Up to $250,000 for Community Projects In Southern Ontario: My Main Street Community Activator Grant
The My Main Street Community Activator program aims to invigorate communities in southern Ontario by supporting high-impact placemaking projects. These projects are designed to enhance local vibrancy, draw visitors, and foster inclusive spaces. Through non-repayable contributions of up to $250,000, the program empowers eligible organizations to reimagine public spaces, from main streets to downtown areas, fostering economic and social renewal.
Program Objectives
Placemaking initiatives such as events activations, community enhancements, and streetscape improvements are encouraged. The section also emphasizes the importance of sustainable strategies and benefits for equity-deserving groups.
- Supports high-impact placemaking projects to revitalize neighborhoods and public spaces in southern Ontario.
- Projects should aim to draw visitors and increase local vibrancy.
- Placemaking projects can include:
- Icon Events Activations
- Icon Community Enhancements
- Icon Streetscape Improvements
- Focus on sustainable economic and social benefits for equity-deserving groups.
- Projects must align with the program's objectives and contribute to community vibrancy.
To be eligible for the Community Activator Stream, organizations must adhere to the following eligibility criteria:
- Applicants must be from communities located within southern Ontario.
- Eligible representatives include:
- Municipality, local, or regional government
- Business improvement areas (BIAs)
- Indigenous governing body or development corporation
- Federally or provincially incorporated not-for-profit
- Other community organizations collaborating with eligible entities
- Applicants must have or will obtain all necessary licenses and permits for their project.
- Projects must focus on a defined geographic area, including main streets, downtown strips, and plazas.
- Applicants must demonstrate how their project will contribute to sustainable economic and social vibrancy.
- Collaboration with local community delivery partners is encouraged.
- Projects should support the inclusion, safety, and prosperity of equity-deserving groups.
- Applicants must be willing to participate in program-related announcements, events, and storytelling initiatives.
- Previous funding from alternate placemaking programs supported by FedDev Ontario in the last calendar year disqualifies applicants.
The following is further information on funding:
- Non-repayable contributions up to $250,000 are available.
- Funding is provided as reimbursements against completed work.
- Successful applicants may receive 25% of approved project costs in advance.
