Funding Futures
in the Southern Gulf Islands
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April 2024| SGI Sustainable Funding Initiative |
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Island Health
Community Wellness Grant Program
Closing Soon
Island Health's community wellness granting program provides the opportunity for not-for-profit organizations, local government organizations and Indigenous Nations, organizations and communities to apply for one-time funding for the development of new initiatives and programs.
The focus of the 2024/2025 funding cycle is community resilience, promoting connected, diverse, safe, active, and nourished communities. Projects must address one or more of the following community resilience goals:
- Advancing diversity in your community
- Promoting dignity and human rights
- Addressing discrimination, racism and stigma
- Decolonizing and Indigenizing community wellness
- Advancing connectedness in your community
- Social connectedness
- Building intergenerational connections
- Supportive and welcoming communities
- Advancing safety in your community
- Injury prevention
- Violence and domestic abuse prevention
- Active transportation
- Advancing nourishment in your community
- Community gardens
- Food security
- Nutrition
- Advancing active living in your community
- Physical activity for all, including people with different abilities
- Mindful movement
- Connection and access to nature
Community wellness grants can be used to fund a new project or a continuing project in need of one-time funding. In both categories, the project cannot have previously received Island Health funding and will not be eligible for future Community Wellness Grant funding. All projects must be based in and primarily serve communities in the Island Health region (Vancouver Island, the islands in the Salish Sea and the Johnstone Strait, and mainland communities north of Powell River).
Funding:
Organizations may apply in either the individual grants category (up to $12,000 per project) or the partnership grants category (must be a collaboration amongst a minimum of 3 partner organizations, up to $50,000 per project).
Deadline: April 12th, 2024 by 4pm
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The CARES Across Canada grant empowers caregivers and enriches the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum.
Eager to break new ground in supporting caregivers in your organization? This grant program can provide substantial support, including:
- A grant to establish the CARES program within your organization.
- Intensive training (10+ hours) from our CARES Founders.
- Extensive support throughout program delivery and companion workbooks for both staff and caregivers.
Eligible Applicants:
Successful applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Proven Experience: Demonstrated history of impactful support to families and caregivers within the autism community.
- Implementation Capacity: Evidence of the organizational infrastructure and resources necessary to effectively deliver the CARES program, including suitable facilities, trained personnel, and outreach capabilities.
- Community Impact: A clear plan for how the CARES program will address specific needs within your community, including expected outcomes and benefits for caregivers.
- Innovative Approach: Creativity in program delivery and engagement with caregivers, including the use of technology, partnerships, or novel methodologies to enhance impact.
Funding: $20,000 to establish the CARES program within your organization
Deadline: May 19, 2024
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Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC
Open Now!
The fund supports grants for community-based initiatives that create and shape meaningful outdoor recreational and nature-based experiences for British Columbians. It has three priorities which are: (1) outdoor enhancement, (2) education and stewardship, and (3) inclusive participation.
- Registered charities and incorporated non-profit organizations
- Local governments in BC
- Indigenous governments in BC
Application will be open to projects that:
- Align with the purpose of the fund.
- Align with one (or more) of the three priorities
- Are ready-to-go which means that any required authorizations are in place before applying
- Take place in British Columbia.
- Projects that can be completed before March 2025 will be preferred.
Priorities:
1) Outdoor Enhancement
Support the community groups who enhance and maintain trails, signage and outdoor recreation infrastructure.
Project Examples: Pre-authorized activities that help maintain and enhance outdoor spaces such as trails, campsites, boat launches, climbing craigs, etc. Projects must deliver physical results like resurfacing, grooming, and signage.
2) Education
Foster responsible use of the outdoors through education and stewardship initiatives that minimize the environmental, cultural, and safety impacts of outdoor adventuring.
Project examples: Interpretive signage, educational programs, volunteer training, safety enhancements, cultural education, and environmental preservation of recreation areas.
3) Participation
Cultivate accessible, inclusive and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities by encouraging participation in outdoor recreation for under-represented groups
Project examples: Accessibility projects & equipment, programs, workshops, skill-building and creating community.
Matching Funds:
A 50% matching contribution is required. It can be fulfilled with:
Monetary contributions from other sources.
In-kind contributions which include:
- Donated materials at verified fair market value.
- Donated accredited professional services at verified fair market value.
- Volunteer labour at $20/hour.
Funding: $2000-10,000
Closes: April 30th 2024
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Heritage Legacy Fund
The Heritage Legacy Fund (HLF) was established in 2003 through an initial gift of $5 million from the Province of British Columbia. The fund is held by the Vancouver Foundation and administered by trusted advisors Heritage BC to provide community support, educational resources and grants for heritage projects throughout British Columbia.
Eligible Applicants:
- Registered societies including non-profits and charities
- local governments
- First Nations governments and organizations
- School Boards
- Religious organizations that own heritage assets may be considered if they can demonstrate an active role in regular, broad-based and inclusive community-supported programs or services.
Funding Streams
- Heritage Conservation Program for the preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of heritage resources.
- Heritage Awareness Program for the research, documentation, presentation, and publication of information about specific community heritage resources.
- Heritage Planning Program for the creation of planning documents to assist with heritage conservation and awareness.
- Indigenous Partnership Program for initiatives to further reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through collaboration.
Application Process:
Contact Imogen Goldie at igoldie@heritagebc.ca to verify your project’s eligibility before Friday April 12th.
Funding: up to $50,000
Deadline: Friday April 26th, 2024 by 5:00pm PST
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The Community Agriculture Grant awards funds to projects dedicated to innovative community-building and agriculturally focused initiatives that will help strengthen local areas, towns, or cities.
Eligible Applicants
- The applicant/project must operate within 350km from a Peavey Industries location (Ace Canada, Main Street Hardware, Peavey Mart)**
- Be a registered charity under the Canada Revenue Agency with valid registration numbers or a registered non-profit organization under their provincial government with proof of registration (e.g., letters of incorporation)
- NOTE: The grant will NOT be awarded to individuals, businesses, or government entities
** There is an Ace Hardware in Chemanius
Eligible Projects
- community gardens
- green spaces
- interpretive centers
- agricultural programs
- recreation spaces
- rural enhancements
Funding: up to a total of $100,000
Deadline: May 31, 2024
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Southern Gulf Islands Emergency Resilience Grants
This grant is intended to help island communities increase their emergency preparedness and resilience.
Eligible Applicants: We welcome all individuals, businesses, organizations, and community groups to apply for the 2024 SGI Emergency Resilience Micro Grants or Impact Grants.
Funding:
Stream 1: Community Resilience Micro Grant Up to 10 Micro Grants are available, each for a maximum of $500. Approximate total funding = $5,000.
Stream 2: Emergency Resilience Impact Grant Up to four Impact Grants are available, each for a maximum of $5,000. Approximate total funding = $20,000. Projects offering significant benefits to both the community and the applicant may be considered for cost-sharing.
Deadline: May 13, 2024, by 11:59pm
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Closing Soon
The Fund will help to create jobs and support coastal communities as they recover from the COVID-19 economic downturn and loss of tourism. The Fund also supports BC’s work on addressing marine debris, as recommended in the 2020 "What We Heard on Marine Debris in BC" report, and the "2019 CleanBC Plastics Action Plan".
Eligible Applicants:
- Marine coastal First Nations in BC;
- Marine coastal Indigenous organizations in BC;
- Marine coastal local governments in BC;
- BC non-profits;
- BC organizations that have expertise in shoreline and marine debris clean-up; and
- BC organizations that have expertise in removal of derelict vessels.
Eligible Projects:
The Fund will support three types of projects:
1) Marine shoreline clean-up: Conduct and coordinate shoreline clean up in marine coastal BC locations.
- Onshore routine small debris
- Onshore significant debris volumes and large objects (non-hazardous)
- Debris washed or discarded on the shoreline
2) Derelict vessel removal: Conduct and coordinate derelict vessel removal in coastal BC locations.
- Abandoned vessels not posing an immediate and / or serious environmental or public safety threat
- Wrecked vessels not posing an immediate and / or serious environmental or public safety threat
3) NEW! Derelict aquaculture site clean-up: Conduct and coordinate derelict aquaculture site clean-up in coastal BC locations.
- Planning costs such as research and assessments for identification of debris removal, licenses, permits, and approvals
- Removal /clean-up costs such as crew transportation costs from marshalling point or personal protective equipment for participants
- Managing collected debris and the rental / lease / operator fees associated with specialized vessel, tug and helicopter operators for collection and extraction of debris
Funding:
- Marine shoreline clean-up: undisclosed
- Derelict vessel removal: undisclosed
- Derelict Aquaculture: Between $250,000 - $500,000
Deadline: April 15, 2024
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The Capacity Building Grant stream supports grassroots Indigenous charities, programs, communities, and initiatives (artists and makers) with the potential for significant impact. This grant stream commits to multi-year relationships which increase the capacity, networks, programs, and profile of the partners selected.
Eligible Applicants: Small Indigenous-led organizations, with a preference for First Nations, Inuit, or Métis community-based initiatives with less than 6 full-time staff and an annual operating budget under $1,000,000.
Eligible Projects: This stream is meant to be collaborative and flexible, allowing each applicant to identify what they require to reach the next phase.
- DWF is seeking applicants who want to build their core capacity, create new programs, expand to new geographic locations, or grow their team. The applicants should be looking for a partner to work with to help them to achieve this growth.
- DWF will work with successful applicants beyond providing funding, to help create, improve, or update your programming, HR/Finance processes, granting submission requests, networking opportunities, graphic design and branding, or any other gap we can help you close.
Funding: Up to $175,000 per year, for a maximum of 4 years
Deadline: May 17, 2024
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SUBSIDIES, GRANTS AND REBATES
FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES
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BC Secondary Suites Incentive Program
The Secondary Suite Incentive Program will help homeowners create affordable housing in their communities. The program will provide money to help homeowners create a new secondary suite on their property to be rented out for below market value.
Eligible Applicants:
Eligible Projects:
- A new legal self-contained unit with a kitchen and full bathroom (improvements to existing rental units are not eligible)
- Laneway homes/garden suite are eligible
- Received municipal building permits on or after April 1, 2023
Funding: Homeowners who qualify will receive up to 50% of the cost of renovations, up to a maximum of $40,000. The program will provide a rebate in the form of a forgivable loan—a loan that does not need to be repaid if the homeowner follows the terms of the program.
For the loan to be forgiven, the new unit must be located on the same property where the homeowner lives and must be rented out at below market rates, set by BC Housing, for at least five years.
Opens: April 17th, 2024
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Jumpstart Individual Child Grants
Sometimes, families need financial assistance to get their kids into a sport or physical activity. We're committed to helping all families access a range of activities, from boxing to bowling and skating to skiing, and more.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for funding for one or more children, families must first meet specific financial criteria as per Revenue Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Offs (LICO) chart. Jumpstart uses the furthest column to the right of the chart for eligibility.
Other Funding Requirements
- Children must fall between the ages of 4 - 18 years old.
- Funding is allocated to sustained programs that involve a sport or physical activity.
- Programs should be a minimum of five weeks in duration and include at least one session per week. In the case of sports camps, the program must last at least five consecutive days for consideration.
Funding Details
- The annual maximum amount a child is eligible to receive is up to $600, subject to Chapter discretion and/or local demands.
- The maximum amount of funding per application is $300
- Children can be funded for successive seasons in an activity, up to a maximum of $600 per activity.
- All approvals will be determined by the local Jumpstart Chapter and designated Canadian Tire Jumpstart Regional Manager, and are subject to local demands and Chapter budgets.
Disbursement
- Cheques are made payable to the service organization, identified as the “payee” in the application. A payee can be a local hockey association, gymnastics club, etc., that coordinates the sports or physical activity on behalf of the qualifying youth/child.
Before you start your application, please have the following ready:
- Your contact information (name, postal code, telephone number, and email address)
- The first name, last name, gender, and date of birth of your child
- The details of the sport or physical activity in which your child would like to participate including program dates, the name of the program and proof of programming (to be uploaded) which should include: organization name (payee), program name, program dates, program cost
- The amount that you are requesting from Jumpstart
- Proof of financial need: a clear, legible, and current copy of your Canada Child Benefit (Statement) will be required as proof of need and should include Parent Name, Family Net Income, Marital Status, Child First Names
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Athletics 4 Kids
We love partnering with families to get their kids into sports by providing financial assistance with their registration fees. We provide 100% of a child's sports registration fee for over 55 amateur, non-school sports. We will also continue to fund athletes for multiple sports seasons a year, and multiple years in a row to develop a love of sport for life.
To be eligible for funding, you must meet the following criteria:
- Your child is between the ages of 5 - 18
- You are a resident of British Columbia
- Your annual net taxable family income is less than $45,000* Canadian dollars
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The sport you are applying for is an A4K approved sport
- Your child is registered with a sports organization
Each applicant is required to submit one of the following from each of the primary caregivers (parents/guardians):
A copy of your most recent Child Tax Benefit Statement. Please make sure it clearly states your marital status and net family income.
A copy of your most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) from Revenue Canada. After July 1, 2023 we require your 2022 NOA.
Deadline: None
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Rainwater Harvesting Rebate from Transition Salt Spring Island
Closing Soon
Install a Rainwater Harvesting System, and receive a $250-500 Rebate - For Salt Spring & Southern Gulf Island Residents.
The Southern Gulf Islands’ water supply is suffering from increasing drought. A great way to save money on water and improve the health of the water table on Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands is to install a Rainwater Harvesting Cistern. This rebate program exists to help support you to collect and use rainwater for irrigation! 2024 Funding is limited - first come, first served. Funding for this rebate is generously provided by the CRD.
Funding:
- $250 per household for 520-1040 US Gallons
- $500 per household for 1040+ US Gallons
Deadline: April 15th 2024
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StrongerBC Future Skills Grant
Upcoming Intake
The StrongerBC future skills grant empowers British Columbians to shape their own futures.
Eligibility: Most British Columbians are eligible. The StrongerBC future skills grant is available regardless of your financial situation.
Funding: The grant covers up to $3,500 for eligible short-term skills training at public post-secondary institutions.
Future Learners
The government is committed to providing high-quality and relevant learning opportunities for learners and employers. That is why the government will be refreshing the list of programs funded under the StrongerBC future skills grant beginning in 2024. This will allow the government to offer, in fall 2024, more diverse and updated skills training options for British Columbians who want to access well-paid, high opportunity occupations.
Please stay tuned for the refreshed list of program offerings, which will be posted in mid-late spring 2024.
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CRITICAL DISTANCE; Under the Waves with the Southern Resident Killer Whales
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be under the waves with our endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKWS)? You will soon have an opportunity to experience just that during a series of open houses being held on Saturna, Pender and Mayne Islands. The Southern Gulf Islands Whale Sighting Network (SGISWN) and the Saturna Island Marine and Education Society (SIMRES) are piloting an updated version of CRITICAL DISTANCE, using the power of Meta Quest 3 technology. This immersive shared mixed reality (MR) experience brings audiences into the world of the SRKWs. Seen through the eyes of Kiki, an eight year old orca who carries the future of her pod on her shoulders, participants experience how Kiki communicates with her family through echolocation, and together face the daily perils threatening her famous family, J Pod. Please note age guidance restrictions, as VR is not recommended for those 10 years and under. We would like to extend our thanks to Nature Canada, Vision3, Western University, Pender POD, and Mayne Island Conservancy for their support in making this possible.
Saturna Island, Saturna Island Community Hall, Saturday, April 27th 1 PM to 5 PM.
Pender Island, Pender Island Community Hall, Thursday, May 2nd, 4 PM to 9 PM.
Mayne Island, at The 44 Collective, Saturday, May 11th, Noon until 4 PM.
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The Amber Grant
WomensNet founded the “Amber Grant” in 1998. The grant was set up with one goal in mind: to honor the memory of a very special young woman, Amber Wigdahl, who died at just 19 years old — before realizing her business dreams.
Today, WomensNet carries on that tradition, proudly giving away at least $30,000 every month in Amber Grant money. In recognition of the diversity of businesses owned by women, we’ve also expanded our grant-giving to include “Startup Grants,” “Business Category Grants,” as well as two “$25,000 Year End Grants.”
Eligible Applicants:
- Women business owners
- No business dream is too big or too small. Our past Amber Grant recipients have included everything from scientific inventors to bakers. What matters is YOU — the woman (or women) behind the business.
How it Works:
Each month, our judges review all the applications — then select 10 finalists. One of those finalists will be the monthly $10,000 Amber Grant grant winner. All business categories, including non-profits, are eligible for the Amber Grant each month. The $10,000 Amber Grant winner each month qualifies for the year-end grant of $25,000.
Funding: Up to $25,000
Cost to Apply: $15
Deadline: April 30, 2024
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Music BC Business Travel Grants
Music BC’s Business Travel Grant provides assistance to B.C.-based music companies and individuals undertaking travel activities in support of the growth and development of their business and/or B.C. based artist clients.
Eligible Applicants:
Applicants must be representing for-profit companies, partnerships, or sole proprietorships. The Company’s headquarters must reside within and pay taxes in BC, while the purpose of The Company must be to predominately support BC-based talent. The Company must have been in operation for at least two years or have key personnel with a minimum of two years of experience.
Funding: $2000
Deadline: May 27th, 2024 (5pm PST) to support initiatives that take place between April 1st, 2024, to September 30th, 2024.
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The Impact Funding Solutions is offering grants to empower businesses and nonprofits in Canada and the US to drive positive change in their communities.
Eligible Applicants:
- Sole Proprietors: Entrepreneurs running a one-person show with a clear vision for making a difference.
- Small Business Owners: If you operate a small business or startup.
- Social Enterprises: If your venture falls under the umbrella of social enterprise
- All registered non-profit organizations
Eligible Activities:
IMPACT's primary goal is to fuel the endeavors of businesses and nonprofits that are actively making a significant impact within their communities and beyond. They are committed to providing financial assistance where a modest grant of $1,000 can spark meaningful progress for your business or nonprofit’s mission.
Funding: $1,000
Deadline: May 31, 2024
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With the help of this fund, communities see job creation, positive social impacts, economic growth, and more employment opportunities. Projects help reduce poverty while strengthening the labour market and supporting communities experiencing impacts because of economic change.
Eligible Applicants:
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Crown Corporations
- Municipalities or Agencies
- Band/Tribal Councils/First Nations Governments
- Public Health or Educational Institutions
- Businesses
Funding Streams
CEP is funded by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and consists of four streams:
Eligible Projects
A broad range of projects are funded. Some examples include:
- Building affordable housing
- Persons with disabilities mentorship
- Indigenous Longhouse renovation
- Community improvement initiatives
- Wildfire recovery
- Accessibility enhancements to buildings, trails or parks
- Trail building
- Historical building/site restoration
- Early childcare education training
- Occupational training and work experience
- Developing community gardens
- Labour market studies
Deadline: No established deadline
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Music BC Artist Travel Grants
Music BC’s Domestic & International Travel Grant provides assistance to B.C.-based artists to participate in touring and showcasing initiatives domestically and internationally.
Eligible Applicants: B.C. applicants that are limited companies, partnerships or sole proprietorships must be registered B.C. businesses whose majority ownership is held by B.C. residents (having resided in BC for at least 200 of the 365 days immediately preceding the date of application) and must be able to provide proof of B.C. Business Registration.
Funding: $2500-7500
Deadline: May 17th, 2024 (5pm PST) for initiatives that take place between April 1st, 2024, to September 30th, 2024.
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The CleanBC Go Electric Public Charger Program is a sub-program of the CleanBC Go Electric Program and is intended to increase the number of public Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) stations throughout B.C. to support the growing number of ZEVs on the road.
Eligible Applicants
- Businesses
- not-for-profits
- local governments
- Indigenous communities
- utility or public sector organizations including utilities
- health authorities
- school districts
- universities and Crown corporations can apply for funding to install charging stations on their properties
Eligible Projects:
To be eligible for the Program a project’s charger installation site must be:
- Located within B.C.;
- Publicly accessible 24 hours per day, 365 days per year; and Accessible by those using mobility aids (wheelchairs, canes, etc.), including:
- A space of at least 1.2 m between any protective bollards in front of the charger, such that they do not obstruct interface (i.e. screen and/or controls);
- A rise not exceeding 9 cm above grade for any concrete footing;
- Fonts that are clear and easy to read on any signage;
- Located on a paved level surface;
- All projects must include at least one accessible charging space.
Along with the requirements listed above, to be considered accessible, the charging space must:
- For stalls: Not be less than 2.4 m wide and provided on one side with an access aisle not less than 1.5 m wide
- For pull-through sites: Not be less than 3.9 m wide and the charging cable must be able to charge vehicles positioned at least 1.5 m away.
- Pull-through sites must have adequate ingress and egress space to accommodate larger electric vehicles and trailers
A full list of eligibility requirements and expenses can be found in the applicant guide.
Funding: Applicants are eligible for three rebate tiers to cover up to 50% of the eligible costs of DCFCs
- power outputs of ≥20kW (but less than 50 kW),
- ≥50kW (but less than 100 kW),
- ≥100kW.
- Indigenous communities will be eligible for higher rebates at each tier, to a maximum of 90% of total project costs
Deadline: May 17, 2024, by 11:59pm PDT
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Photo courtesy of QENTOL, YEN/ W̱SÁNEĆ Marine Guardians |
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About Us
The QENTOL,YEN W̱SÁNEĆ Marine Guardians program was created in 2021 to create A NEW BEGINNING of monitoring, which our ancestors have done throughout the Salish Sea since time immemorial. Our mission is to restore our connection with the KELŁOLEMEĆEN (Killer Whale) by gathering comprehensive data to advocate for their wellbeing.
Our Work
Monitor large and small vessels in key Southern Resident Killer Whale areas/high vessel density areas with the goal of understanding stressors such as risk of vessel strike, noise pollution, and physical disturbance.
To monitor population data of various marine mammals and resource extraction industries to inform marine policy and management.
To monitor salmon population abudance, health and environmental factors and increase understanding to ensure SRKWs have access to prey.
Raise awareness of the relationship between W̱SÁNEĆ peoples and the KELŁOLEMEĆEN.
What's Happening
We are very excited to be working with the SGI Whale Sighting Network to build a stronger voice and dataset for the protection of the KELŁOLEMEĆEN.
We are also currently working on setting up two thermal imaging whale detection systems and installing additional hydrophones to expand our network.
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Photo courtesy of the QENTOL, YEN / W̱SÁNEĆ Marine Guardians
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Buy Our Storybook
The new limited-edition storybook aims to restore the connection between KELL̵OLEMEĆEN and W̱SÁNEĆ people. Open the new storybook by the QENTOL, YEN/ W̱SÁNEĆ Marine Guardians Program (the Marine Guardians) and you’ll be delighted by the vibrant, pop-art style illustrations of each of the Marine Guardians and graphics of KELL̵OLEMEĆEN, also known as killer whales.
Every purchase helps us protect the SRKW’s and the Marine Environment they call home.
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Whether it’s $20 or $100, your contribution helps make a difference to support the endangered KELŁOLEMEĆEN / SRKWs |
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Southern Gulf Islands Sustainable Funding Initiative
With funding from the SGI Community Economic Sustainability Commission
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