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. A complete, chronological listing (by intake deadline) of currently offered Local Government Program Services grants is also available on the UBCM website.
Complete Communities
The Complete Communities program supports local governments and modern treaty First Nations in advancing identified community goals. The program supports communities in undertaking assessments to inform land use decision-making, considering housing needs, supply, and location; providing transportation options including increased walkability; and making connections to infrastructure investment and servicing decisions. The application deadlines for 2023/24 are June 16, 2023 and January 12, 2024.
Community to Community
Starting in 2023, the C2C program will continue to support C2C forums, now with funding of up to $10,000 for events. In addition, the program is expanding to support the advancement of First Nation and local government reconciliation and relationship building. Funding can be used to develop agreements—such as protocols, MOUs, and service agreements—joint plans and strategies, or jointly review bylaws and policies to develop recommendations for amendments or new bylaws and policies. Up to $10,000 is available for these new activities. Maximum funding per intake is $20,000. Communities may apply to both intakes annually. Funding permitting, the second 2023/24 application deadline is September 1, 2023.
Asset Management Planning
Local governments working to improve sustainable services by extending and deepening asset management practices can apply for matching grants of up to $25,000. The 2023 Asset Management Planning program is available to support activities that advance a local government’s asset management planning or practices, and that facilitate better integration of asset management planning with long term financial planning. Applications can be submitted at any time, however, funding permitting, applications will only be reviewed twice in 2023. Application deadline: September 15, 2023.
FireSmart Community Funding & Supports
The FireSmart Community Funding & Supports program provides funding to local governments and First Nations in BC to increase community resiliency by undertaking community-based FireSmart planning and activities that reduce the community’s risk from wildfire. Applications for this program are now being accepted until December 31, 2023.
Other Funding
Pathways to Language Vitality
The First Peoples’ Cultural Council’s Pathways to Language Vitality Program offers three types of funding: Rise, Roots, and Grow. Indigenous languages are deeply tied to the land. The Rise, Roots, and Grow funding model reflects cycles of growth and the flourishing potential and developing spirit of language revitalization work within communities. Application deadline is June 19, 2023.
Rise – (up to $100,000) for organizations with up to two years of experience receiving FPCC language grants. These applicants are building stewardship practices for long-term language revitalization growth. This category includes funding for new applicants.
Roots – (up to $175,000) for organizations with up to four years of experience receiving FPCC language grants. These applicants have absorbed the teachings from previous efforts and are nourishing strong roots for long-term community language goals.
Grow – (up to $250,000) for organizations with five or more years of experience receiving FPCC language grants. These applicants have established language programs and practices and can steward complex plans with many moving parts to achieve community language revitalization goals.
Braided Knowledge Grant
This grant supports work where arts, languages, cultures and heritage are connected and aligned with Indigenous ways of knowing and being. All projects must have a mentorship component to ensure that cultural knowledge and practical skills are passed from expert knowledge holders, fluent speakers, and artists. This grant is for First Nations organizations in BC with a focus that includes Indigenous cultural heritage. Eligible organizations include First Nations, Tribal Councils, and not-for-profit societies with more than half of the directors identifying as First Nations. Grants of $10,000 to $25,000 are available. Application deadline is June 23, 2023.
Codes Acceleration Fund – Accelerating Decarbonization
Natural Resources Canada launched a call for proposals for the Codes Acceleration Fund with $100 million to help provinces, territories, Indigenous governments, municipalities, and stakeholders decarbonize the building sector in order for Canada to reach a net-zero emissions future. Stringent building energy codes are a near-term action local governments can use to achieve climate change targets. The codes provide a series of performance tiers that lead towards making all new buildings net-zero energy-ready. Applications from will be accepted on an ongoing basis until March 31, 2025.
Local Community Accessibility Grant Program
With funding provided through the Province, SPARC BC has launched the Local Community Accessibility Grant Program. This program is designed to support persons with disabilities by funding the removal of barriers identified by local governments Accessibility Committees, feedback mechanisms or Accessibility Plans. All municipalities and regional districts in British Columbia can apply. Each municipality or regional districts is eligible to submit one application, regardless of collaboration with other districts. Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis until the program closes in March 2026.
Declaration Act Engagement Fund
The Declaration Act Engagement Fund (DAEF) provides multi-year (4 year) non-repayable funding to First Nations to support capacity to engage with the Province of BC on the implementation of the Declaration Act Action Plan, and alignment of Provincial laws with the UNDRIP. To reduce barriers for First Nations to fully participate in implementing the UN Declaration, the Province has dedicated $200M in funding.
The Province has partnered with the New Relationship Trust (the “NRT”) to administer the Fund. The total funding cap over four years per Nation is $1,040,000, and one application per Nation. New applications will be accepted between May and December each year.
BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program
The BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program provides cost-sharing opportunities for network planning grants and infrastructure grants. Funding from these grant programs support the development of active transportation infrastructure for all ages and abilities. The next intake will open on September 1, 2023 for local governments. Indigenous communities or local governments working in partnership with an Indigenous community may apply at any time.
BC Hydro Beautification Fund
This funding program provides financial assistance to municipal governments for conversion of overhead service to underground facilities to enhance and improve the use of public spaces. Submit application and supporting documents by September 30, 2023 for funding in following fiscal year.
Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities
This funding program supports project proposals that contribute to Indigenous-led climate action, economic development, pollution reduction, and job creation. This program has received an additional $300 million in funding until 2027. This program has open intakes until funding is fully committed or the program closes in 2027.
Reduce Fossil Fuel Use in Fleets
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is offering combined loan and grant funding for capital projects that reduce or avoid fossil fuel use in any vehicle that delivers municipal services. This funding helps Canadian cities and communities of all sizes undertake environmental sustainability projects that reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and improve their air quality. Initial review forms can be submitted year-round and application forms will be provided to eligible applicants.
Disaster Financial Assistance
Disaster Financial Assistance is available to local governments and First Nations impacted by wildfires and overland flooding from the Province. The funding is available to cover disaster-related losses not covered by insurance, such as wildfire damage to public infrastructure including roads, bridges, and other publicly-owned infrastructure.
Residential Schools: BC Response Fund
Provincial funding is available for First Nations-led strategies to identify, investigate, protect, and commemorate the sites of former residential schools and hospitals in BC and for providing the mental health, wellness, and cultural supports required to do this work. Lead communities may apply to develop and implement strategies and procedures for the ongoing identification, documentation, maintenance, commemoration, and protection of residential school cemeteries or other sites at which residential school children were buried. Up to $475,000 is available for each site.
Residential Schools: Federal Funding
Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada will fund the locating, documenting, maintaining, and commemorating of burial sites associated with former residential schools, and responding to family wishes to commemorate or memorialize their losses and the children's final resting places. Proposals are welcome from Indigenous governments, councils or tribal councils, Indigenous not-for-profit groups, and organizations, including survivors’ groups, demonstrating a close working partnership with and directed by Indigenous-governed organizations.
Community Buildings Retrofit Initiative
This Federation of Canadian Municipalities initiative is intended to help fund energy efficiency upgrades for existing community facilities. The Government of Canada, through the Green Municipal Fund, has allocated $167 million to help municipalities retrofit existing facilities, such as arenas, pools, and libraries, to reduce GHG emissions and revive important community assets.
Legacy Fund: Building Communities through Arts and Heritage
This Department of Canadian Heritage Program provides funding for community-initiated capital projects, intended for community use. Recipients may receive up to 50% of eligible project expenses up to a maximum of $500,000. Funding supports community-initiated capital projects that: commemorate a significant local historical event or pay tribute to a significant local historical personality; mark a 100th anniversary or greater, in increments of 25 years (e.g. 125th, 150th); involve the restoration, renovation, or transformation of existing buildings or exterior spaces with local community significance that are intended for community use; encourage arts and heritage activities in the local community that are intended for and accessible to the general public. Applications accepted on a continuous basis.
Other Funding Opportunities
BC Healthy Communities has compiled a list of funding opportunities worth knowing about, along with guides and resources to support grant writing activities.
Events & Resources
Principles for Responsible Conduct
This online course, developed by UBCM, LGMA and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, introduces the principles that support responsible conduct by local elected officials in BC The interactive course is based on real-life scenarios in which learners are part of the story. The code to access the course is VV81-5TFM.
Virtual Reconciliation Engagements: Interested in raising awareness about reconciliation for your community, organization, or business? In light of the COVID-19 crisis, Reconciliation Canada is currently providing all engagements online. They can provide a virtual gathering with the inspiring speaker to help engage reconciliation in a meaningful way.
BC Rural Centre: The Centre provides a wealth of links to assets, news, videos, services, and resources of value to rural British Columbians.
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 and tenders, and other resources.
FireSmart BC
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 the program.