New Westminster Community Grants

Love New WestDiscover the impact of New Westminster’s non-profit sector at the Community Grants Celebration. Come connect. Come learn. Come engage.

Meet the more than 60 organizations funded through the City’s Community Grants program, explore exhibits and volunteer opportunities, and take part in fun interactive activities—including a scavenger hunt. Then head up to the Anvil Theatre for a community panel and a keynote speaker highlighting the vital role non-profits play in shaping life in New Westminster.

Free, suitable for all ages, and open to all residents.
For more info visit: newwestcity.ca/lovenewwest



New westminster Recovery Day - Community Grants


About the grants program

Community organizations are vital to the livability and vitality of New Westminster. Through the help of the Community Grants program, Community Partners (local non-profits, charities, volunteer groups, and other eligible organizations) can deliver essential, creative, and innovative programs, support, and services. The Community Grants program reflects the values, vision and needs of the community. 

2026 Special One-Time Grants | Fired up for Football

The 2026 Grant Application Intake opens on February 1, 2026.

Before You Apply  |  Application Guide  |  Apply Now

Community Grants Information Sessions (online)
February 12, 2026 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Click here to register

2026 Community Grants

The 2026 Grant Application Intake closed on October 27, 2025.

Successful applicants will receive information about funding in early 2026.

2027 Community Grants

The 2027 Grant Application Intake is expected to take place in fall 2026.

The Application Guide and supporting documents will be updated prior to this application intake.

Community Grant Portfolios

Under the Community Grants Program, there are three portfolios under which funds are granted. Applicants will need to choose the portfolio to which they are applying: 
 
  1. Grants for Living: Community Livability & Social Equity
  2. Grants for Involvement: Social & Cultural Vibrancy
  3. Grants for Growth: Community Economic Activators
Explore the descriptions for each Portfolio by clicking on the icons below:
 

 

  • Grants under this portfolio will fund activities that:

    • Decrease vulnerability among community members.
    • Enhance community safety and overall quality of life.
    • Ensure access to high-quality child care for children.
    • Improve the urban and natural environment, while supporting climate action.

     

    To learn more about the subject areas within this portfolio, refer to the Application Guide here.

  • Grants in this portfolio will fund activities in arts, culture, heritage, sport and recreation that:

    • Broaden participation
    • Enrich community vibrancy, expression, and creativity.
    • Recognize and engage with the community’s unique heritage.
    • Foster opportunities for achievement and innovation.

     

    To learn more about the subject areas within this portfolio, refer to the Application Guide here.

  • Grants in this portfolio are provided to organizations that play a significant role in enhancing tourism and the economic development of New Westminster. Only these types of organizations are eligible to apply:

    (a) New Westminster-based Business Improvement Associations.
    (b) New Westminster-based Chambers of Commerce.
    (c) New Westminster-based associations that promote tourism within New Westminster as their primary purpose. 

    To learn more about this portfolio, refer to the Application Guide here.

  • Fired Up for Football is a special one-time grant intake that provides funding to support free, low-barrier community activities celebrating global sport, culture, and community, inspired by soccer’s biggest international tournament.

    This grant supports community-led celebrations and activities in New Westminster that:

    • Recognize and include the community
    • Foster connection and belonging
    • Celebrate diverse cultures and/or soccer in creative ways
    • Reflect New Westminster’s community values

    To learn more about this portfolio, refer to the Application Guide here.

  • How to Apply

    Click here for important information on applying, preparing your application, and submitting reports for New Westminster Community Grants
    • Applications must be submitted through the City’s online grant platform.
       
      Access the grant platform: newwestcity.grantplatform.com
       
      Steps:
      • Register with your email address
      • Enter the six-digit verification code sent to your email
      • Complete your profile
       
      In your application, you will be asked to provide:
      • Contact information
      • A description of your activity
      • A budget showing how funds will be spent
      • Supporting documents or sample marketing materials

       

      For assistance with registering, please email 

       

    • 'Fired up for Football' Special One-time Grants

      Applications are accepted from New Westminster-based applicants.
       
      Eligible applicants are:
      • Individuals - a minimum of two individuals must apply together as Applicant and Co-Applicant
      • Community groups - unincorporated groups operating for community benefit
      • Non-profit societies - incorporated under BC or federal legislation (charitable status not required)
      • Registered charities
      • Service organizations - that:
        • Deliver their own programs
        • Donate to local community organizations
      • Religious organizations – if activities:
        • Benefit the broader community
        • Do not involve religious teachings
        • Do not generate revenue
      • Organizations based outside of New Westminster – if activities:
        • Take place in New Westminster
        • Provide a clear benefit to residents
        • Offer services not already available locally
      • New Westminster-based businesses with a valid business license, if activities:
        • Benefit the broader community
        • Do not promote or financially benefit the business.

      Co-Applicant Requirements

      All One-Time Grant applications must have two applicants:
      • One person will be the Applicant and submit the application.
      • A Co-Applicant must be listed with contact information.
      • City staff may contact the Co-Applicant to confirm their involvement.
         

      New Westminster Community Grants

      Eligible applicants are:
      • Community groups - unincorporated groups operating for community benefit
      • Non-profit societies - incorporated under BC or federal legislation (charitable status not required)
      • Registered charities
      • Service organizations - that:
        • Deliver their own programs
        • Donate to local community organizations
      • Religious organizations – if activities:
        • Benefit the broader community
        • Do not involve religious teachings
        • Do not generate revenue
      • Organizations based outside of New Westminster – if activities:
        • Take place in New Westminster
        • Provide a clear benefit to residents
        • Offer services not already available locally

      The following types of applicants are ineligible to apply for New Westminster Community Grants:

      • Individuals (see note below)
      • For profit businesses
      • Organization’s whose sole purpose is to raise funds for other organizations.
      • Organizations whose principles and activities are contrary to the B.C. Human Rights Code or contrary to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

      Please note: For sport travel grants, the City accepts applications from individual athletes as well as teams,

      Eligible applicants are:
      • Community groups - unincorporated groups operating for community benefit
      • Non-profit societies - incorporated under BC or federal legislation (charitable status not required)
      • Registered charities
      • Service organizations - that:
        • Deliver their own programs
        • Donate to local community organizations
      • Religious organizations – if activities:
        • Benefit the broader community
        • Do not involve religious teachings
        • Do not generate revenue
      • Organizations based outside of New Westminster – if activities:
        • Take place in New Westminster
        • Provide a clear benefit to residents
        • Offer services not already available locally
    • The following documents are provided to Community Partners to assist them in developing their applications and completing the required reporting. 

      Foundational Program Documents

      Grant Policy - Outlines the rules, parameters, and guiding principles for how the Community Grants program is administered.
       
      'Fired up For Football' Special One-Time Grant Intake
       
      Application Guide - Provides a step‑by‑step overview of the application and evaluation process.
       
      Before You Apply - Helps you prepare your application by outlining the information, supporting documents, and planning details you will need before the intake opens.
       
      New Westminster Community Grants (Fall 2025)
       
      Application Guide - Explains how to choose the correct portfolio, subject area, and grant type. Provides a step‑by‑step overview of the application and evaluation process.
       
      What to Expect - Helps you prepare for the application period by outlining the organizational information, supporting documents, and planning details you will need before intake opens.
       
      Glossary - Defines key terms and phrases commonly used throughout the Community Grants program materials.
       
      Evaluation Criteria - Describes the eight metrics used to score applications. Use this document to align your responses and strengthen your submission.
       
      City Services - Explains what City Services are, how to request them, and how to obtain a quote to include with your application.
       
      Frequently Asked Questions - Answers common applicant questions and provides practical guidance based on past intakes.
       
      Program Process (Simplified) - Offers a two-page summary of the application and review stages, from intake to final approval.
    • For City Services—such as traffic control, Fire and Police support, Engineering Services, barricades, signage, waste management, and other municipal services—you must obtain a quote before submitting your grant application. City Services are awarded as a cash-equivalent and must not exceed $75,000, inclusive of any cash request. To request a quote, email . Please allow up to four weeks for a quote to be prepared.

      Please note: City facility booking fees are not eligible for City Services grants but may be covered by cash grant awards. If your proposed activities involve using indoor City facilities or outdoor park spaces, you must contact the facility directly to request a rental quote. Attach this quote to your grant application and include the cost in your cash funding request

      To learn more about City Services, click here.

    • Register now for the online Information Session to learn more about the upcoming Fired Up for Football Special One-Time Grant Intake

      Thursday February 12, 2026
      7:00pm - 8:30pm
      Online via Teams

      Register here

    • If you received a 2025 New Westminster Community Grant, you are required to complete an online Grant Report Form. This report helps the City understand how your funded activities have impacted the community and how grant contributed to your success.

      Grant reports are now submitted through the online grants platform. To access your report:


      Important

      To receive your grant funds, your completed report — including all required receipts — must be submitted by December 1, 2025.

      For assistance accessing or completing your report, please email

      Curious about what types of programs have received funding in the past? View the Snapshots for Success - 2024 Collection to see how previous Community Grant recipients have made an impact.

    • Successful grant recipients are required to acknowledge the City of New Westminster’s financial support on all program or event communication and promotional material. This includes posters, website, news releases, signage, social media, etc. Not doing so may affect future grant consideration.

      Versions of the City logo are available by emailing . Use of the City of New Westminster logo will be outlined with a provided graphic standards guide.

    • Information Sessions

      An online information session for Community Grant applicants took place on September 23, 2025. A video recording of the session is available here. Click here to view the presentation slides. 

      To receive updates about upcoming sessions and grant opportunities, we encourage you to sign up for CityPage or Invest New West notifications.

      Online Resources

      The City of New Westminster Virtual Education and Networking Nights feature presentations that are especially helpful when preparing your Community Grants application. We recommend the following sessions:

       

      Other Opportunities

      The Non-Profit Educational Bursary Support Program provides financial support for capacity-building and professional development. All New Westminster-based non-profits registered as a BC society or federal charity are eligible.

      • Learn more about the program here.
      • Apply through the ongoing intake form here.
    • Have we missed anything?

      Reach out to the Community Grants Team with any questions, comments or concerns
  • Contact: