The Building Belonging Microgrant was designed to help organizations in Airdrie create projects that bring people together and help everyone feel welcome and included.
“We’re looking for individuals and community organizations who live or serve the Airdrie community to bring their innovative ideas to life,” according to the City of Airdrie website.
The Building Belonging Microgrant will fund initiatives that:
- Foster an inclusive and vibrant community by deepening appreciation for diversity and promoting mutual respect, understanding and connections across cultures and communities.
- Reduce barriers to community participation for individuals and communities facing social, physical and economic obstacles to engagement and representation in public life, particularly for historically excluded groups.
- Support awareness, dialogue and action on Truth and Reconciliation, anti-racism, anti-discrimination and allyship by creating spaces for learning and conversation.
The microgrants are available for up to $1,500 per initiative. This pilot microgrant initiative opened on June 19 and will accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year until November 15 or until funds are fully allocated. All initiatives must be completed by December 31, and a final report must be submitted within 60 days of completion.
Initiatives must be either in the form of:
- events and activities that take place within city limits and are open to the public, or
- targeted initiatives aimed at reducing barriers to participation for individuals or communities facing exclusion.
Examples of eligible events include intercultural celebrations, storytelling events or oral history projects, public workshops on creating and strengthening accessibility and inclusion, and talking circles or storytelling gatherings on Truth and Reconciliation.
Other events that could be considered are community-driven educational campaigns on anti-racism; transportation and childcare support to help remove barriers to community participation; leadership and networking or skill-building opportunities tailored to newcomers, racialized communities, or other underrepresented groups.
For more information and to apply for the City of Airdrie Building Belonging Microgrant, visit airdrie.ca.
