- Individual Whitby residents who live and/or work in the respective neighbourhood where the project will occur.
- Small groups of Whitby residents who live and/or work in the respective neighbourhood where the project will occur without non-profit or for-profit status.
- Emerging projects, or people brainstorming projects to test.
- Local changemakers whose work directly benefits and engages Whitby residents.
Neighbourhood Microgrants Program
The Whitby Neighbourhood Microgrants Program supports small, community‑led ideas that bring neighbours together. The program encourages local projects that help people connect, build strong relationships, celebrate diversity, welcome new or isolated residents, and share creative skills that strengthen neighbourhoods over time.
The Town of Whitby offers a one‑time grant of up to $500 to help cover project or event costs. This can include space rentals, materials and supplies, promotion, equipment rentals, safety gear, small tools, and more. These grants are a great fit for new or early‑stage ideas, especially those led by individuals or small groups who are not part of a registered nonprofit.
This grant is intended to:
- Build neighbourhood pride and a sense of belonging.
- Celebrate and respect the diversity of our community.
- Encourage people to share creative ideas and useful skills.
- Strengthen connections between neighbours and local groups.
- Help welcome new residents and support people who may feel isolated.
- Support neighbours working together to become more involved in their communities.
- Help neighbourhoods grow strong over time through collaboration.
Application Process
Step 1: Connect with Town staff
Before applying, contact the Creative Communities team to talk about your idea and confirm that your project is eligible.
Step 2: Complete the application form
Your application should include:
- Contact details for the main project lead.
- A short description of your project, where it will take place, and how it benefits the neighbourhood.
- A project timeline.
- A simple budget showing project costs and how much funding you are requesting.
- How you will promote the project and encourage community participation.
Applications are reviewed on a first‑come, first‑served basis, subject to available funding, once the application period opens.
Step 3: Start your project
Once your application is approved by the Creative Communities team, you can begin work right away.
Step 4: Receive funding
Grant funding is provided 1–3 weeks after approval.
Step 5: Submit a Project Recap Form
Within 30 days of completing your project, you must submit a Project Recap Form, which will be provided to you by staff. This includes:
- A short summary of the completed project.
- A financial summary of expenses with copies of receipts or proof of purchase.
- Feedback on participating in the program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- For-profit organizations
- Non-profit organizations.
- Religious organizations.
- Political parties.
- Organizations engaged in political activity supporting or opposing any political party, or political campaign.
- Sports teams.
- Businesses.
- Charities.
- Organizations whose purpose or activities are for the purpose of bringing about change in law or government policy.
- Groups with an intent that is contrary to Town policies, by-laws, the Ontario Human Rights Code or current legislation.
Eligible projects can include, but are not limited to:
- Neighbourhood Art (murals, rock gardens, mosaics, fence art, etc.).
- Community Picnics or festivals.
- Neighbourhood markets.
- Neighbourhood Clean-Up Initiatives.
- Neighbourhood Walking tours.
- Workshops (art, music, dance, crafting, etc.).
- Community programs (financial skills, literacy classes, yoga in the park, etc.).
- Room or facility rentals (ex. for workshops, speakers, classes, etc.).
- Outdoor activity kits for neighbourhood gatherings (ping pong tables, cornhole boards, frisbee nets, etc.).
- Projects that involve changing public infrastructure.
- Large equipment purchases.
- Projects that improve private property.
- Projects that are not free and accessible to the public.
What are eligible use of funds?
- Project materials and supplies.
- Insurance.
- Venue rental fees.
- Volunteers and Honorariums.
- Fees for local artists or musicians.
What are ineligible use of funds?
- Fundraising events for personal use / gain.
- Donations to charitable causes.
- Reserve funds.
- Debt repayments.
- Political or religious activities.
Once Town staff confirm that your project meets the goals of the Neighbourhood Microgrants Program, you will receive the funds 1-3 weeks after approval. The total funding provided for a project cannot be more than the project’s eligible costs. This includes all grants, incentives, or tax assistance related to the project.
What requirements must be met?
To be eligible, projects must meet the following requirements:
- Take place within the Town of Whitby or within a clearly defined Whitby neighbourhood.
- Be free and open to the public.
- Help build a sense of neighbourhood identity or pride.
- Be fair and inclusive, and encourage participation from a wide range of residents, community members, and volunteers.
- Request one‑time funding for a neighbourhood project (this grant does not cover ongoing or maintenance costs).
- Agree to submit a Project Recap Form after the project is complete, including a summary of costs and copies of receipts.
Contact Us
Town of Whitby
575 Rossland Road East
Whitby, ON L1N 2M8
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