Organizers for community-based projects are encouraged to apply for the River Market’s ONE Prize grant program.
The market announced today that it is once again offering up grants to those with innovative, locally-focused ideas.
“Many of the projects kick started by the ONE Prize have continued to enrich community life beyond their initial pilot,” River Market’s ONE project lead Leslie Shieh said in a media release.
As examples, she pointed to PopLuck, a series of pop-up potluck picnics, and So Are We Creative, a community event collective, both funded in year one and both still growing. Among last year’s winners, ArtStarts and New West’s Festival of Trees have each received interest and further funding to continue.
For 2014, Donald's Market is contributing $6,000 to ONE Prize. This year, three $2,000 prizes will be awarded, one to a project that encourages greater social inclusion and community engagement for seniors. Projects can include non-profit organizations, for-profit enterprises, community groups, or individuals. The aim of ONE Prize is to kick start new projects or strengthen existing ones, rather than funding a group's ongoing operating costs.
Donald’s Market and River Market launched ONE Prize in 2012 as a community fund for New Westminster. When ONE members shop at Donald’s Market, the grocery store contributes one per cent of every dollar spent to the ONE Prize fund. The winners are decided by members who vote for their favourite projects from a shortlist of submitted proposals. Projects can be big or small, but must contribute positively to living, working, or playing in New Westminster.
Donald’s Market general manager Eric Siu said it’s a simple idea based on the power of community.
“It’s about investing in our own backyard. Through ONE Prize, we can support local projects that contribute to the place where we all live and work,” he said in the release.
Project proposals are submitted online. The deadline for submission is March 15. Visit www.rivermarket.ca/oneprize for more information and the submission form. After receiving submissions, River Market and Donald’s Market will shortlist the projects and ask ONE members to vote. Prizes will be announced in early May.
For ONE membership, which also comes with savings and perks at Donald’s Market and throughout River Market, sign up with a Donald’s Market cashier.
