— Image: Letter art from Postal Art Project (Community of Caring 2020 grant cycl
— Image: Image: Letter art from Postal Art Project (Community of Caring, 2020) —

Just for Kids! Community Grants

Calling all Children & Youth!

Applications are now closed. Congratulations to all the Just for Kids Grant Recipients! 

The Inspiring Community Grants is launching its first Just for Kids! grant cycle to fund fun ideas imagined by young people 5-17 years old, living in the UBC, UNA or Musqueam neighbourhoods.

Young project leaders can apply for grants up to $300 to implement their ideas of creating social connections between residents in their community, or sharing skills or talents with each other. This grant supports projects that take place online or in-person (following all health and safety guidelines). 

We acknowledge that UBC Vancouver is situated within the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and that those joining may participate from across multiple Indigenous lands and traditional territories.

Who can apply: 

  • Residents ages 5-17 years old living in Acadia Park, the UNA or Musqueam 
  • Children and youth are welcome to apply on their own or with the support of an adult family member. Please ensure an adult provides the contact information on the application as that will be used to receive the cheque. 

Eligible projects:

This grant is intended for young people to bring their fun ideas to where they live, and share their skills and talents to create connections between neighbours. 

Projects must provide free and low-barrier participation to members of the UBC Vancouver, Musqueam, the UNA and Acadia Park communities. Online participation may be open to the general public if spaces remain.

Projects can take place online or in-person. Venues and bookable spaces on campus may be at varying states of opening and readiness to host events. 

All projects must adhere to UBC and BC Government's public health order around COVID-19, events and gatherings. Some projects may require an approved COVID-19 event safety plan to proceed, and support from our team will be provided.

In-person projects must remain local and take place in the neighbourhood of the project leader.

Examples of project ideas may include:

  • Workshops (arts & crafts, sports, hobbies, etc.) led by the project leader or another young instructor
  • Cultural celebrations or knowledge sharing activities
  • Neighbourhood talent shows
  • Small neighbourhood beautification projects
  • And more!

Young project leaders may find these questions helpful for brainstorming ideas:

  • What skills or talents do I have that I could share with other kids or even adults?
  • What do I wish for in my community?
  • What would be a fun way to meet other children and families in my neighbourhood?
  • How can arts & culture be celebrated in my community?

For real life inspiration, check out the Sashiko Japanese Visible Mending project over at the Youth Neighbourhood Small Grants.

How it works:

  1. Complete the online application form found below. 
  2. Wait for a decision from the Grant Selection Committee. Please allow for at least 10 business days for a decision.
  3. Once the grant is awarded, start the project immediately. We encourage projects to launch during the months of February-March as opportunities for celebrating during Family Day weekend or Spring Break.
  4. Finish the project by June 30, 2022. The project concludes with the young leader submitting proof of all payments made (expense receipts) and a story of how the project went, in written or art form. 

This grant can be used:

  • for expenses to carry out the idea, including supplies, transportation, acknowledging services provided by others.
  • to pay or provide a thank you for services provided by others. General guideline for the amount is $100 for each person; exceptions may be requested for the grant review committee to consider.

We encourage project leaders to shop local with their grant funds and make sustainable purchases, as well as look for opportunities to rent and borrow instead of purchase.

This grant cannot be used for:

  • expenses from past or existing projects
  • equipment and furniture purchases
  • donations or fundraising, or giving away items without any social connection component to the project
  • expenses that only serve the membership of a club or a group 
  • applicant and their family cannot profit financially from their projects or award themselves any portion of the grant
  • projects requiring a development permit or permanent infrastructure change

Ready to apply? 

Completed applications will be accepted and reviewed on an on-going basis until February 28, 2022. Due to limited funding, this deadline may change once funding is all awarded.

Applications are now closed. 

Questions or comments?

Feel free to contact us before you apply — we are here to help answer questions about project ideas, the application process, hosting a safe event and anything else!

Please email: info.utown@ubc.ca.