Neighbourhood Activation Fund

Eligible events:

• Block parties
• Community BBQs
• Cultural gatherings
• Pop-up movie nights

Ineligible events:

• Events that are already supported through other City programs, such as the Arts Fund, Heritage Fund, or Community Investment Fund
• Events that do not align with our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Political events

Eligible applicants:

• Individuals
• Neighbourhood associations
• Cultural organizations
• Other local groups who want to organize events that build stronger community connections

Ineligible applicants:

• Any group receiving other City grant, such as the Arts Fund, Heritage Fund, or Community Investment Fund.
• Hate groups
• Political parties

Funding support is provided in-kind to offset eligible costs for events. You can receive up to the following amounts in value for each type of event: 

• Block party - $500
• Community-led neighbourhood event - $1,500
• Pop-up movie night - $2,500

It is possible to receive additional funds, after in-kind costs are paid out to support the event, to a maximum of $1,500.

Once you have applied, our Community Development Coordinator will work with you to outline which costs are covered for your event. Eligible costs may include

• Insurance
• Licensing
• Facility or park bookings
• Road closure signage
• Equipment (example: movie screen rental)

Block parties are smaller gatherings of less than 250 people. The primary audience is people who live on the street/in the neighbourhood.

Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis, until available funding is fully allocated.

Once approved for the funding, you will need to:

1. Talk to your neighbours – you need to record support from at least 65% of households on the block
2. Get insurance – we require a minimum of $5 million general liability insurance naming the City of Kingston as an additional insurer
3. Create a traffic control plan or road closure sketch
4. Rent road barriers and signage from a third-party supplier
5. Apply for a Temporary Right-of-Way Occupancy Permit

A community or cultural event brings residents together to build connections, belonging, and pride.

Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis, until available funding is fully allocated.

Once approved for the funding, you will need to:

1. Apply for a Park Permit – confirm preferred dates and consider your events electrical/washroom access needs
2. Create a site plan – consider the layout of tents, stages, food, and activities
3. Get insurance – we require a minimum of $5 million general liability insurance naming the City of Kingston as an additional insurer

A pop-up movie night is a free, community-led outdoor event. These events take place in parks, fostering a sense of belonging while making arts and culture accessible to all.

Applications are accepted once per year, with a deadline at the end of April and a review period in early to mid-May. Applications received after this deadline will be considered for the following year’s season. 

Once approved for the funding, you will need to:

1. Apply for a Park Permit – confirm preferred dates and consider your events electrical/washroom needs
2. Pick a movie and secure a public performance movie license through our approved licensing provider
3. Create a site plan – consider the screen placement, audience area, cables and waste stations
4. Get insurance – we require a minimum of $5 million general liability insurance naming the City of Kingston as an additional insurer