Goals of the Grant Program

• To support creative and impactful activations for Park(ing) Day.

• To foster community engagement and raise awareness about public space.

• To encourage the use of public space for social, recreational, and cultural activities.

Grant Amount

Grants of up to $500 are available to support individual Park(ing) Day projects. Due to limited funding, applications will be evaluated based on merit and approved on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include community groups, non-profit organizations, and individuals who are committed to participating in Park(ing) Day.

Eligible Activities: Grants can be used for activations in spaces currently used for cars, including but not limited to:

• Pop-up parks and green spaces

• Art installations

• Public seating and interactive elements

• Temporary installations that can be completed and removed within the timeframe of Park(ing) Day

• Community events and workshops

• Educational displays about urban infrastructure and sustainability

• Activities that promote inclusivity and community-focused goals

• Sustainable projects that minimize waste and use reusable or recyclable materials

• Projects that adhere to local safety regulations and zoning laws

• Events that align with the spirit and goals of Park(ing) Day, transforming parking spaces into public places

• Projects that engage the community and provide a public benefit

Preference will be given to applications demonstrating a commitment to reusing / repurposing, borrowing materials, and minimizing waste and single-use materials.

Ineligible Activities

• Grants must be used to support projects that align with the mission of Park(ing)Day and provide maximum benefit to the community. The following are not eligible for funding:

• Operational Expenses: Ongoing operational costs such as rent, utilities, or administrative salaries. General expenses not directly tied to the Park(ing )Day activation.

• Large-Scale or Permanent Construction: Significant or permanent construction or installation projects that cannot be completed and removed within the timeframe of Park(ing ) Day

• Personal Projects: Funding personal art projects or hobbies that do not have a public engagement component.

• Political or Religious Activities: Activities that promote a specific political agenda or candidate. Events or displays that focus on religious proselytizing or worship.

• Commercial Activities: Projects focused on selling products or services for profit. Activities that benefit a single business rather than the community.

• Unsafe or Non-Compliant Activities: Projects that do not adhere to local safety regulations or by-laws. Activities that could pose a safety risk to participants or the public.

• Inappropriate Content: Displays or events with offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate content that do not align with the inclusive and community-focused goals of Park(ing) Day.

• Unrelated Projects: Activities that are not directly related to the goals and spirit of Park(ing) Day.

• activations that do not occupy a space that is typically used for cars

• Unsustainable Practices: Projects that generate excessive waste or use single-use materials without plans for reuse or recycling. Activities that do not consider the environmental impact or lack plans for donating or repurposing materials after the event

Application Process

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit the online application form at the bottom of this page. Applicants will be required to upload a PDF submission (file size no larger than 5MB), containing the following information:

• A detailed description of the proposed activation, including a description of community impact. Maximum 500 words.

• Address and photo of proposed activation location.

• Budget breakdown of estimated costs of the proposed activation.

• A sketch, drawing or rendering of the proposed activation is recommended but not required.

Deadline

Please submit your application by 11:59pm ET on Sunday, August 25, 2024. Applications submitted after this date will only be considered if funds remain available.

Additional Support

Applicants are encouraged to seek sponsorships, borrow materials, and collaborate with trades, builders, and community members to enhance their projects. This approach not only helps in leveraging the grant funds but also fosters community engagement and resourcefulness.

Evaluation Process

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of community leaders, architects, urban planners, and sustainability experts. Not all applications may be approved even if they meet the eligibility criteria. Funds are limited and awards will be based on the merit of the submission. The applications that are most closely aligned with the Park(ing) Day ethos and goals will be rated higher in the evaluation.

Selection Criteria

• Creativity and Innovation: The project demonstrates originality and creativity.

• Community Impact: The project engages the community and has a positive social impact.

• Feasibility: The project is well-planned and achievable within the given timeframe and budget.

• Sustainability: The project promotes sustainable use of urban space and minimizes environmental impact. Projects should not create excessive waste, should use materials that can be reused or donated, and should overall have a sustainable approach to a temporary installation.

Grant Administration

Notification of Award

Successful applicants will be notified by August 31, 2024. As a condition of receiving the grant, recipients will be required to sign a waiver of liability, which releases Park(ing) Day Toronto and its organizers from any responsibility for damages or injuries that may occur during the event. This waiver must be signed prior to the Park(ing) Day event.

Use of Funds

Grant funds can be used for materials, supplies, and other project-related expenses to construct or assemble a Park(ing) Day installation. Funds cannot be used for personal expenses, gift cards, staffing costs, compensation for organizers or participants, or ongoing operational costs.

Reporting Requirements

Grantees must submit a brief report within 30 days after Park(ing)Day, including photos and a brief description of the activation, a summary of the community impact, a list of expenses, and copies of receipts.

Release of Funds

Once the report is submitted and verified, funds will be distributed to the applicants. Funds will be disbursed within 30 days of submission of the final report.