Toronto Microgrants

• Groups applying for the Toronto Microgrants are welcome to apply for the InTO the Ravines Microgrants and/or the Sparking Change Microgrants on Survey Monkey Apply.
• Getting Started Microgrant: The application process is done via phone or video. 

Please review the eligibility and requirement guidelines to determine which microgrant your group should apply for. 

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 accommodations, please contact the Toronto Program Team at grants@parkpeople.ca.

• Applications open: Wednesday, March 13th, 2024 
  • Info session: Thursday, March 28, 2024 (registration required)
  • Lunchtime drop-in Zoom calls: Wednesdays from March 20 - April 17 from 12-1 PM EST (no registration required)
  • Individual coaching calls are available from March 18 to April 22.
• Applications close: 
  • InTO the Ravines and Sparking Change Microgrants: Monday, April 22, 2024 at 4:00 pm EST 
  • Getting Started Microgrants: Friday, April 19, 2024 at 4:00 pm EST
• Notification to successful microgrant recipients: End of May
• Distribution of funds: In June
• Activities hosted between Mid-June to November 1, 2024
• Post-event evaluations are due after each event or by November 1, 2024

For questions, read our Q&A or contact us at grants@parkpeople.ca.

 

Read our Q&A

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$1,500 InTO the Ravines Microgrants

Who can apply? Community-led/grassroots groups in Toronto including 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.

Requirements: 

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

Apply now

 

$ 1,500 Sparking Change Microgrants Eligibility & Requirements

Who can apply? Toronto-based community groups include park friends groups, neighbourhood associations, nonprofits, artists and other collectives. We prioritize BIPOC and equity-deserving communities in our selection process. 

Your group doesn’t need to be a registered non-profit or require a trustee to apply.

Requirements: 

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

Apply now

 

$500 Getting Started Microgrants Eligibility & Requirements

Who can apply? Newer grassroots community groups in Toronto hosting events in their parks for the first time or wishing to host a smaller-scale event. We prioritize BIPOC and equity-deserving communities in our selection process.  Your group doesn’t need to be a registered non-profit or require a trustee to apply. 

Requirements: 

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

How to apply? Applications will happen over the phone or via video call, and questions will be shared once calls are booked. Use this link to book a call for a $500 phone call application or to find out more information. Please email grants@parkpeople.ca for more information.

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. 

The Getting Started Microgrants application deadline is Friday, April 19, 2024, at 4:00 PM EST. 

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Toronto Microgrants Events Guidelines: 

Your event should respect the following guidelines: 

• Your event can be in-person or virtual.
• Your event must be free and open to the public. 
• In-person events can take place in a public ravine, park or green space
• You must follow the City of Toronto’s public health guidelines at the time of the event - go to the City of Toronto’s COVID-19 webpage for updated information.
• Your event must abide by all local laws and permit requirements – for information on the City of Toronto’s permits, check out the one-time booking permit. 
• Events are either new or already established. 

Can a group apply for all the Toronto microgrants? 

Your group can apply online for both InTO the Ravines and Sparking Change microgrants (or one of them). 

However, as the Getting Started application process is specifically set up as a low-barrier option, we ask that your group does not apply for this if you intend to apply for the InTO the Ravines and the Sparking Change Microgrants. 

In any case, your group can only receive one of the three microgrants. 

Eligible Expenses: 

The microgrant can cover any event expense, including, but not limited to, honoraria for volunteers, capacity building, event materials, supplies, and equipment, and printing of promotional materials. 

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.  

Post-event Evaluations:

Grantees will have to complete an event summary after your funded event takes place. A template will be provided.

The following are not eligible for any Toronto Microgrants: 

• Private businesses, individuals, vendors, and governments at any level are not eligible to apply for any of the Toronto Microgrants. 
• Individuals living in the same household, even if those individuals are part of different groups, cannot receive two Toronto microgrants. 

Please submit your microgrant application by Monday, April 22, 2024. 

How to use Survey Monkey Apply:

Here are the steps to follow if this is the first time you are using Survey Monkey Apply: 

• 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: view PDF sample
• You can ‘save’ your application in Survey Monkey Apply 
• Press ‘submit’ to finalize and submit your application before the deadline. 

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

For the Getting Started Microgrant, the last day to submit your application will be Friday, April 19, 2024.

Need assistance to prepare your application? 

Park People staff can be contacted for coaching calls and assist with applications in the following ways:

1. On Thursday, March 28, Park People will host an info session to answer any questions about the microgrant and application process. Please sign up here.
2. If you cannot join us for this info session, we will happily answer your questions. Please email your questions to the Toronto Program team at grants@parkpeople.ca. 
3. 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. 

Drop into our weekly recurring Wednesday Zoom rooms anytime from 12-1 pm EST starting Wednesday, March 20 and ending on April 17, 2024.