Community Support Fund

Painting a Mural

COVID-19 Response - Community Support Fund

During the Provincial Emergency and Stay-at-Home order, no in-person events are allowed. If you are hoping to hold an in-person event for the future, please wait to apply until the Province moves Halton Region into a stage where in-person events are allowed. Virtual events are allowed and we will continue to look at applications for virtual and online events. Thank you for your cooperation. Stay home. Stay safe.

During the Provincial Emergency and Stay-at-Home order, no in-person events are allowed.

If you are hoping to hold an in-person event for the future, please wait to apply until the Province moves Halton Region into a stage where in-person events are allowed.

Virtual events are allowed and we will continue to look at applications for virtual and online events.

Thank you for your cooperation. Stay home. Stay safe.

As part of the City of Burlington’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City is relaunching its existing community support programs into a streamlined program called the Community Support Fund (CSF). This umbrella program will join existing programs to provide financial support to residents and community groups who want to enrich and connect the Burlington community through sport, recreation, art and cultural experiences. The combined fund will simplify the funding process and make it easier for Burlington residents and community groups to access financial supports to enhance their community’s wellbeing. The Community Support Fund brings the Community Development Fund, The Neighbourhood Matching Fund and the Arts and Culture Fund together temporarily during COVID-19.

This fund will help a variety of sport, recreation, art, and cultural events, programs and projects in Burlington neighbourhoods and communities, up to a maximum value of $5000 per application. Applicants can apply for funding one-time per year. The program is designed to recognize the importance of supporting Burlington’s communities during these challenging times. By providing access to funding, the City is looking for innovative ideas to connect and enhance our community; events/activities that can offer exciting and meaningful opportunities to strengthen and nourish community spirit.

Community Support Fund Objectives

Inspire and lift the community spirit. We are in this together.
Support the wellbeing and mental health of our community members.
Encourage neighbourhoods, arts, recreation, sports and culture groups to create new ways of connecting with each other.
Support local investment/economy.
Celebrate diversity and create a sense of belonging.
Encourage the community to respond and safely participate in the Province’s and the City’s reopening stages.
Simplify the funding process to allow broad participation and easy access during unprecedented times.

Ideas for Community Support Fund Applications

Ideas for Community Support Fund applications must meet Provincial, Regional and Municipal Health and Safety standards. Examples include:

Creative ideas from the community to connect with one another through art, recreational, sport and culture events/programs.
Artistic, sport or wellbeing knowledge sharing through a virtual or in person educational class.
Initiatives that support neighbourhood connections; neighbours supporting neighbours.
Free public streaming or downloadable content made available through social media and online platforms.
A creative intervention, installation or public artwork located in a public-facing space such as a home, balcony or courtyard.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible Applicants

The Community Support Fund is available to Burlington based:

Informal, unofficial or formal community-based organizations, not-for-profit, grassroots groups schools and faith organizations;
Individual persons, artists or community champions.

Ineligible Applicants

The Community Support Fund is not available to:

Organizations and Individuals that receive funds through the City's budget process or are currently receiving funds from the Community Support Fund or any other City grant programs during the same year in which they are applying.
For-profit companies.
Note: Businesses can sponsor a project or apply in partnership with a not-for-profit organization.
Organizations outside of Burlington.
Note: Regional organizations with a project that serves Burlington residents may be eligible to apply for services for the portion provided to Burlington residents

Note: Government agencies can support projects or be in partnership with the eligible applicant.

Political groups, candidates or politicians.

Criteria and Guidelines

The project must:

Adhere to COVID-19 related Municipal, Regional and Provincial health and safety guidelines at the time of application and implementation of the project;
Be open and inclusive;
Be within the City of Burlington geographical area;
Offer free attendance; no ticketed event and/or admission fee may be charged;
Be completed within one year of the funding approval;
Be able to satisfy insurance requirements;

Adhere to municipal, provincial and federal regulatory compliance standards such as building codes, City bylaws, fire regulations, etc.

Applications for projects that recur and/or are similar will be adjudicated based on the assessment criteria as outlined above and on the following:

Success of the previous project;
Innovation within the project;
Availability of funds in the context of funding priorities.

The Project must clearly demonstrate:

Compliance with Health and Safety measures and any provincial orders;

The goals and outcomes expected from the project;
The benefit to offering the project to the community;
What the funds will be used to pay for;
How the project aligns with the goal and objectives of the Fund;
How it supports the Framework for Recreation.

Insurance

Applicants must be able to maintain third party liability insurance throughout the project in the amount of not less than $2 million, listing The Corporation of the City of Burlington as an additional insured.
Note: if you do not have insurance, you can apply for insurance through the City of Burlington, using your grant funds.

Application Timelines

Application Deadline

Accepted on an ongoing basis.

Review Period

Once a month.
Applicants will be notified within 30 days of their standing.

Review Team

Community Development and Arts and Culture sections of Recreation Department.
With subject matter experts consulted as required.

Criteria for Evaluation

Completeness of the application including supported budget.
Aligns with the objectives of the fund.
Feasibility to implement within the given time period.
Meets the criteria and guidelines requirements.
Aligns with the Recreation Framework.

Implementation

Project must be completed within one year of the date of funding approval.

Steps for Applying to the Community Support Fund

Complete the application form below. A City staff member will connect back with you within 30 days to inform you of your application’s standing.

*Applications may be declined if submission is incomplete or does not clearly demonstrate all the required information.

Application Form

How do I receive funding?

If approved, you will be asked to sign a letter of understanding and receive 80% of the total funding via cheque at the provided address.
After the event, you must fill out the Post Survey Report and submit all your receipts electronically for reimbursement within one month from your event date.
- Ensure the store of purchase, date of purchase, items purchased, and total are visible on the receipts.
Reimbursement cheques for the remaining 20% of the amount will be mailed to the organizer's address within a month of receipts being submitted.

Post Survey Report

How much funding can I receive, and what will it cover?

Applicants can receive up to $5000 funding for a one-time Community Support Fund application. Funding will be based on scope and number of virtual/physically distanced participants and/or reach and impact on Burlington community.

Approved Funding Usages

Unapproved Funding Usages

Insurance
Craft supplies
Entertainment
Rental of sound and light system
Rental of space or facility
Paid advertising
Artist fees
Honorarium
Paint and other materials needed to create an art installation such as mural
Rentals (chairs, tables, tents)
Garbage/recycling/compost bags
Additional garbage bag tags
Green consumables: paper plates, bamboo and/or wood utensils, plastic cups
Material to promote your event
Rental of sports/arts equipment
Rental of TSSA Certified inflatable equipment. Inflatables must come with an operator and should ensure proper cleaning and disinfecting are in place
Decorations that are reusable, recyclable or compostable
The cost of disinfecting supplies, as compliance with safety guidance from public health is required
At this time road closures will be limited and/or not approved due to the limited access to resources during the pandemic
Packaged food/snacks

Purchase of inflatable equipment, sports/play equipment, chairs, tables, tents, sound system, cutlery, plates or any other items that need to be “owned” by someone after the event
Purchase of tools or other equipment
Balloons and other decorations that are not environmentally friendly
Any cost or reimbursement associated with ongoing or annual operating or administration costs
Alcohol, tobacco/cannabis related products or gambling expenses
Retroactive funding for events which have already happened
Any expenses or financial commitments made prior to receiving official written grant approval
Fundraising for a project. Funds must go to providing the event directly
Public art or creative installations on private property that is used for business or commercial purpose
Infrastructure, construction, renovation, major purchases and equipment such as capital, property, etc.
Contingency or unexplained miscellaneous costs;
Any other expenditure that does not relate to project
Food serving

Community Support Fund Completed Projects

The City of Burlington would like to thank all residents who organized and participated in this program.

All participants followed the Ontario, Halton and Burlington COVID-19 orders, bylaws and restrictions at the time of their project. Organizers and participants took the necessary precautions to maintain physical distancing from those of outside their household, wore masks, limited numbers to the provincial gathering capacity and hosted projects outside as much as possible.

Name of Project: Boothman Play Street

Date of Project: Oct. 18, 2020

Total Funding: $2,000

Goals: to get more children playing outside and building relationships within the community. This will create a stronger sense of community as well as giving the children a safe place to play together.

This is what they said…

"This project was amazing! It was truly awesome watching neighbours young and old come out to learn and play a new sport together! Being active and spending time outdoors is so important for a healthy lifestyle and there’s no better way to encourage our children to be active then by leading by example. Our street was so excited to have a COVID-19 safe way to interact and play together. Families and children looked forward to pickleball night every week! This program has helped families get moving together while providing the opportunity to try a new sport without any financial commitment. Many families have taken on a love of the sport pickleball and are looking into continuing playing it going forward! This was such a special program for our street and community, truly something everyone looked forward to each week!"

Name of Project: Neighbourhood Nature Play Group

Date of Project: Oct. 14 to Nov. 25, 2020

Total Funding: $1,477.18

Goal: to inform local families on the benefits of nature through free programs and activities for children in Pineland Park.

This is what they said...

"I am happy for any chance to get the kids outside and to see some of their friends...it lets them spread out and choose different things. Keep us posted and stay well!!"

"(B) was so happy when he ran around the corner and saw other kids playing! It’s been so long since we were able to all connect in the beauty of nature. Thank you thank you!!!!!"

"The boys have loved all the messy play! They even asked for a mud kitchen for Christmas. Oh boy!!! Looking forward to the chance to reconnect once all this is over."

Name of Project: White Pines Movie Night

Date of Project: Sept. 25, 2020

Total Funding: $1,559.50

Goal: to have a neighbourhood Movie Night on the street, with physical distancing.

This is what they said…

"The objective of the project is to bring the White Pines Drive neighbourhood closer together and reach out to each family new and old to strengthen the core of the City of Burlington. This event during this time of isolation will be a small way of connecting with our neighbourhood families. In the past 6 years we have had a Love my Neighbourhood BBQ. These events help to strengthen our community our street and solidify relationships on White Pines Drive. From ages 85 to infants the community out reach is what Burlington is built on. This type of community spirit is a great feel good experience for our street and community."

Name of Project: Get Fit for Free

Date of Project: Sept. 15 to Nov. 13, 2020

Total Funding: $3,240

Goal: Free bootcamp-style classes in LaSalle Park for women with young children.

Name of Project: Rudolph in Aldershot

Date of Project: Sept. 12 to Nov. 29, 2020

Total Funding: $416

Goal: To hold a kick-off celebration for neighbours who participated in putting a blow up Rudolph on their front lawns.

Name of Project: Bonnie Court Get Together

Date of Project: Sept. 10, 2020

Total Funding: $1,395

Goal: to celebrate new friendships with an outdoor party. Allow kids to play outside and interact with each other while still maintaining social distance in the middle of the court.

This is what they said…

"A good time was had by all and we rotated who could come and join again to keep the numbers under the 25. We have the most amazing group of neighbours in our court. I couldn’t ask for a more loving and supportive group of people during “normal” times never mind during a global pandemic."

Name of Project: Hadfield Court Movie Night

Date of Project: Sept. 10, 2020

Total Funding: $2,686.50

Goal: to provide children and families on the street with an opportunity to connect with their friends and neighbours after a very long and lonely period of isolation.

to foster a sense of community, connection and comfort while maintaining appropriate safety and social distancing measures.

This is what they said…

"The families on the street were thrilled to have the chance to reconnect with their neighbours after months of isolation. The children in the court all came dressed up as their favourite movie characters, and enjoyed cotton candy, and treats from our free concession stand. A wonderful time was had by all the neighbours. Neighbours gave generously to Halton Food4Kids and we raised over $800 for families in need."

Name of Project: Yoga in the Park

Date of Project: Aug. to Nov. 1, 2020

Total Funding: $681.49

Goal: to offer free exercise and stretching program Sunday mornings in Burloak Park for local residents.

This is what they said…

"We had one mom say that these classes were “the highlight of her week” and many of the kids looked forward to their park visits too!"

Name of Project: Live at the Apollo Concert Series

Date of Project: Select Fridays from July to Sept.

Total Funding: $1,700

Goal: to provide the community residents with a family event with a wide variety of professional musicians playing live music.

This is what they said…

"This project was to provide the neighbourhood community with outdoor live music entertainment throughout the summer. We drew many families from the community, had physical distancing rules in place and received back many comments of thanks and appreciation for providing people with free family entertainment. The overall experience learned that residents love live music in this setting, outdoors in good weather and a time schedule that suited everyone."

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