The Comox Valley Community Foundation is helping residents bring community-building ideas to life through this year's Neighbourhood Small Grants program.

A total of 39 projects have been approved, sharing just over $12 thousand in funding.

Individual grants range from $166 to $500 and will support projects throughout the Comox Valley.

The program, funded by the Vancouver Foundation and administered locally by the Comox Valley Community Foundation, is designed to encourage neighbours to connect through small, community-led initiatives.

It's open to people of all ages and backgrounds, with the goal of strengthening neighbourhoods through local projects.

Foundation Executive Director Jolean Finnerty says the grants continue to inspire creative ideas that make a difference.

This year's projects include a new seed library in Fanny Bay, neighbourhood gatherings in Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland, gardening workshops, new parent meetups, and a variety of other community activities.

Last year, one grant helped fund a fibre art workshop for seniors in Comox, where participants created nature scenes using wool while building friendships and encouraging creativity.

A full list of this year's funded projects, along with information on applying for next year's grants, is available at Comox Valley Community Foundation.

Since 1996, the Foundation has awarded more than $8.6-million in grants and scholarships to local non-profit organizations and students.