Did you know?

More than 100 young leaders have graduated from the Youth Now program.

Each year, over 100 non-profit professionals attend our training opportunities.

Over two dozen non-profit organizations have participated in the Youth Now program.

The CCRR provides nearly 400 child care referrals per year.

On average, the CCRR hosts 30 workshops and training courses each year.

Every year, over 500 child care providers and parents attend CCRR training opportunities.

Every year, RCRG completes over 3,000 grocery orders for local seniors.

Nearly 300 seniors make use of our Better at Home services.

Our volunteer drivers complete more than 1,200 trips annually.

At least 350 people per year find a volunteer position using our Volunteer Match program.

Close to 500 volunteers support RCRG’s programs and services.

Volunteers contribute nearly 23,000 hours to our organization each year.

Each holiday season, the Richmond Christmas Fund helps more than 2,200 low-income residents.

Every year, the Christmas Fund provides over 600 children with toys, books, and sports equipment.

The Richmond Christmas Fund was first started by Ethel Tibbits, in the 1930s.

The number of Neighbourhood Small Grants we’ve awarded has increased every year since 2014.

Block parties are the most popular type of Neighbourhood Small Grant project.

Every year, the Richmond Women’s Resource Centre serves over 7,300 local women.

The Richmond Women’s Resource Centre currently offers 16 programs and services.

Nearly 60 volunteers support the Richmond Women’s Resource Centre, contributing nearly 2,500 hours per year.

Richmond is home to over 350 registered charities, all of which rely on volunteer support.

There are nearly 13 million volunteers across Canada.

International Volunteer Day is celebrated throughout the world on December 5.

There are 35 volunteer centres in British Columbia.

In 2016, the Foundation awarded 10 grants to non-profit organizations, worth a combined $59,000.

The Foundation manages $6 million in 60 Forever Funds, returning, on average, CPI plus 4%.

Between 2020 and 2022, the Foundation distributed $656,000 in grants, scholarships, charitable disbursements, and Emergency Community Support Funds.

Foundation activities result in the enhancement of our community and residents’ sense of belonging.

ROCA has raised over $21,000 for local charities.

ROCA has performed its Elementary School Concert Series to over 8,000 students.

ROCA provides mentoring and life changing opportunities for aspiring musicians.

The Richmond Arts Coalition was founded in November of 2005.

RAC co-produces the ArtRich exhibition every two years!

RAC highlights Richmond's arts events in a monthly email.

The Richmond Music School is the oldest not-for-profit music school in Richmond.

The Richmond Music School offers affordable music lessons through its diverse programming.

Our students performed 40 hours of music to welcome the Olympic athletes to the 2010 Olympic Games.

Neighbourhood Small Grants

Small Projects, Big Impact

A neighbourhood isn't just a place. It's a group of people who call that place home. And because they share a home, they also share a connection to one another. The Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program was created to make those connections stronger.

Funded by the Vancouver Foundation, the program operates in communities throughout British Columbia. In Richmond, it's proudly administered by RCRG.

Here's how it works. Each year, we distribute grants of up to $500 to Richmond residents, so they can organize small community projects like cooking classes, urban gardens, and art exhibitions, to name just a few examples. While the projects we fund are diverse, they all have the same goals: to build community, alleviate social isolation, and strengthen connections between neighbours.

Our Spring Granting Cycle is Now Closed

Another year of Neighbourhood Small Grants kicked off on March 7, when we opened our spring granting cycle. The final day to apply was April 18, but if you didn't get a chance to submit your project idea, don't worry! A second round of funding will be available this fall, beginning September 7, and you're welcome - and very much encouraged - to apply then.

In the meantime, you can visit the Neighbourhood Small Grants website to learn more about the program. And of course, keep thinking of awesome project ideas!

In 2023, the Neighbourhood Small Grants program is bigger and better than ever! Of course, the main funding stream is back, where you can apply for up to $500 for a project that connects people socially, or involves the sharing of skills or talents with fellow community members.

Youth Neighbourhood Small Grants are back as well, giving applicants between the ages of 12 and 24 a chance to design and lead their own projects. Here, too, grants of up to $500 are available.

Finally, Richmond is participating in a new pilot program, called Lighter Living Neighbourhood Small Grants. Yet again, you can apply for up to $500. This funding stream, however, is specifically for projects that focus on environmental sustainability and social wellbeing, with OneEarth Living's Lighter Living Action Packs serving as inspiration.

All three funding streams use the same online application form, and adhere to the same general eligibility criteria. Your project can take place online or in person, and should be as inclusive as possible. Importantly, any product, service, or event you create must be offered free of charge.

As for project ideas, that part's up to you! You can explore creative ways of sharing skills or resources, or do something to beautify your neighbourhood. Think: what would contribute to a stronger, healthier, more vibrant community? Maybe your project is an answer to that question.

Our one piece of advice is to take what you love - a hobby, a cause, an activity - and find a way to get your neighbours and the wider community involved. Your enthusiasm alone will help bring people together, so go ahead and make your project a reality!