Now in its second year, the City of London’s SPARKS! Neighbourhood Matching Fund is inviting Londoners to realize their ideas to enhance their neighbourhoods by accessing up to $5,000 in project matching funds. The fund, which is accepting applications from December 8, 2011 to January 31, 2012, allows neighbourhood groups to initiate, manage and implement projects that make a difference and are aligned with the Strengthening Neighbourhoods vision for all London neighbourhoods. Last year eleven resident driven projects were funded more than $45,000 supporting the ideas and dreams of nine London neighbourhoods. Projects included community celebrations, neighbourhood beautification and naturalization and local gathering places.  “As part of the London Strengthening Neighbourhoods Strategy, these neighbourhood projects bring people together in variety of unique ways to celebrate, share and have fun. Londoners are coming together to show their pride in their neighbourhoods. Wonderful things are happening across our city,” says Lynne Livingstone, Director of Neighbourhood & Children’s Services. With countless project possibilities, neighbourhoods are encouraged to be innovative and creative and to have fun inventing projects to “spark” local neighbourhood beautification, celebration, enhancing green spaces, arts and culture and community pride.

The application process is simple, beginning with a neighbourhood group having an exciting idea. The group then submits an application online ( www.london.ca/sparks ) and if approved, the City of London supplies funds up to $5,000 to match the equivalent contribution the neighbourhood makes through a combination of other funds raised (including donated services, donated materials and supplies, and volunteer labour).

Funds for SPARKS! are provided through the City of London’s Neighbourhood & Children’s Services Division, with a total of $50,000 to allocate in 2012.

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