and use throughout the time together. The five teens met over three sessions to talk about the history, technique and design of sashiko. All of them were fairly new to the art-form and "it was a friendly and stress-free learning environment" for them. By the end of the sessions they had all "completed a sashiko design, which was the product of [their] creativity and hard work." When Maya completed the workshops she put together a beautiful video showcasing the group's learning, creating and connecting. The video will surely inspire many others to explore the art of sashiko, and the joy of connecting virtually during this time of Covid-19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYSgUkSKj2I&feature=youtu.be Thank you Maya for sharing your R-NSG story with us, and for the great work you're doing within your community! The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #nsgnetwork #beyondtheblockparty

Check your inboxes, the NSG Network News is out today! This month's e-news has exciting updates and inspiring stories, also ways to connect with the NSG community more regularly. If you haven't subscribed to our monthly e-news, have a read here: https://mailchi.mp//nsg-network-news-stories-conversations The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #beyondtheblockparty #nsgnetwork

Our next NSG Project Story comes from North Surrey. The Fundamentals of Sketching, hosted by Hong Liang Zou, led eight people through a virtual art workshop. Starting with a warmup and technique practice, Hong Liang guided participants through discovering real life study, human hand anatomy and watercolour painting. I decided to start this project as a way to bring friends and family together, to do something during quarantine, as a way to spend time together [safely]. Tha...nk you for sharing your story and work Hong Liang, as well as Oak Avenue Neighbourhood Hub Society for supporting this project! The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #nsgnetwork #beyondtheblockparty

Join our Let's Talk NSG session with Jackie from South Vancouver today! Logon between 4-6 pm today to chat about all things NSG in the Project Leader Connections Facebook Group. Come for conversation, leave with connections! When: Saturday, Sept 12 4-6 pm Who: Anyone interested in the NSG!... Where: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nsgprojectleaderconnections How: Join the PLC Group before the sessions to ensure you get in The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #nsgnetwork #letstalknsg

Our monthly e-newsletter will be coming out next week! Subscribe to get regular NSG Network news, resources and stories. Hear from project leaders, coordinators and volunteers from all over Metro Vancouver, and beyond. Already a subscriber? Invite other NSG community members to get the e-news too. Click the link to subscribe: https://anhbc.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe... Read our first e-news: https://mailchi.mp/1/nsg-network-news-stories-conversations #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #nsgnetwork #nsgnews #beyondtheblockparty The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation

Our next NSG Project Story comes from Richmond. The Unsung Hero project, organized by Christina and her kids, delivered care packages to healthcare workers in their community. Supported by Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives and the NSG, they collected artwork from 50 families and delivered 124 packages to frontline workers in both community health centres and hospitals. They wanted all healthcare workers to know they are appreciated, and gave packages to not only nurses and doct...ors, but also custodial staff, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists and office administrators. Thank you Christina for sharing your story and connecting families in your community, with the heroic frontline workers in Richmond! #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #nsgnetwork #beyondtheblockparty The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation

Our next Let's Talk NSG sessions are coming up! Join Yunuen & Jackie as they chat about all things NSG in the Project Leader Connections Facebook Group. Come for conversation, leave with connections! When: Thursday, Sept 3 12-2pm (Yunuen, Burnaby) & Saturday, Sept 12 4-6pm (Jackie, South Vancouver) Who: Anyone interested in the NSG!... Where: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nsgprojectleaderconnections How: Join the PLC Group before the sessions to ensure you get in! The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #nsgnetwork #letstalknsg

Our next NSG Project Story comes from Kitsilano in Vancouver. The Giving Project, organized by Jeanette, invited folks in the neighbourhood to share messages and drawings of hope in chalk in front of their homes. Over two days this summer nearly 55 people participated, met their neighbours on their block, and connected in a way that they may have not before. "The response was very positive and the activity was a lot of fun - many neighbours came out and watched or talked to ...stranger neighbours with social distancing." wrote Jeanette "Other people from other blocks also came by and encouraged and complimented the participants. Some of the elderly neighbours who could not get on their knees invited some of the neighbourhood kids to express something creative in front of their homes." Through the support of Kits House and the NSG, The Giving Project was able to connect 50+ people during a time of isolation and documented the project through a beautiful video. Thank you Jeanette for sharing! The Association of Neighbourhood Houses of British Columbia - ANHBC Vancouver Foundation #neighbourhoodsmallgrants #nsgnetwork #nsgstories #beyondtheblockparty https://vimeo.com/448730946