The National Trust for Canada invites community groups undertaking main street projects to participate in a national crowdfunding competition this fall. The 2016 This Place Matters competition will give community groups the chance to raise funds, reach new audiences and compete for two $40,000 prizes. The National Trust is seeking local groups with project ideas that will contribute to the vitality of a traditional main street and enhance community pride.

“Canada’s traditional main streets have enormous potential,” said Natalie Bull, Executive Director of the National Trust. “Main street is where people, art and culture converge and where Canada’s small businesses thrive. The 2016 This Place Matters competition will bring community partners and young people together to revitalize their main streets with projects that generate economic, social, cultural or environmental benefits for their communities.”

About the Competition

This Place Matters empowers Canadians to be involved in the renewal of Canada’s great places. During the 2016 competition, participating project groups will attract votes, raise awareness and have a chance to win cash prizes to implement their project.

Eligible project groups will compete in two categories:

• Populations below 50,000 – Town Spotlight
• Populations over 50,000 – City Beacon

A winner will be declared in each category based on the number of votes received. Both winning projects will be awarded a cash prize of $40,000. Voting will be free and open to the public.  Project groups will also receive one (1) additional vote for every dollar they raise through crowdfunding.

The competition will run from October 4, 2016 to November 15, 2016.

Read the complete rules and regulations

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible project groups competing on This Place Matters must demonstrate that their project meets one or more of the following key objectives:

• Protecting Places: Improving the physical environment of the main street (e.g. the renewal of a public building or space).
• Making Connections: Connecting the community and visitors to the history, heritage and cultural diversity of a place (e.g. an app describing local heritage attractions).
• Celebrating Community: Bringing people together to rediscover and celebrate local identity (e.g. hosting an event celebrating local cuisine).

In addition, the project must be in a position to start within 12 months of the end of the competition.

Review the complete eligibility criteria

Register Your Project

To participate in the 2016 This Place Matters competition, groups must register their projects. Registered projects will be assessed by a jury to ensure compliance with the eligibility criteria.

Register your project now

Projects must be registered by Tuesday, August 30, 2016. Participating projects will be announced September 23, 2016.

About This Place Matters

The National Trust for Canada’s This Place Matters is Canada’s only crowdfunding platform dedicated to heritage places. Since its launch in 2015,This Place Matters has directed over $375,000 to worthy heritage projects thanks to contributions from Canadians across the country and from the National Trust’s sponsors and partners.

The National Trust for Canada thanks its Founding Partner, the RBC Foundation, for its support.

Questions? Contact thisplacematters at nationaltrustcanada.ca or phone 1-866-964-1066.