Applications now open for Placemaking Grant Pilot Program

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton is pleased to open the Placemaking Grant Pilot Program to new applications from groups of residents and local non-profit organizations. Made possible through a $100,000 donation from the Patrick J. McNally Charitable Foundation, the Placemaking Grant Pilot Program will award funds from the donation to community-led placemaking projects that temporarily animate public spaces. Applications for funding are due by 4 pm on Friday, December 10, 2021.

Projects funded through this round of the Placemaking Grant Pilot Program are expected to start in the summer of 2022 through 2023 and will help to enliven our public spaces as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Information about the program, including funding guidelines, eligibility requirements, application form and a placemaking toolkit are available at www.hamilton.ca/PlacemakingGrant.

Quick facts

• Placemaking is a hands-on approach for making a meaningful change or impact in a neighbourhood, city or region. Placemaking interacts with the unique geography, culture, and heritage of a space and is a way for residents to feel ownership of public space and use it in a way that is specific to community need.
• Applications for the Placemaking Grant Pilot Program will be accepted from groups of residents and non-profit organizations.
• Applicants can apply for funding at two levels:
  • Category 1 - Up to $2,000 per project. Projects are temporary (ranging from a few days up to one year) and may include a physical change to the place (signage, sculpture, garden planters, etc.) or may reimagine a space through repeated action (performances, gatherings, etc.). 
  • Category 2 - $5,000 to $20,000. Projects are temporary (ranging from a few days up to three years) and will include a physical change to the place (seating, sculpture, etc.). 
• The Placemaking Grant Pilot Program will award approximately 11-12 grants: 10 grants in Category 1 and one to two grants in Category 2.
• This is the second of two rounds of grant funding administered through the Placemaking Grant Pilot Program
• Staff will work with applicants to ensure projects that receive funding meet current COVID-19 regulations.
• Residents and groups looking to learn more about placemaking and the Placemaking Grant Pilot Program are encouraged to register for one of two upcoming virtual Question & Answer sessions:
  • Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 3 pm
  • Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 7 pm
  • For more information and how to register visit: www.Hamilton.ca/PlacemakingGrant
• In 2021, 13 community-led placemaking projects were funded through the Placemaking Grant Pilot Program. 

Additional resources

• Placemaking Grant Pilot Program