Neighbourhood Matching Fund

The Neighbourhood Matching Fund supports grassroots projects that address a community need in this city.

How do I apply?

Applications will be available starting Sept. 5, 2017. Closing date is Oct. 5, 2017 at 4 p.m. at the Community Services office at City Hall, 100 Regina St. S., Waterloo, ON.

The program overview offers details on eligibility criteria, match information, procedures and rating scale. 

Members of the Neighbourhood Matching Fund review committee are available by email or by phone at 519-886-1177 x. 27271 to discuss your project ideas and provide help with your application. The earlier you reach out, the more helpful we can be.

Who can apply?

• Community members who form a committee for the purpose of a specific project
• A community group that is already formed (i.e. a neighbourhood association)
• The applicant must have an open democratic membership and must actively seek involvement from area residents

Projects that focus on the arts, education, environment, history, public safety, place-making, community building or recreation are eligible for a grant.

Neighbourhood Matching Fund Information Session

Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.

Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, 101 Father David Bauer Dr., Waterloo Room 200

The session will start with a short presentation about the Neighbourhood Matching Fund and then attendees can talk one-on-one with staff and committee members about their projects and applications.

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Clair Hills Community Association Winter Classic

The Clair Hills Winter Classic is just one example of a successful community building event made possible with the help of the neighbourhood matching fund.

These are just a few of the many projects that have been funded

• MacGregor Albert Neighbourhood Association hosted a welcome student BBQ, gym night, a holiday party, a tour through Lucinda House and a neighbourhood potluck to celebrate its status as newly-formed neighbourhood association;
• Westvale Community Association held an outdoor movie night in its neighbourhood park;

• The Sunnydale Community Association created a gathering place for neighbours by expanding and improving their community garden;
• The Laurel Creek Neighbourhood Association used the grant to get their fledgling organization off the ground.  They created a website and newsletter to let people in the neighbourhood know that the Association had been formed and was ready to serve the community.
• Two local artists involved volunteers to create a mural on the side of a building, creating a piece of art for all to enjoy.

 Here are some other examples of projects that may be eligible for a grant:

• Existing community groups - such as a neighbourhood association or groups that form to work on a specific project
• New projects that need one-time funding
• Projects based in Waterloo in a neighbourhood or specific place
• Projects that are accessible and inclusive, and benefit the community
• Projects that will be completed in one year

Other information

This grant program gives grants of up to $3,000, which you must match. That means that for every $1 you request, you must put in at least $1 of cash or donated professional services or materials, or volunteer labour.

Please review the program overview for more information. 

Visit the neighbourhood matching fund blog for information on neighbourhood matching fund projects.