Community grants are available to non-profit organizations in the City of Saint John to support inclusive quality of life services and initiatives that align with Saint John Common Council priorities, vision and goals.
Since 2015, the Community Grants Program has granted over $1 Million to local organizations whose services foster community engagement, promote healthy, active and inclusive communities, support diversity and accessibility, and deliver activities to meet the social, cultural and recreational needs of residents.
The grant envelope is determined within the City of Saint John annual General Fund Operating Budget. A call for applications follows the approval of the budget by Common Council, which generally takes place by mid-December.
Purpose & Objectives
The Operational Funding Grant assists with the general administrative expenses of an organization
- Supports the City of Saint John in its ongoing pursuit to be a community of choice for all and promote economic health to residents and visitors.
- Enhances the ability of organizations that deliver important social, wellness and quality of life support to all residents of the City of Saint John.
- Encourages innovation, sustainability and cooperation through the various organizations within the City of Saint John.
- Upholds and advances the terms of Council Priorities, PlanSJ and/or PlaySJ.
Eligibility
Eligible funding activities under Organizational Support includes: rent, utilities, human resources, office supplies, essential travel, fundraising activities and information technology upgrades.
The following are ineligible for grant funds:
- Individuals or corporations seeking funding.
- Lobbying of federal, provincial and municipal governments.
- Activities or initiatives outside of the City of Saint John.
- Expenditures that occurred prior to the application.
- Funding of deficits or debts.
- Free or discounted tickets to an event.
- Fellowships, scholarships or bursaries.
The Community Grants Evaluation Committee will assess applications according to a pre-established evaluation matrix, which will score the application on a variety of variables, including, but not limited to:
- Innovation.
- Likelihood of accomplishing stated outcomes.
- Link to Council Priorities.
- Long-term benefits/impacts.
- Level of community support.
- Ability to generate cooperation between citizens and other organizations.
- Ability to acquire other sources of funding/in-kind support.
- Sustainability of business plan or development plan.
Purpose & Objectives
The Community Project Grant is designed to distribute seed funding for the start-up of projects, and/or funds for a short-term undertaking with a clear start and completion date.
- Support the City of Saint John in its ongoing pursuit to be a community of choice for residents and visitors.
- Enhance the ability of organizations that deliver important social, wellness and quality of life support to the residents of the City of Saint John.
- Encourage innovation, sustainability and cooperation in the delivery of Community Projects in the City of Saint John.
- Uphold and advance the terms of Council Priorities, Plan SJ and/or Play SJ.
Eligibility
The following are ineligible for grant funds:
- Individuals or corporations seeking funding.
- Lobbying of federal, provincial and municipal governments.
- Activities or initiatives outside of the City of Saint John.
- Expenditures that occurred prior to the application.
- Funding of deficits or debts.
- Free or discounted tickets to an event.
- Fundraising events.
- Fellowships, scholarships or bursaries.
- Conferences or professional development.
Application Requirements & Evaluation
- Applications must demonstrate:
- Fundraising and community partnership.
- The number of residents/visitors impacted by the project.
- How the Community Project responds to interest from the broader community.
- Specific outcomes to be achieved.
- Projected budget including sources and use of funds/in-kind support.
- Timelines for implementation of the project.
The Community Grants Evaluation Committee will assess applications according to a pre-established evaluation matrix, which will score the application on a variety of variables, including, but not limited to:
- Innovation.
- Likelihood of accomplishing stated outcomes.
- Link to Council Priorities.
- Long-term benefits/impacts.
- Level of community support.
- Ability to generate cooperation between citizens and other organizations.
- Ability to acquire other sources of funding/in-kind support.
- Sustainability of business plan or development plan.
Purpose & Objectives
The Special Events Grant is designed to support events that are of cultural, sport, social or recreational significance to the Saint John community.
- Support the City of Saint John in its ongoing pursuit to be a community of choice for residents and visitors.
- To support events that result in important cultural, environmental, heritage, sport, recreational, educational and financial returns for the City of Saint John.
- To encourage innovation, sustainability and cooperation in the delivery of Special Events in the City of Saint John.
- Uphold and advance the terms of Council Priorities, Plan SJ and/or Play SJ.
Eligibility
The following are ineligible for grant funds:
- Individuals or corporations seeking funding.
- Lobbying of federal, provincial and municipal governments.
- Activities or initiatives outside of the City of Saint John.
- Expenditures that occurred prior to the application.
- Funding of deficits or debts.
- Free or discounted tickets to an event.
- Fundraising events.
- Fellowships, scholarships or bursaries.
- Conferences or professional development.
Application Requirements & Evaluation
- Applications must demonstrate:
- Event identifies a community need or priority
- The number of residents/visitors impacted by the event.
- Event supported by community partners, sponsors and stakeholders.
- Specific outcomes to be achieved.
- Projected budget including sources and use of funds/in-kind support.
The Community Grants Evaluation Committee will assess applications according to a pre-established evaluation matrix, which will score the application on a variety of variables, including, but not limited to:
- Innovation.
- Likelihood of accomplishing stated outcomes.
- Link to Council Priorities.
- Long-term benefits/impacts.
- Level of community support.
- Ability to generate cooperation between citizens and other organizations.
- Ability to acquire other sources of funding/in-kind support.
- Sustainability of business plan or development plan (for repeated/annual event)