What can you do with a LoveMyHood Matching Grant?

With up to $30,000 in grant funding available, there's so many ways to lead projects that help connect neighbours, improve neighbourhoods and revitalize public spaces. Here's what other Kitchener residents have done in their own neighbourhoods:

Painted Crosswalks

Whether you're walking, biking, taking transit or driving, safe streets make our neighbourhoods safe. Painted crosswalks, and other resident-led traffic-calming projects like intersection murals and boulevard planter boxes, can improve safety, slow traffic, brighten up a space and bring neighbours together. Check out our Resident-led Traffic-Calming Guide to learn more.

Street Parties

Street parties, porch parties and other small neighbourhood gatherings are a great way to get together with neighbours and celebrate your neighbourhood. If you’d like to host a street party, but aren't sure where to start, this guide is for you! Plus, with a LoveMyHood Matching Grant, you can get up to $2,000 to help fund your next neighbourhood event.

Community Gardens

Community gardens offer a place for neighbours to come together in public parks or on private property to grow vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers. The city of Kitchener already has 35 resident-led community gardens – and we'd love to see more! To start your own, read through our Community Garden Guide or connect with City staff to learn more. 

Neighbourhood Murals

Murals and other neighbourhood art projects, such as painted rock gardens, mosaics and pop-up art installations, can help to enhance public spaces and create a lasting source of pride in your neighbourhoods. Start your project today by checking out our online Neighbourhood Art Guide or access this printer-friendly version of the guide that you can easily share with your neighbours.

Little Libraries

Next time you're out for a walk, keep an eye open for a Little Library! You can't miss them - they're small, colourful wooden cabinets on front lawns or in public parks that are filled with books for neighbours to borrow or trade. By hosting a Little Library, you can encourage literacy (or even diversity, like these resident-led Little Diverse Free Libraries in Kitchener do) by making books available to everyone passing by. Learn more about these low-cost projects on LoveMyHood.ca.

There's three more chances to apply for a matching grant this year: May 19th, August 18th and November 17th. Read through the grant criteria or connect with a Neighbourhood Liaison today to get started!

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