Each month we provide an update on UBCM funding programs and information on other programs, events and resources that may be of interest to local governments and First Nations.
Local Government Program Services
Applications are currently being accepted for the following funding programs and streams. A complete and chronological listing of grants currently offered by Local Government Program Services is available on the UBCM website.
Age-friendly Communities: This program assists communities in BC to support aging populations by developing and implementing policies and plans, undertaking projects that enable seniors and elders to age in place, and facilitating the creation of age-friendly communities. Local governments (Streams 1 & 2) and First Nations (Stream 1 only) are eligible to apply. The application deadline is January 17, 2020.
Flood Risk Assessment, Mapping & Mitigation Planning: The intent of this CEPF funding stream is to support eligible applicants to ensure they have accurate knowledge of the flood hazards they face and to develop effective strategies to mitigate and prepare for those risks. All local governments and all First Nations (bands and Treaty First Nations) are eligible to apply. The maximum available funding is $150,000. The application deadline is January 24, 2020.
Community Child Care Planning: This program provides funding for local governments to engage in child care planning activities in order to develop a community child care space creation action plan. The Community Child Care Planning Program can contribute a maximum of 100% of the cost of eligible activities to a maximum of $25,000. Applications are being accepted for the second intake of the program. The application deadline is January 31, 2020.
Emergency Support Services: The intent of this CEPF funding stream is to build local capacity to provide emergency support services through training, volunteer recruitment and retention, and the purchase of equipment. All local governments and all First Nations (bands and Treaty First Nations) are eligible to apply. The Emergency Support Services stream can contribute a maximum of 100% of the cost of eligible activities to a maximum of $25,000.00. The application deadline is February 14, 2020.
Poverty Reduction: The intent of the Poverty Reduction Planning & Action program is to support local governments in reducing poverty at the local level and to support the Province’s poverty reduction strategy. The application deadline is February 28, 2020.
Emergency Operations Centres & Training: The intent of this CEPF funding stream is to support the purchase of equipment and supplies required to maintain or improve Emergency Operations Centres (EOC) and to enhance EOC capacity through training and exercises. The maximum available funding is $25,000. The application deadline is March 13, 2020.
Evacuation Route Planning: This CEPF funding stream supports eligible applicants to develop Evacuation Route Plans for communities that would otherwise be challenged to successfully undertake an evacuation operation during an emergency. The deadline for the 2020 program is April 17, 2020.
Other Funding
ParticipACTION Challenge Grants: The ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge encourages local governments to host events and track minutes to help their community be named Canada’s Most Active Community and win $150,000. Applications can be submitted from January 27 – February 28 to support events during the challenge period.
Coast Funds: Coast Funds offers First Nations a continuous intake for new applications with four rounds of funding every year. Renewable Energy for Remote Communities, Conservation Project Funding, and Economic Development Funding. The next deadline is January 17, 2020
Wildfire Community Preparedness Day 2020: Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is a program designed to support communities across Canada with holding FireSmart events to proactively address wildfire issues at a local level. Successful applicants will receive $500 and an event box to help make their FireSmart event a success. Applications accepted until January 17, 2020,
Vancouver Foundation: The Foundation’s spring granting cycle is now open for all Systems Change (Develop, Test & Scale) and Participatory Action Research (Convene and Investigate) grants. The deadline for Stage 1 of all Test, Scale, or Investigate grants is January 27, 2020. The next deadline for Develop and Convene grants is February 14, 2020. Review their website for full details.
Physical Literacy for Communities - B.C. Initiative: The purpose of the Initiative is to improve the development of physical literacy through a multi-sector community approach, leading to increased physical activity which positively impacts the health and well being of British Columbians. Communities are invited to apply to the Sport for Life Society by January 31, 2020.
Water Conservation and Quality Improvement Grants: The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) has created a guide for applicants to the Water Conservation and Quality Improvement Grant Program. A total of $350,000 is made available annually by the OBWB for this valley-wide program. The deadline for applications is February 28, 2020.
Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative: The objective of this initiative is to increase economic development opportunities of Indigenous Peoples and communities in Canada by supporting Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs who are ready to launch agriculture and food systems projects and others who want to build their capacity to participate in the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.Proposals can be submitted at any time until September 30, 2022.
First Nations Adapt Program: This federal program supports First Nation communities to assess and respond to climate change impacts on community infrastructure and emergency management. It prioritizes communities most impacted by sea level rise, flooding, forest fires, and winter road failures. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
FCM Funding Opportunities: Visit this site to learn about FCM’s funding offerings, from plans and studies, to pilot and capital projects, and more.
Other Funding Opportunities: BC Healthy Communities has compiled a list of funding opportunities worth knowing about, along with guides and resources to support your grant writing activities.
Events & Resources
Climate Change and Health Adaptation Webinar - Working with BC First Nations: Stories we tell and the way we frame problems influence the outcomes of our projects. Led by Paivi Abernethy of the First Nations Health Authority, the goal of this webinar is to provide a more nuanced picture of climate change and health adaptation than usually is discussed, emphasizing especially aspects that First Nations tend to pay more attention to. January 21, 2020, 12 - 1:30 pm.
Adaptation Canada: Canada’s national conference on climate change adaptation. Early Bird registration is open for this conference coming to Vancouver, February 19-21, 2020.
Financing Tools for Local Climate Action: Canadian municipalities are reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through pilot projects, municipal programs, and more. However, financing these initiatives can be a significant challenge. FCM’s toolkit explains how your municipality can leverage private and community investors to help you take action on climate change in your community.
ReTooling for Climate Change: The Fraser Basin Council hosts this first-stop website on climate change adaptation. Here is the place to find top tools and resources for BC local governments, First Nations and the natural resource sectors as everyone prepares for the impacts of climate change, now and in the years ahead.
BC FireSmart: This website introduces the FireSmart program and its seven disciplines and is intended as a one stop shop for all things FireSmart. The site includes links to training, education, an events calendar, resource library and downloadable content. It also features a short video inviting everyone to become involved in prevention and to learn about the benefits of FireSmart.
Weathering the Storm - Developing a Canadian Standard for Flood-Resilient Existing Communities: This report from the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation presents a flood hazard and vulnerability screening framework that can help identify areas in existing residential communities that require the most immediate attention for flood risk. Application of the framework will enable communities to make better-informed decisions when prioritizing areas for flood-resiliency programming.
Resources for Rural & Small Communities: BC Healthy Communities has launched a collection of resources related to PlanH action areas, with a rural and small community lens.
Building Sustainable Communities with Asset Management: This guidebook is designed for staff or elected officials in medium and large municipalities who are responsible for green projects or who are interested in municipal sustainable development.
Asset Management Resources: Are you interested in learning more about asset management practices and infrastructure planning? Asset Management BC’s website is an information rich resource for BC local governments, including the recently updated Asset Management for Delivery: A BC Frameworkand four new Sustainable Service Primers: Climate Change; Natural Assets; The Role of Operations & Maintenance; and Land Use Planning.
Introduction to Reconciliation Webinar: This Reconciliation Canada webinar creates a safe place for participants to explore our shared Canadian history, examine the meaning of reconciliation, and their respective roles to play. Join Charlene Seward in this recorded hour-long webinar, and explore your values and beliefs as they relate to reconciliation.
CivicInfo BC: British Columbia's local government information hub offers comprehensive organizational and grant directories, events listings, tools for training, research and career development, bids & tenders, and other resources.