Apply for a Neighbourhood Operating Grant

Get up to $500 per year to support ongoing neighbourhood activities or events. 

This grant is for neighbourhood groups or residents who have been active for 2 years or more.

On this page:

1. Check if you can apply
2. Plan your application
3. What this grant supports
4. Get your budget ready
5. Apply year-round
6. Get help with your application

1. Check if you can apply

Operating grants support established neighbourhood groups and annual events.

You can apply if you are:

• an affiliated neighbourhood association that does not receive foundational funding
• a non-affiliated neighbourhood group
• 2 or more Waterloo residents from different addresses who plan an annual neighbourhood event

If you’re not sure, email neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca before you apply. 

2. Plan your application

Talk with your neighbours about what to include in your application.

Think about:

• what ongoing activities or events you want to support
• what costs you expect to have each year
• what other funding or grants you may already receive

You can apply for up to $500 each year to cover eligible operating costs.

3. What this grant supports

You can use this grant for regular, ongoing costs:

• supplies for recurring events
• meeting space rental fees
• email or website hosting
• outreach materials or printing
• other small operating expenses

This grant is not for:

• city-wide projects
• projects that are not neighbourhood-based
• non-profit organizations that are not neighbourhood groups

For details, read the Neighbourhood Grant Policy (PDF).

4. Get your budget ready

Before you apply, download and fill out the budget sheet (Excel) Include it with your application.

In your budget, include:

• total grant amount requested (up to $500)
• expected expenses and estimated costs
• any additional notes about expenses

5. Apply year-round

Apply online or email neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca at least 6 weeks before you need the funds. 

You can get funding once a year.

Include in your application:

• a short description of your group or event
• how the funding will support your neighbourhood activities
• your budget sheet (Excel)

The neighbourhoods team will review your application and follow up with next steps.

Apply for a Neighbourhood Operating Grant

Get help with your application

The neighbourhoods team can help you:

• develop your project idea
• confirm if it qualifies for funding
• prepare your application
• plan your neighbourhood project

Email neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca to get started.