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

A: The 9-question application form should take about 20-30 minutes to complete. Here is a preview of the questions:

Contact information
Description of your group/organization
Description of your past experiences hosting community events in parks and green spaces
If you are partnering with other groups or organizations, please list them and briefly describe their role
Briefly describe the three events you would like to host
What efforts will you make to ensure your events are inclusive and accessible?
What significance will these events have for your community?
Provide a high-level budget
List any other sources of funding, confirmed or expected.

To access the application form, register your group with the Park People network.

When are applications due?

A: Applications are due March 5, at 11:59 pm EST.

Are small informal groups eligible to receive the grant?

A: Yes, grassroots community groups, and small community based organizations are eligible. Community groups interested in applying to the grant 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 neighborhoods are especially encouraged to apply.

Can we host events on school grounds?

A: Yes, if the location is publicly accessible and the event is open to all.

Can we use the funds for transportation to an event, for example bus tickets?

A: Yes.

Can we host events in different parks around the city?

A: Yes. The three events can be held in multiple locations in the city, or in the same location.

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

A: No. You do not need non-profit or charitable status to apply. Informal grassroots groups are welcome to apply.

We are a new group and we are partnering with an existing organization to host our events. Are we eligible?

A: Yes. We encourage new groups to apply and we encourage partnerships with other organizations who can provide support for your events.

Can we target our events to specific communities?

A: You are welcome to focus your event theme or outreach efforts in specific communities as long as the event remains open to everyone.

We would like to do a three-part event series that takes places over the spring, summer and fall. Would this count as one or three events?

A: It would count as three events.

Can our three events take place in one month?

A: Yes.

How many grants will be awarded?

A: 11 grants per city.

Can the events be part of our already planned programming for the year?

A: Yes.

How do I find out more information?

A: In February 2018, Park People will host conference calls to answer any questions about the grant and application process. Please sign up to receive our newsletter for updates on when these calls are taking place. If you have more detailed questions, please join us for these events.

If you are unable to join us for those calls, please email your questions to info@parkpeople.ca and a Park People staff member will be more than happy to answer them. For questions about starting your own park group please check out our “How to Start a Park Group” page on the Park People website.

We are not based in one of the five cities listed. Can we still apply for the grant?

A: Only groups based in the selected five cities and their surrounding metropolitan areas (i.e. the Greater Toronto Area, Greater Montreal, Greater Vancouver and Ottawa, Calgary Metropolitan Region) are eligible to apply. If you are not sure if your group falls within the program’s geographic granting areas, please email us at info@parkpeople.ca.

We hope to expand the program in the future to include more cities across Canada. To keep up to date with changes to the TD Park People Grant program or other funding opportunities, sign up for our newsletter or join the Park People Network.

How are decisions made?

A: Decisions will be made by a team of reviewers comprised of Park People staff in consultation with TD and our local community partners from each municipality.

Applications will be based on the following criteria:

Strength of the application - past event experience, compelling argument describing the proposed events
Originality of the event ideas - aiming for many different types of events in parks
Geographic diversity - representation of many neighbourhoods in each city
How many people the events aim to reach
Evidence of consideration of Inclusion/accessibility
Environmental stewardship - groups should incorporate an environmental care or protection component to their events or event activities

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

What counts as a park or green space?

A: Park People defines parks and green spaces as public spaces readily accessible to the public. Examples of parks or green spaces include city parks, social housing landscapes and other urban green spaces that are publicly accessible. Private property or green spaces that are not open to the public are not eligible for the grant however if you have questions about your park or green space, please get in touch with us to confirm eligibility.

What kind of events will this grant fund?

A: We hope that these events will help bring community members together and provide people with the opportunity to have fun and meet their neighbors. For example, your group could host a farmer’s market, picnic, nature walk, movie night or a pumpkin parade. You can find more ideas and guides on how to host events on Park People’s resources page and our parks group and events page.

Can I combine this funding with funding from other sources?

A: Yes! Money received from this grant can be combined with other sources of funding.

We are not based in one of the five cities listed above. Can we still apply for the grant?

A: Currently we are only accepting applications from community groups based in the selected cities (Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Calgary). The program may be expanded in subsequent years. The best way to keep up to date on changes in the TD Park People Grant program or other funding opportunities is to sign up for our newsletter and create a profile for your group on our website.

How do we get a park permit and insurance?

A: Each municipality has a different process for obtaining permits and insurance requirements for different events. Before applying to the TD Park People Grant, we strongly suggest that you review the insurance requirements and park permit application process for your city to ensure that your events comply with their regulations. If you have questions on how to obtain insurance for your event or insurance rates, please contact the parks department of your municipality for more information. Many municipalities offer event insurance or can direct you to an insurance provider.

To find information on park permits for each municipality, please follow the link below:

Note: To host an event or program in a green space or park in Montreal, you must first apply for an “Occupancy of public domain” permit. Permits are issued by the boroughs, so in order to book a space you must first contact the borough that manages the park where you would like to host your event. Here is a link to the City of Montreal’s directory of parks and gardens and the contact information of the boroughs that manage them.

TD Park People Grants