Non-profit groups based in — and serving — Coquitlam residents can learn how to apply for a Spirit Grant from the city.
Next month, the municipality is hosting two webinars for organizations to get tips on eligibility and how to fill out the forms.
The one-hour online sessions take place on:
- Sept. 14 at 7 p.m.
- Sept. 19 at 2 p.m.
Spirit of Coquitlam grants are awarded twice a year: in the spring and fall.
For the upcoming round, bids will be accepted from Sept. 1 to Oct. 3, 2023.
Funded with city host revenues from Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, the Spirit of Coquitlam cash is designed to help local groups with their projects and events, among other things.
In June, council awarded $187,000 worth of spring grants to 23 organizations. Among the big winners were:
- Tri-City Transitions Society = $25,000 (playground and respite space for transition house backyard)
- Low Entropy Foundation = $20,000 (VoiceStory 10-part speaker series)
- Diwali Celebration Society = $15,000 (Colour Fest)
- Austin Heights BIA = $15,000 (annual HollyDaze in the Heights winter festival)
- Blackout Arts Society = $15,000 (Echoes from Faraway Cities documentary theatrical production)
To qualify, organizations must have a project or event that takes place in the community and be beneficial to Coquitlam residents.
The project or event must also be viable beyond the city grant, as well as align with the city’s strategic goals; applicants must also be in good financial standing with the city.
Successful candidates will be notified in December after council approval.
To register for a webinar, you can visit the City of Coquitlam's website.
The spring intake will be open from Feb. 1 to March, 2024, with Spirit of Coquitlam grants awarded in June 2024.
