The City of Nanaimo is accepting applications for two separate grants, providing funding for community environmental projects that will help implement goals of the City Plan and improve livability in the British Columbia community. Restoration projects may focus on parks, urban stream and riparian enhancement, natural environment protection and climate change adaption solutions.
“Like a baby learning to toddle, every sustainable step forward makes way for another, and then another, and then another, each step adding momentum and giving confidence for the next,” said Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog. “We’re happy to offer encouragement and support; collectively these actions are much more than baby steps and by working together, we can improve our environment and reduce the dramatic effects of climate change.”
The Community Watershed Restoration grant will provide up to $20,000 in grant funds and will be available annually to community organizations, environmental non-profits, and individual residents that aim to carry out watershed restoration projects, focusing on urban stream and riparian restoration enhancement and natural environment protection. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for funding. Projects that have received funding from the Community Watershed Restoration grant in the past include invasive species removal and restoration along the Cat Stream, water quality monitoring on Diver Lake and wetland restoration at the housing co-operative.
The Community Environmental Sustainability Project grant was created to support small and creative environmental projects not already covered by existing City of Nanaimo grants – including the Community Watershed Restoration grant. A total of $20,000 in grant funds is available annually beginning in 2023. Up to $5,000 in project funding will be available per application. Eligible community organizations, including environmental nonprofits, local stewardship groups, school groups, religious organizations, and participants in the Acting for Climate Together program, are encouraged to apply.
Funding will be used to support projects that improve the environmental health of natural systems, enhance residents’ connections to nature, provide educational values, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and/or prepare the community for climate change impacts. Projects that have received funding from the Community Environmental Sustainability Project grant in the past include a neighbourhood tree planting workshop, environmental restoration and student education project in Wardropper Park, and the use of thermal imaging cameras to educate homeowners about energy efficiency in homes.
More details regarding both grant opportunities are provided in the Grant Guidelines and Criteria. Application forms are available on the Grants page on the City’s website. The deadline for submitting applications is 4 p.m. on April 2, 2024.
Featured image credit: Getty Images
