Co-op Community Spaces
Co-op Community Spaces
January 27, 2025

Co-op Community Spaces: Supporting Vibrant Communities


The application process opens February 1st, 2025, and closes on March 3rd, 2025. Final funding decisions are announced in June 2025.

The Co-op Community Spaces program is a shining example of how businesses can give back to the communities they serve. This initiative provides funding for projects that aim to create or improve spaces that bring people together. Whether it’s a park, a cultural center, or a community kitchen, the program is designed to make a tangible difference in the lives of local residents. 

What Is Co-op Community Spaces?
Launched in 2015, Co-op Community Spaces is a funding initiative that supports community-led projects across Western Canada. Projects can apply for between $25,000 and $150,000 in capital funding in three categories: recreation, environmental conservation and urban agriculture.

1. Recreation: Projects that promote active living and community engagement, such as playgrounds, sports facilities, or trails.
2. Environmental Conservation: Initiatives that protect or enhance the natural environment, such green spaces or sustainable interpretive centers.
3. Urban Agriculture: Small-scale community agriculture initiatives in both rural and urban areas. Efforts to celebrate and preserve local agricultural projects such as such as community gardens or food education facilities.

Eligibility and Application Process
The program is open to non-profit organizations, registered charities, and community groups operating in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. To be eligible, projects must:

• Have a lasting physical presence in the community.
• Be accessible to the public.
• Align with one of the three funding categories.

To learn more about the program, application guidelines, and past projects, visit Co-op Community Spaces

Mid Island Co-op is proud to have several successful Community Spaces projects in our trading area. These include the Nanaimo Community Gardens Greenhouse from 2015, the Cowichan Sportsplex Public Fieldhouse from 2021, Lake Cowichan Duck Pond Revitalization from 2022, and the most recent Salt Spring Harvest Community Gardens from 2024.



How to Get Involved

If you’re part of a community organization with a project idea, consider applying for funding through Co-op Community Spaces. Even if you’re not eligible to apply, you can support the program by:

• Sharing information about the initiative with eligible organizations.
• Volunteering with funded projects in your area.
• Supporting your local Co-op, knowing that a portion of their profits goes back into the community.

Community spaces are the heart of any neighborhood. They provide places for people to connect, learn, and grow. By funding these projects, Co-op is not only strengthening the fabric of local communities but also inspiring others to invest in shared spaces. The program demonstrates how partnerships between businesses and community groups can lead to meaningful, lasting change.

Together, we can create vibrant, inclusive spaces that benefit everyone!