Downtown Hamilton Creative Placemaking Grant

One day events

• Funding to support one-day events such as performances, gatherings, workshops, concerts, etc. 
• Can apply for $500 - $5,000 per event. 

Event series

• Funding to support a series of events, with a minimum of 3 dates such as performances, gatherings, workshops, concerts, etc. 
• Can apply for $500 - $15,000 per series.  

Temporary installation projects

• Creative temporary installations such as wayfinding, murals, light installations, vinyl wraps, little libraries, etc. 
• Can apply for $500 - $15,000 per project. 

The grant can cover up to 100% of eligible project expenses.

Approximately 7-10 grants will be awarded through this grant program. The majority of grants awarded will be up to $5,000.

Note to City Enrichment Fund grant applicants: It is your responsibility to ensure that participation in this funding program does not exceed the 30% funding threshold from all City sources. If unsure, please speak to your City Enrichment Fund Program Manager or [email protected] and review the City Enrichment Fund Guidelines.

To be considered for funding applications must achieve the score of application meets or exceeds expectations in each of the 4 areas of assessment. 

• Applications that receive a score of “application is below assessment expectations” in any area of assessment will not be considered for funding. 
• Projects will be reviewed to ensure that they are technically feasible before funding is awarded. Applicants may be contacted by staff if more information is required. Any terms and conditions will be outlined in a funding agreement. 
• The assessment team will make funding recommendations based on score and on supporting a diverse range of projects.

Assessment Process

All applications submitted by the deadline will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility. Ineligible and late applications will not be considered for funding. 

Projects will be reviewed through a 2 Stage process: 

• Stage 1: Applications will be reviewed by staff to ensure that they are eligible and that projects are technically feasible before advancing to a second assessment process. Applicants may be asked to submit additional information during this stage. 
• Stage 2: Applications that are deemed eligible and technically feasible will be reviewed by staff and the assessment team using the assessment criteria.

Criteria and Scoring

All eligible applications will be assessed against the following assessment criteria. It is expected that applicants requesting a larger dollar amount ($5,001-$15,000) will submit a more detailed application than those applying for $5,000 or less. 

Assessment Criteria #1

Project demonstrates a place-based experience in an outdoor public space within the designated geographic area. 

What the assessors will be looking for in the application: 

• Location identified with activity proposed in response to the place. 
• Place-based theme outlined in project description, demonstrating how the installation or activity is connected to the unique traits and local context of the place. 
• Project has the potential for meaningful impact on a place/community. 

Scoring:

• Application exceeds assessment expectations
• Application meets assessment expectations
• Application is below assessment expectations

Assessment Criteria #2

Project encourages collaboration and interaction. 

What the assessors will be looking for in the application: 

• Lead individuals and/or organizations involved in the project are identified and their roles described.  
• Additional community collaborators and/or partner organizations are named and their role(s) in the project described, demonstrating how wider participation strengthens community impact.
• Those involved with the project are diverse and represent more than one point of view, with decision-making and creative power shared. 

Scoring:

• Application exceeds assessment expectations
• Application meets assessment expectations
• Application is below assessment expectations

Assessment Criteria #3

Project is new and demonstrates a creative, artistic or innovative approach. 

What the assessors will be looking for in the application: 

• Reason why project is needed is described. 
• Project demonstrates a creative, artistic or innovative approach. 
• Project changes how people can experience the place.  

Scoring:

• Application exceeds assessment expectations
• Application meets assessment expectations
• Application is below assessment expectations

Assessment Criteria #4

Applicants demonstrate they have the resources to complete the project. 

What the assessors will be looking for in the application: 

• Budget is reasonable and suited to the proposed project. 
• Major steps required to coordinate the project are identified. 
• Resources and capacity required to coordinate, install, maintain, and remove project demonstrated. 

Scoring:

• Application exceeds assessment expectations
• Application meets assessment expectations
• Application is below assessment expectations

Funding Announcement

Funding decisions are expected to be announced by May 2026. Successful applicants can expect to receive written confirmation from the City of Hamilton via email.

Funding Agreement

Applicants awarded funding should expect to meet virtually with City staff after the funding announcement to confirm technical requirements. Once both sides are sure that the project can go ahead as described in the application or reasonably amended, a funding agreement will be created. The funding agreement, agreeable to both parties, will identify a payment schedule, project milestones, insurance requirements, any approvals required for the project, acknowledgment of funds, etc. Funding recipients should expect to receive their grant via cheque 4-6 weeks after signing the funding agreement.