TD Park People Grants Invite Creative Approaches to Connecting Canadians to Parks

A Halifax clothing repair workshop, a virtual tour exploring a unique Chinese Garden in Edmonton, a second life for Christmas trees in Montreal and a skateboarding lesson for newbies in Vancouver.

In 2021, with the support of the TD Ready Commitment, TD Park People Grants brought renewed energy, joy and connection to communities across Canada. These $2,000 microgrants sparked 72 community park groups to host 216 events that provide environmental education, sustainability and stewardship – all in local parks. Close to 60% of TD Park People Grants were focused on equity-seeking communities, ensuring that the benefits of parks and green spaces are widely accessible. This focus will continue in 2022.

Credit photo: Neighbours Sharing Native and Pollinator Plants, Toronto.

Starting today, qualified organizations and community groups are invited to apply to receive a $2,000 grant to host activities that connect communities to their local parks and green spaces.

The application process is simple, and we’ve developed a number of resources to help groups host engaging community events.

The deadline to apply is February 28, 2022, and all events must take place from April 16 and December 31, 2022.

“It’s clearer than ever how much parks and green spaces mean to Canadians,” says Carolyn Scotchmer, Executive Director of TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. “We’re excited to launch the next round of TD Park People Grants because we know that they help deepen Canadians’ connection to nature, and in turn, promote the wellbeing of both people and the planet.”

TD Park People Grants are open to almost any community event in a publicly accessible green space – whether it’s a city park, social housing property, or schoolyard. Your environmental education, sustainability or stewardship event can be as unique as your community. Want to host a climate change workshop? A nature walk? Promote Indigenous stewardship? Host a bike repair workshop?

“The possibilities are open and creativity is really encouraged,” says Dave Harvey, Park People’s Executive Director.

Community groups and organizations in Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Gatineau, Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax can apply now. Grassroots community groups representing diverse communities or neighbourhoods are especially encouraged to apply.

We simply can’t wait to see what this year’s TD Park People Grant recipients have in store for their communities. Apply now.

Credit cover photo: Accessible Nature Wellness Programs Inclusive, Ottawa.