It could have a big impact on neighbourhoods and benefit the community.
That’s how some on council recently described an opportunity for the Delta Foundation to team up with the Vancouver Foundation in the Neighborhood Small Grants Program. The City of Delta would also participate.
“The only cost is having staff cut a cheque,” explained Coun. Bruce McDonald.
Founded by the Ladner Rotary in 1986, the Delta Foundation provides financial support to charitable and non-profit organizations and to graduating Delta students through scholarships and bursaries.
The Neighbourhood Small Grants Program grants up to $500 for individual projects that connect and engage neighbours. A letter by the Delta Foundation to council notes the Vancouver Foundation will match any money contributed by Delta, and that the Delta Foundation is willing to contribute $5,000 annually toward a Neighborhood Small Grants Program pool. Grants from $50 to $500 would then be given to support projects that bring people together to build community.
The city’s role would be to receive and distribute the money.
Applications for grants would be made to a committee made up of local neighbourhood volunteers, as well as the Delta Foundation and possibly someone from the city’s parks and recreation department.
McDonald noted grants could be handed out for such projects as community benches or for gatherings.
A report on the proposal will be discussed at council on Monday.
