Canada Healthy Communities Initiatives

Nanaimo Foundation takes part in a new Healthy Communities Initiative

COVID-19 has seriously impacted our access and use of public spaces which are the glue to our communities. They are a big part of what makes communities safe, vibrant and connected.

The Healthy Communities Initiative is a $31 million investment from the Government of Canada to support communities as they create and adapt public spaces to respond to the new realities of COVID-19. Nanaimo Foundation is proud to be working with Community Foundations of Canada, the Government of Canada and other community foundations across Vancouver Island and northern BC to provide $987,170 of funding to support organizations who are showing creativity and resourcefulness in creating solutions that enable people to connect and access public spaces safely while still respecting public health measures.

About the Healthy Communities Initiatives

Nanaimo Foundation looks forward to supporting projects that will create safe and vibrant public spaces, improve mobility options and provide innovative digital solutions to connect people and improve health.

With funding between $5,000 and $250,000, the Healthy Communities Initiative aims to support local efforts to develop small-scale infrastructure solutions, programming and services for communities across Canada.

Funding can be used for adapting public spaces, or for programming or services that respond to COVID-19 and serve the public or a community disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Organizations are encouraged to engage the community when designing their projects.

Local governments, charities, Indigenous communities and nonprofits are all welcome to apply for funding.

Creating safe and vibrant public spaces: Projects that create safe and vibrant public spaces improve open spaces, parks, commercial main streets, and access to other public spaces. For example, these projects could create new pedestrian zones, revitalize an alleyway or build community gardens.

Improving mobility options: Projects that improve mobility options provide transportation options or adaptations for people to stay safe and physically distant while walking, biking or using public transit access. For example, these projects could add social distancing markings on sidewalks or build pop-up pathways.

Digital solutions: Projects that provide digital solutions use data and technology in innovative ways to connect people, improve health or facilitate public engagement. For example, these projects could install free public wifi hotspots, develop a mental wellbeing app or use an online platform to create virtual town halls.

For the full list of eligible organizations and a comprehensive list of example projects please see the Applicant Guide.