Social Planning Grants

The purpose of the Social Planning Grant program is to assist organizations in responding to issues of a social nature with initiatives that enhance social cohesion, address the root causes and effects of poverty, contribute to the vitality of our community, and foster social inclusion and social equity.

The total amount of Social Planning Grant funds available is $85,000 within the following categories:

  • Community Vitality Grants (for smaller projects) - $25,000
  • Social Response Grants (for larger projects) - $60,000

Social Response Grant

This grant is intended for initiatives and projects of a more significant scope. The budget for this category this year is $60,000. Programs that address social priorities may be eligible for up to $60,000 in funding.

Community Vitality Grant

This grant is intended for projects of a smaller scale. The total budget available for this category is $25,000.

Grant applications open in October and close in November. For more details please contact staff or check back for updates closer to the funding deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

My organization is located outside the City of Nanaimo boundaries. Are we eligible to apply?

In order to be eligible for funds at the City of Nanaimo, your organization must be registered as either a non-profit, a recognized religious group, or a Neighbourhood Association recognized by the municipality with an address inside the boundaries of the City of Nanaimo. Organizations that operate in multiple communities must be able to demonstrate public activities taking place inside the City limits in order to receive a Social Planning Grant. 

Can I apply for funding to support my organization's ongoing work?

Funds from the Social Planning Grants may not be used to support ongoing operational expenses incurred during the normal course of business.  Ongoing operational funding can include building costs, core staffing or other funding not tied to a specific program or project.  Grant funding is intended to support a specific project or program and can include staff costs associated directly with that project or program.  Applications that support ongoing operational expenses will be deemed ineligible. 

Which grant stream should I apply for, Community Vitality or Social Response?

The Community Vitality Grant is intended for projects of a smaller scale; while the Social Response Grant is intended for initiatives of a more significant scope.  If your project budget is $5,000 or less you should apply for the Community Vitality Grant.

We received funding last year;  can we apply again for the same project?

Projects will not be funded for more than two consecutive years in a row; however, an organization may submit an application for a separate project.  If you received funding last year, a report regarding the previous project-funding grant must be received prior to the submission of the new grant.

What projects have been funded by Social Planning Grants in previous years?

To review how Social Planning Grants have been allocated in past years (2018 to 2024) please visit this link.

Contact Us

Social Planning
socialplanning@nanaimo.ca
250-755-4430

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