As Dave Harvey retires from his co-leadership position at Park People, he reflects on the incredible journey since founding the organization in 2011.
Why are events in parks important? How do grants fit into Park People’s larger goals for creating change in city parks?
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Here are some valuable tips to create a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment for participants of all abilities, backgrounds, ages, and gender identities!
Watch our special launch webinar with the Report's authors to get the inside scoop on our findings.
How the City of Charlottetown’s experience with Hurricane Fiona demonstrates the importance of cross-departmental partnerships and resilient infrastructure to mitigate the impact of extreme winds.
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Location
Canada-wide Montreal, Quebec Toronto, Ontario Vancouver, British Columbia
For more information reach out to: jng@parkpeople.ca.
Helping build vital connections between people and parks
TD Park People Grants are available for almost any community event in a publicly accessible green space — whether in a city park, social housing property, or schoolyard — that fosters ongoing care and protection of these spaces.
From Indigenous plant medicine workshops to nature walks, we help local leaders organize events focused on environmental education, sustainability, or stewardship that bring people together.
Each year, we support over 70 community groups across 21 urban areas in Canada to host two in-person and virtual events.
You could receive $2,000 to support your vision to connect people to their local parks and green spaces!
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grants awarded every year
community events organized every year
people connected yearly
The Application for the 2024 TD Park People Grants is closed. Applications for the 2025 edition will open in January 2025.
Jan 8 2024
Applications open
Feb 27 2024
Applications close
April 2024
Notification to grants recipients
May 2024
Distribution of funds
April 22 to Dec 31, 2024
Park events period
Oct 2024
Project report due
In 2024, the TD Park People Grants extends to 21 urban areas across Canada:
Equity-deserving and equity-denied groups will be prioritized in the application process. A minimum of 50% of all microgrants will be provided to those identifying as such, ensuring their involvement in shaping the natural spaces that matter to them.
Park People is committed to supporting people with disabilities during the application process. If you encounter any barriers while completing your application form or would like to request any access needs, please contact us.
Decisions will be made by a team of reviewers composed of Park People staff in consultation with TD. Application selection will be based on the following criteria:
Your group can link to an environmental focus in many ways, whether through environmental education, a commitment to sustainability practices, or stewardship activities:
We encourage you to get creative and think outside the box!
The application form should take about 2 hours to complete once you’ve planned your events. You can request a sample PDF of the application form by email to help you prepare the application. Here is a preview of the questions:
Yes, grassroots community groups and small community-based organizations are eligible. These groups are not required to have a trustee or have charitable status. In the case of smaller or newly formed groups who 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.
We define equity-deserving and equity-denied communities as those that, because of systemic discrimination, face barriers that prevent them from having the same access to the resources and opportunities available to other members of society. These may include but are not limited to Black, Indigenous and people of colour communities, disabled persons or people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomers, women and non-binary people, and low-income people. We prioritize equity-deserving groups in our granting to address the inequitable distribution of resources within the parks sector. Some cities have specific geographic areas indicated, including Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas or Montreal’s Integrated Urban Revitalization zones*.
Montreal's Urban Park Champions mentoring program offers dedicated community members from equity-deserving neighbourhoods training and coaching opportunities to help them organize a series of two activities in their local parks.
Metro Vancouver seniors receive training and support to organize fun park activities, fostering social connections and physical activity among elders in their local parks and green spaces.
The InTO the Ravines Champions program offers people living near ravines training and support to learn, explore, and celebrate Toronto's one-of-a-kind ravines system.