Each year, the City of Kamloops issues a call for proposals for registered charities and non-profit agencies in our community to apply for Social and Community Development Grants, which are intended to fund special projects, operational costs, and/or capital expenditures that address specific current social problems and/or issues related to the City’s Social Plan or the Livability and Sustainability pillar of the Council Strategic Plan.
Transition Kamloops received a $9,000 Social and Community Development Grant in 2024. This is how the grant was used:
Submitted by Transition Kamloops:
Transition Kamloops is a 100% volunteer-driven, registered not-for-profit society focused on increasing local resilience and self-sufficiency in food, water, energy, culture and wellness. Founded in 2014, we emphasize a local economy, healthy ecosystems, and grassroots community building, while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. We believe in a better way: a community that sustains life in all its diversity, strives for equality and justice, and invests in the future.
City funds helped cover the costs for a one-day event called Climate Action Fest 2.0 that took place on January 27, 2024. The funding covered venue rental costs and hiring a facilitator to lead a community conversation on reducing climate change impacts. At the end of the event, we encouraged teams to start local projects, and this funding helped continue the conversations and support local action after the Climate Action Fest was over.
Our one-day event and the resulting climate action projects have enhanced community connectedness while providing entry points for the public into climate action, supporting the City’s climate action goals that were identified in the Community Climate Action Plan. Both pre-existing and newly formed climate action teams benefited.
A direct result of the one-day event revived existing initiatives and started several new ones.
- We hosted four used clothing swaps in 2024.
- The Green Burial team is working towards cemetery regulations changes and the establishment of a natural burial location near Kamloops.
- The Imagine Kamloops team led a successful workshop with the Heffley Creek Neighbourhood Association focused on small, hyperlocal, climate-friendly actions.
- Harnessing the power of the arts, several climate-focused pieces of music were workshopped then performed at community events.
- The Propel Us Car Share has incorporated as a society, has completed a draft business plan, and is moving forward with an active board of directors.
- The Nature Friendly Yards group is sharing their learnings and inspiring more ecologically sound landscaping in our community.
Our one-minute video summarizes the success of Climate Action 2.0.
Transition Kamloops gives residents an entry point to hands-on projects that support the City's Community Climate Action Plan goals. Just as importantly, it connects people, provides a safe space to share their worries, and builds meaningful, supportive connections with like-minded others.
To learn more about this Social and Community Development Grant, visit Kamloops.ca/Grants. Review the full list of stories of how other groups used their Social and Community Development Grants.
