2024 Toronto microgrants Q&A

GENERAL

1. How can I ask the team questions about my application or idea?

First, please make sure to read this Q&A. 

If you have more detailed questions than the ones found below, here are the options to ask us questions about your application.

  • On Thursday, March 28, Park People will host a webinar to answer any questions about the microgrant and application process. Please sign up here.
  • We will also host coaching calls from Monday, March 18, 2024, to Monday, April 22, 2024. Use this link to schedule a call: https://calendly.com/sparkingchange_pp. Please note that Park People staff are unavailable on weekdays during the weekend or after 5 pm EST. Appointments are subject to availability.
  • Drop-in to our weekly recurring Wednesday and Friday Zoom rooms anytime from 12-1 pm EST starting Wednesday, March 20 and ending Friday, April 19, 2024.
  • If you cannot join us for any of the above, we will happily answer your questions via email. Please email your questions to the Toronto Program team at grants@parkpeople.ca

2. How many microgrants will be granted?

30 applications across the city of Toronto will be granted with a microgrant. The microgrant distribution is planned as such but may be subject to change:

  • 10 InTO the Ravines Microgrants ($1,500)
  • 10 Sparking Change Microgrants ($1,500)
  • 10 Getting Started Microgrants ($500)

3. What is the difference between the three Toronto microgrants?

This year, Park People will offer 3 microgrants: 

  • $ 1,500 InTO the Ravines microgrants for community groups based in Toronto interested in or already working in their local ravines alongside communities facing barriers to access ravine spaces. 
  • $ 1,500 Sparking Change Toronto microgrants for Toronto-based community groups, associations, and/or organizations looking to host an event to unite communities in their local park or green space. Priority will be given to BIPOC and equity-deserving communities. 
  • $ 500 Getting Started microgrants for Toronto-based groups newer to hosting community events in their local parks or green spaces or wishing to host a smaller-scale event. 

Please note: The Getting Started Microgrants are intended as a low-barrier opportunity.  We kindly request that groups choosing to apply for the Getting Starting Microgrants not apply for the Sparking Change Microgrants and the InTO the Ravines Microgrants. 

4. How do I know if my group should apply for the Getting Started $500 microgrant?

If you are a newly formed park group, a grassroots initiative with limited experience planning events, or a group that wants to host a smaller event, we recommend you apply for our low-barrier $500 Getting Started microgrants.

To apply via phone or video call, email us at grants@parkpeople.ca or click on this link: https://calendly.com/sparkingchange_pp to schedule an appointment or learn more information. 

5. Can I combine the Toronto Microgrants with other funding sources and donations, including other Park People microgrants (i.e. TD Park People Grants and Arts in The Parks microgrants)?

Funding received from the Toronto Microgrants can be combined with the TD Park People Grants and Arts in the Parks. 

However, the Toronto Microgrants (InTO the Ravines, Sparking Change and Getting Started) can not be combined with each other. In other words, successful applicants will only receive one of the three Toronto Microgrants (InTO the Ravines, Sparking Change or Getting Started Microgrant). 

Individuals living in the same household, even if those individuals are part of different groups, cannot receive different Toronto microgrants. 

6. What expenses would the microgrant cover?

Examples of expenses the microgrant covers include marketing materials (printing posters and flyers), honoraria for volunteers or speakers, TTC tokens, protective personal equipment, event equipment, capacity building costs, permit costs and insurance (if applicable).

Park People recognizes your community group members’ essential work and involvement. In that regard, we encourage you to include up to 25 percent of financial compensation for your teams in the budget you provide.  

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

7. What is the application process for the Toronto microgrants? 

If you are applying for the InTO the Ravines microgrants or the Sparking Change Microgrants, you must submit your application using Survey Monkey Apply by Monday, April 22, 2024. Please see the application form PDF here.

If you wish to apply for our low-barrier Getting Started microgrant, use this link to book a call for a $500 phone call application or to find out more information. You can also email grants@parkpeople.ca for additional information.

Please note that Park People staff are unavailable during the weekend, so to be sure we answer your questions or can process your application for the Getting Started microgrant, reach out as early as possible.

8. How do I use Survey Monkey Apply?

If you are applying for the InTO the Ravines microgrants and/or the Sparking Change microgrants, you will need to submit your application online by Monday, April 22, 2024, at 4 PM EST, using Survey Monkey Apply

Here are the steps to follow when using Survey Monkey Apply for the first time. 

  • Click here to access the online application form on Survey Monkey Apply
  • Create an account on Survey Monkey Apply by filling out the registration form with your name and email address.
  • Create and confirm your password. Your password should have 8 characters: one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter and one special character. 
  • The system will send you an email asking you to “Confirm and validate your address.”
  • Answer the application form
  • You can ‘save’ your application in Survey Monkey Apply while working on it
  • Important: press ‘submit’ to finalize and submit your application before the deadline. 

Check out this instructional guide on applying with Survey Monkey Apply. 

 

9. What information do you ask for? Where can I find a PDF of the application questions to prepare my application? 

You can find the sample PDF application here if you are applying for the InTO the Ravines and/or the Sparking Change Microgrants. Do not forget to submit your application using Survey Monkey Apply. 

If you would like to apply for the Getting Started Microgrants, we will send you the list of questions once you book the phone or video call to apply. 

If you need assistance with this, please contact grants@parkpeople.ca.

10. Are there examples of solid answers from previous years?

 Yes! We recommend reading these strong answers from previous microgrant applications. 

11. How much time will the application process take? What information do you ask for?

Once your group has planned your events, the application form should take up to an hour to complete.

 

12. Can I get help preparing and writing my application? 

Our team can answer your inquiries about your application by email or through our coaching calls and drop-in Zoom rooms (see Question 1). However, we cannot assist your group with writing and pre-reviewing it. 

Park People welcomes your group to use peer review by sharing it with a friend, community member, or anyone in your network. We are not grading writing ability or grammar, so we encourage you to keep your answers simple and to the point. Please see Question 10 for examples.

Please remember that the answers you provide will help us learn everything we need to know about your group, community, and proposed event. It is important that you take additional time to make your answers as personal as possible so we can understand your group and evaluate your application properly. 

13. When will I hear back about the status of my application?

All applicants, successful or not, will be notified at the end of May 2024. 

14. When will we receive the microgrant money if our microgrant application is successful?

Successful applicants will receive direct deposits or cheques for the events in June 2024.

 

EVENT

15. Does the funded event have to be a new event for our group, or can it be a combination of new and currently running events?

The InTO the Ravines and Sparking Change Toronto microgrants were created to support community groups in animating their local community’s ravines, parks, and green spaces through new or existing programming. Therefore, groups can apply to fund the programming they are currently running, combining a new and old event or a new event.

16. Does the funded event have to be in person?

You can choose whether to host an in-person, virtual or hybrid (combination of in-person and online) event!

17. How many attendees should we aim to engage at our funded event?

Every event will be different. Aim for 20 attendees for in-person events, always adhering to current public health and the City of Toronto guidelines. 

While we want lots of people to experience your events, high-quality in-person events with a smaller target audience (e.g. 20-25 people) may be preferred to a significant group event because of the sensitive nature of local ravines, parks, and green spaces. 

For virtual events, the sky’s the limit!

18. Will our group have to complete a post-event evaluation?

Yes! We will provide you with the questions to ask your event attendees.

19. Can you provide examples of in-person or online events and activities that have been funded through the microgrant in the past?

Some events and activities that we’ve supported in the past include

  • Meditative, interpretive and/or historic walks.
  • Art-based activities such as sketching or drawing, photography, storytelling, African drumming circle
  • Play-based activities include scavenger photo hunts or nature bingos, dominoes/yoga in the ravines, parks and green spaces, cycling events, and game nights.
  • Cultural events such as Indigenous Day celebrations, Diwali celebrations, and religious celebrations.
  • Stewardship activities such as weekly community garden activity and cooking classes, native plant garden harvest festival
  • Citizen science engagement activities, clean-up events, Butt Blitz, Zero-waste picnic and Book, Toys & Clothing Swaps
  • A series of smaller outdoor events such as weekly yoga/tai chi session, weekly walking steps challenge, fitness challenge

If you want some inspiration, check out our resources! Taking Indoor Programming to the Park, A Walking Program in the Park, Make your Park Clean Up a Great Community Event, Hosting a Games Night

20. What is a virtual or hybrid event? 

Virtual events can take on many different forms: entirely online using platforms such as Zoom or Google Meet, or hybrid events where you encourage each other to go outside as individuals and share your experiences via different chat apps such as WhatsApp. These are real opportunities to put your creative muscles to work. When an in-person event is impossible, many ways exist to build a vital connection between people and ravines, parks or green spaces. Check out our webinar and resources: Making Online Environmental Programming Meaningful.

If you want to learn more about making online events more accessible, please contact us at grants@parkpeople.ca and check out this resource.

21. What about permits for an in-person event?

If you keep your participant numbers under 25, you do not need a City permit to host your events. If your group plans to host an event with more than 25 people and would like to gather at a specific location in a ravine, park or greenspace, you must get a one-time booking permit

Don’t forget that there are costs associated with permits that should be accounted for in your budget if you plan an event with over 25 people.

We also recommend you let your city councillor and park supervisor know about your plans to host a ravine, park or greenspace event in your community. Find their contact information for the Parks Forestry and Recreation Directory here and the City Council directory here.

22. How do we adapt our event to current health and safety guidelines?

Your safety and your community’s safety are a priority. Check out the City of Toronto’s COVID-19 webpage to understand current health guidelines. These will contain the most up-to-date information relevant to your local context.

23. Can we target our event to specific communities or groups?

You are welcome to focus your event theme or outreach efforts on specific communities as long as the event remains accessible to everyone.

 

RAVINES, PARKS, AND GREEN SPACES

24. What is a public ravine?

 According to the City of Toronto’s Ravine Strategy, a ravine is “a type of landform created over time by running water. They are larger than gullies and smaller than valleys. They may or may not contain streams.” (p. 6 – 7 of Ravine Strategy).

To determine if your park or publicly accessible space is eligible, please look at Toronto’s Interactive Map and search for your park or ravine:

-> Select the filter for Administrative Boundary 

-> Ravine and Nature Feature Protection By-Law. 

Public ravines will be indicated on the map by a green base (vs grey) and a Ravine and Nature Feature Protection By-Law layer (stripes).

Ravines on private property that are not open to the public are not eligible for the InTO The Ravines microgrant. If you have questions about your local ravine, please contact us at grants@parkpeople.ca to confirm eligibility. If required, we can provide you with suggestions regarding a location for your event.

25. What counts as a park or green space?

Park People define parks and green spaces as public spaces that are readily accessible to the public.

Examples of parks or green spaces include city parks, social housing properties, school grounds, and other publicly accessible urban green spaces. Private property or green spaces that are not open to the public are not eligible for the microgrant. If you have questions about your park or green space, please contact us at grants@parkpeople.ca to confirm eligibility.

 

COMMUNITY GROUPS

26. How can our group or events demonstrate an environmental focus?

Your group can link your event to an environmental focus in many ways.  Please tell us more about how your event will be environmentally friendly!

Previously funded events included: 

  • Raising awareness on environmental issues, such as climate change, proper waste sorting, hosting a bike repair clinic, a repair cafe, or clothing swap. 
  • Committing to sustainability practices at your event, such as:
    •  Ensuring your event is zero-waste, 
    • not purchasing plastic water bottles, instead sourcing water coolers or fountains for people to fill up their reusable bottles with,
    • encouraging participants to carry their own reusable tupperware, cutlery, water bottles or travel mugs

27. Are small informal community groups, such as grassroots groups, eligible for the Toronto microgrants? 

Yes, small informal groups are eligible for the Toronto microgrants. 

Furthermore, community groups interested in applying to the Toronto microgrants are not required to have a trustee or charitable status. In the case of smaller or newly formed community groups that do not have event planning experience, we strongly suggest collaborating with a local organization that does. Grassroots community groups representing diverse communities or neighbourhoods are especially encouraged to apply.

 

28. If we don’t have non-profit status, do we need to find a group with non-profit status to be our sponsor?

No. You do not need non-profit or charitable status to apply. However, you can collaborate with a trustee or charitable non-profit organization.

29. Who is not eligible to receive any Toronto Microgrants? 

Private businesses, individuals and governments at any level are not eligible to apply for any of our Toronto Microgrants. 

 

LANGUAGE, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

30. What is the purpose of adding demographic questions to the application form?

Equity is a core value at Park People. We define equity as working toward fair outcomes by giving people what they need instead of treating everyone the same historically and currently. We ask demographic questions to help us better understand equity issues relating to ravines, parks, and green spaces and identify opportunities to improve our programs and better support members of our network. We understand that language is always evolving and that the options embedded within these questions may not precisely reflect your identity or experience. We understand the sensitive nature of these questions. Responses are 100% confidential. For the Toronto microgrants, this also includes specific geographic areas indicated, the Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas.

31. What do you mean by “equity-deserving communities”?

Equity-deserving communities are groups that, due to systemic discrimination, encounter barriers preventing them from having equal access to resources and opportunities as other members of society.

These may include but are not limited to Black, Indigenous and People of Colour communities, people with disabilities, 2S/LGBTQ+ folks, newcomers, women and non-binary people, and low-income people.  We prioritize equity-deserving groups in our microgranting to recognize the inequitable distribution of resources within the ravines, parks, and green spaces sector. To understand our microgrant process, please check out our resource, Why Park People (micro) grants.

The Toronto microgrants aim to help address barriers to accessing ravines, parks and green spaces for diverse communities. This includes communities with less access to services (education, health, economic, social programs, etc.) and where there are significantly greater poverty rates, lower income rates, and/or larger newcomer populations.

When determining if your group is considered equity-deserving, we ask that your group consider who is in the ravines, parks and green spaces and who is not there, comparing that to the make-up of your own community. How can your group work respectfully and collaboratively with community members to understand the barriers they might face and how better to overcome them?

If you identify as part of a group that experiences barriers to ravines, parks and green spaces engagement, we invite you to apply and share with us how the microgrants would support you and your community. Please feel free to email us with any questions or comments.

32. How does Park People define a person with disabilities or a disabled person? 

Disabilities, both visible and invisible, include physical, hearing, seeing, developmental, learning or mental health conditions, chronic illness and addictions. Disabilities may be from birth, caused by injury or accident, developed over time, or result from a person’s condition and societal barriers. 

33. How does Park People understand equity-based inclusion?

Inclusion is about concrete actions set in place to ensure that people feel welcomed, engaged and reflected in the same physical or digital space, no matter who they are, what they look like, what they believe, what their gender is, their sexual orientation, the language spoken and where they are coming from, even if they don’t use this space the same way others do. 

At Park People, ravines, parks and green spaces should be welcoming and inviting for everyone, providing a sense of belonging to all as they play a vital role in providing shared spaces for all people. Using ravines, parks and green spaces as a bridge to unite people and understand each other, seeing diverse community members reflected and engaged in the same natural environment. Everyone should have access to ravines, parks and green spaces, no matter how they use them. 

34. How can my group ensure our event is inclusive?

Hosting a free and open-to-the-public event is not enough to ensure that it is inclusive and accessible. Your group’s event will be more accessible if you contemplate the diverse range of abilities among potential attendees and anticipate the challenges they might encounter. For this reason, vendors are prohibited from selling their goods at these events, and fundraising for your group is prohibited.

Here are examples of some measures that past microgrant recipients have adopted to make their ravines, parks and green spaces events inclusive:

  • Conduct outreach beyond social media by engaging community leaders, schools, local newspapers, word-of-mouth, language centers, etc.
  • Consider whose land you’re on, which treaties are in place, and your relationship to them – resource: https://native-land.ca/
  • Consider inviting an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper or Elder to your events and including an honorarium for them.
  • Translate promotions into the most widely spoken languages in your community.
  • Partner with a community organization that can offer participants free access to computers and wifi.
  • Ensure the event is accessible to those with mobility devices and service animals.
  • Serve vegetarian or vegan options and exclude food with common allergens.
  • If the ravines, parks, and green spaces don’t have toilets, find an alternative washroom nearby at a local business or community centre.
  • Use gender-neutral language in your material promotion and presentations.
  • Ask for the preferred pronouns of your participants.
  • Use closed captions for a virtual event.
  • Assure the participation of a sign language interpreter.
  • Host your event in wheelchair-accessible ravines, parks and green spaces.
  • Verify that the ravines, parks and green spaces are easily accessible by public transportation.

To increase accessibility, we also suggest including in your event description:

  • Bathroom locations (if applicable).
  • Number and timing of breaks.
  • Interaction level.
  • Sensory (Multi-colored lighting, strobe lighting, dim lighting, scented/unscented products). 

Here is an example of a good, accessible event description: 

  • Language: This event will be facilitated in English.
  • Location accessibility: The meetup is near the entrance to the ravines, parks, and green spaces (less than 1/3 of a mile). There is a smooth and levelled pathway at least 36 inches wide that you can follow from the access to the meetup location. There are no steps to enter any of the gardens. The gardens have loose wood chips throughout the ground and uneven pathways. 
  • Parking: Please note that street parking is only available in this area. 
  • Weather: If it rains on the event day, we will postpone it. We will email you the delayed date.  
  • Bathroom: Two bathroom stalls are available within a 5-minute walk from the event location. The path to the toilet is smooth and flat, with no stairs. The bathrooms are accessible for wheelchair users, and there are no changing tables.
  • Breaks: We will take a 10-minute break every half an hour. Please note that the only seating available in the ravines, parks and green spaces is wooden benches. 
  • Food: Halal food (chicken wraps and vegetarian wrap with hummus) will be provided at noon. Free cold water will be available all day.
  • Sensory: Music will be playing at noon during lunch. Music will be at moderate volume. 
  • Interaction level: Low. Visitors are welcome to ask questions and initiate conversation. However, this is optional.
  • Mask policy: we will wear N95 masks to protect our community. Visitors are recommended to wear a mask. Free masks will be provided.
  • Accommodations: Please reach out to (name and contact information of the person) with any accommodation requests. We ask that you make your request two weeks before the event date. 

For further reading, see our resource on the accessibility of Canadian parks and some perspectives on  Reclaiming Urban Spaces is a Decolonial Act and reframing our understanding of disability. 

35. What does “Neighbourhood Improvement Area” mean?

This is a designation provided by the City of Toronto’s “Toronto Strong Neighbourhood Strategy (TSNS) 2020,” which supports healthy communities across Toronto by partnering with residents, community agencies and businesses to invest in people, services, programs and facilities in 31 identified Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIAs) and 8 Emerging Neighbourhoods. 

If you identify as part of a group in an NIA, we invite you to apply and share how this microgrant would support you and your community. 

If you are not sure if your group falls within one of these areas, please check out the Neighbourhood Improvement Area Profiles to learn more, or email us at grants@parkpeople.ca

36. Can we still apply for the Toronto microgrants if our group is located outside a Neighbourhood Improvement Area?

Yes! Moreover, the $1,500 Sparking Change Microgrants and the $500 Getting Started Microgrants prioritize those in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas, emerging neighbourhoods, and equity-deserving communities.

If you are unsure if this applies to your group, please email us at grants@parkpeople.ca.

 

INTO THE RAVINES MICROGRANTS 

37. Who is eligible for the InTO the Ravines microgrants?

Community-led/grassroots groups in Toronto are eligible to apply for the InTO the Ravines microgrants. This includes resident groups, park friends groups, community groups, community associations, neighbourhood groups, and BIPOC-led groups. Priority will be given to groups that have not received this microgrant.

38. Are the specific requirements for the InTO the Ravines microgrants?

Groups receiving this funding must host one event between mid-June and November 1st, 2024. 

  • This event must be held on Toronto’s publicly accessible lands, designated ravines or overlook ravines connected to green spaces or parks. 
  • This event should be free and open to all. 
  • This event should focus on connecting, celebrating, or championing Toronto’s ravines.
  • This event should not include any form of direct stewardship, such as tree planting or invasive plant removal. 

All events must balance the activities with respect and care for nature. Read our Tips for Ravine Engagement resource to learn how to achieve this when planning your event.

An important objective of the InTO the Ravines program is to help more people connect to and engage with their ravines. However, given the environmental sensitivity of the ravines, this goal must be carefully balanced with the importance of protecting these fragile spaces.

Applicants are encouraged to plan their events to coincide with the City of Toronto’s annual Ravine Days program, which will be held from October 5 to October 14, 2024. Projects may benefit from additional promotional support, including access to the City’s Festival & Events calendar to help spotlight your event and share the beauty of your ravine with other Torontonians!

39. How are microgrant selection decisions made?

Decisions will be made by a team of reviewers composed of Park People staff in consultation with the City of Toronto staff. Decisions will be based on the following criteria:

  • Events should incorporate the Ravine Strategy guiding principles: Protect, Connect and Celebrate our ravines.
  • Applications should show an intention to host events with minimal environmental impact.
  • Priority will be given to groups that focus their engagement on those who have not previously visited ravines or who experience barriers in accessing ravines.
  • Strength of their application, which includes details of past event experience.
  • The originality of event ideas – simple but creative ideas while following Ravine engagement tips.
  • Geographic diversity, representation of many neighbourhoods across Toronto.

Meeting any or all of these criteria will not guarantee that your group will be awarded a microgrant; however, these are some of the qualities we seek in each application.

40. What do you mean by “groups who have not visited ravines before” or “groups who experience barriers to ravine engagement”?

 InTO the Ravines aims to help address barriers such as lack of awareness or fear of ravine spaces. When applying for this microgrant, we ask that you consider who is in the ravines and who is not there, comparing that to the makeup of your own community. How can you work respectfully with community members to understand the barriers they might face and how can you overcome them better?

If you identify as part of a group that experiences barriers to ravine engagement, we invite you to apply and share with us how this microgrant would support you and your community. Feel free to email us at grants@parkpeople.ca with any questions.


SPARKING CHANGE MICROGRANTS

41. What kind of events will the Sparking Change microgrants support?

All events must be free and open to all, and in-person events must occur on publicly accessible land. 

Events must take place before November 1, 2024. Your group must submit your post-event evaluation 3 weeks after the event or before November 10, 2024.

Events can be a combination of in-person and virtual events. Virtual events should focus on connecting, celebrating, or championing parks or green spaces as places for health, well-being, inclusive placemaking and fostering a connection with nature.

An event your group has hosted in previous years is eligible for the Sparking Change Microgrants. 

42. We have previously received a Sparking Change microgrant. Are we eligible to apply this year?

Yes. However, we would like to support as many new applicants as possible, so in cases of comparable applications, preference will be given to applicants who have not previously received a microgrant. If your group received a Sparking Change microgrant in 2022 or 2023, we will look for new ideas and events that differ from those previously funded.

43. Who is eligible to receive the Sparking Change microgrant?

Community groups, including park friend groups, neighbourhood associations, nonprofits, artists, and other collectives can apply. We prioritize BIPOC and equity-deserving communities in our selection process. 

Groups receiving this funding must host one event before November 1st, 2024. This event can happen in any park or greenspace in Toronto, and it should be free and open to all. 

44. How are decisions made?

Decisions will be made by a team of reviewers composed of Park People staff and Sparking Change Community Organizing Committee members. 

Application selection will be based on the following criteria:

  • Strength of the application – past event experience, compelling argument describing the proposed events
  • Priority will be given to equity-deserving communities. These may include, but are not limited to, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour communities, people with disabilities, 2S/LGBTQ+ folks, newcomers, women and non-binary people, and low-income people. This does not preclude groups not working within these communities from applying for this microgrant.
  • Geographic diversity – representation of various neighbourhoods across the city
  • Originality of the event ideas – aiming for many different types of events in parks and green spaces
  • How many people do the events aim to reach
  • Evidence of consideration of inclusion/accessibility
  • Groups that host activities with minimal environmental impact, including a zero-waste approach. We highly encourage people not to use styrofoam or plastic to serve food.
  • Groups that engage community members who experience barriers to accessing outdoor parks and green space programming. We prioritize groups that demonstrate a commitment to inclusive activities. 

 

While meeting any or all of these criteria will not guarantee that your group will be awarded a grant, we are looking for these qualities in each application.