Public Space Incubator FAQ

Our Public Space Incubator has been out in the world for about two weeks now and since then we’ve gotten a great response from people who are excited about the program and want to learn more. Here’s a few of the Frequently Asked Questions we’ve received so far. We’ll continue to update this as needed.

Visit the program website for all the details on eligibility and requirements. If you have a question about the program, you can always email us at info@parkpeople.ca.

Do I need a charitable trustee for the letter of intent? What role do they play?

Yes all project applicants, if they are not already a registered charity, must include a charitable trustee as a partner on their application.The trustee is required for the administration of funds, but does not need to play a programming role.

How can I find a charitable trustee?

There is often a variety of charitable organizations that could be potential trustees in different neighbourhoods across the city that you could partner with. Potential charitable trustees could be a local Business Improvement Area, a university, faith organization, and community health centre. For more information on finding a charitable trustee, read our resource page.

What needs to be in the “high level” budget for the LOI?

Simply the requested amount from the Public Space Incubator and any potential or already secured funds from other sources. If you’re invited to submit to the full application round, we will require a more detailed budget breakdown by category, such as capital, programming, engagement, etc.

If I apply for funding in this round, can I do my project in 2020? What are the timelines for project completion?

As noted on the website, projects funded in the 2019 round of funding can take place up until fall 2020. We understand some projects may be complex and so we are allowing more than a year for implementation from when we announce grant recipients in June 2019.

Can I apply with more than one project?

We are not limiting you to one project idea, but you must prepare a separate letter of intent for each idea. We encourage you to focus on your best ideas.

I have a cool idea. Can I just apply by myself?

We require all applicants to have a charitable trustee, if they are not already a registered charity. Also, note that one of the core principles of the program is “community-driven”, which speaks to building local partnerships. We see collaboration and working with partners as a key part of a successful project.

Do I need to have permission in the spot where I want to do the project before applying? Do I need to get a permit?

No, we do not require you to have already obtained permissions for your project for the letter of intent. However, the more information you can provide, the better. Please note that part of the letter of intent is detailing how your project could be realistically implemented, so it’s important to think through any permissions that would be required. As part of the incubator process, we would be available to connect successful applicants to the right City officials to work through implementation.

Do I need to say exactly where I want to do my project?

Though we do not require you to indicate in which exact location your project would take place for the letter of intent stage, the more specific information you can provide, the better. We also encourage you to think through the type of public space (school, park, street, laneway, etc.) that you are applying to do your project in and why.

Can my project be a study or community consultation about an idea?

Projects can include research and community consultation as a part of the project development, but every project must result in a tangible pilot project in a physical space.

Can my project take place in multiple public spaces?

If you can make a compelling case for how your project will activate more than one public space, then you can apply for a project that includes more than one location or for a project that moves around.