United Way Grants

The Anti-Racism Impact Grant (ARIG) aims to strengthen vital connections and cultivate a healthy, caring, and inclusive community. United Way BC will invest funding and collaborate with community agencies to bolster local responses and anti-racism programs. This initiative will support the sector in developing the necessary skills and tools to effectively assist British Columbians impacted by racism. The goal is to ensure that individuals in the community can access support from reliable sources, emphasizing proactive, preventative, and responsive programming that meets the unique needs and circumstances of each individual. 

Focus Areas:  

• Mental Health Initiatives including low-barrier individual counselling and peer support group programs 
• Resilience building and creative workshops & activities 
• Anti-hate and diversity initiatives, creating and distributing educational materials 
• Empowerment programs, community celebrations and awareness events
• Supporting and enhancing existing direct service delivery of anti-racism programs 

Expenses:

Eligible vs ineligible costs

Eligible costs

• Maximum 10% for administrative costs  
• Staffing & contractors  
• Direct Program related costs  
• Honorariums 

Ineligible costs

• Fundraising initiatives   
• Political engagement   
• For profit activities
• Funding local helplines  

Criteria: 

• Eligible applicants include registered charities, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous governing bodies including First Nations bands, governments or associations. 
• Priority populations are racialized folks who have experienced racism, specifically Islamophobia, anti-Black sentiments, discrimination against Indigenous communities, anti-Semitism, and anti-Asian biases
• Priority languages: Mandarin, Farsi, Spanish, Arabic, Punjabi, Hindi, Swahili, French, Cantonese 
• Programs and services will support helpline callers without barriers or delays 
• Programs and services must meaningfully align with the intended focus areas
• Funded partner agencies should have experience in anti-racist, anti-oppressive programming 
• Preference for agencies in rural and remote areas to offer a combination of in-person and online programs
• Programs should be led or informed by program participants and reflect their perspectives 
• Program development should be evidence-based and research-driven 
• Programs should be embedded in and with community and based on the principle of “nothing about us, without us” 
• Funded partner agencies must commit to submitting quarterly reports, a final report, and ensure one staff member attends the Anti-Racism Impact Community of Practice gathering (takes place via Zoom quarterly) 
• Funded partner agencies must commit to engagement in Capacity building opportunities 
• Funded partner agencies must commit to participation in Marketing and promotion activities 

The presentation slides from the information session are available for download.

Applicants are encouraged to review the application guide (PDF) and to use the Word document template and FAQ document to help develop their proposal for ARIG.

Grant amount available: Up to $50,000 per organization.  

Application period: June 17 to July 25 at noon, 2024.

Funding Period:  September 2024 to March 31, 2025 

Questions? 

For more information on program details, please email Umer Hussain, Strategic Initiatives Manager, at UmerH@uwbc.ca. For technical support with the application portal, please contact Jenny Louie at JennyL@uwbc.ca.

Now more than ever, charities and non-profits are playing a key role in addressing persistent and complex social problems faced by all Canadians. The Community Services Recovery Fund is a $400 million investment from the Government of Canada to support charities and non-profits as they build resilience by making investments in their people, organizations, and program innovation.

United Way British Columbia is proud to be taking part in the Community Services Recovery Fund, a collaboration between United Way Centraide Canada, Canadian Red Cross, and Community Foundations of Canada to provide funding to Community Service Organizations, including non-profit organizations, Indigenous Governing Bodies, and Registered Charities located across Canada.

The Community Services Recovery Fund responds to what charities and non-profits need right now and supports organizations as they adapt to the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To see the non-profit organizations and charities receiving funding through the Community Services Recovery Fund, please visit: Community Services Recovery Fund – United Way British Columbia (uwbc.ca).

Visit www.communityservicesrecoveryfund.ca for more information.

Plus que jamais, les organismes de bienfaisance et les organismes sans but lucratif jouent un rôle de premier plan pour offrir des solutions aux problèmes sociaux persistants et complexes qui affectent les Canadiens et Canadiennes. Le Fonds de relance des services communautaires est un investissement de 400 millions de dollars du gouvernement du Canada visant à aider les organismes de bienfaisance et les organismes sans but lucratif à bâtir leur résilience en investissant dans leurs gens, leurs organisations et l’innovation de leurs programmes.

United Way Colombie-Britannique est fier de participer au Fonds de relance des services communautaires, une collaboration entre Centraide United Way Canada, la Croix-Rouge canadienne et les Fondations communautaires du Canada pour fournir du financement aux organismes communautaires, incluant les organismes sans but lucratif, les corps dirigeants autochtones et les organismes de bienfaisance enregistrés situés partout au Canada.

Le Fonds de relance des services communautaires est une réponse aux besoins actuels des organismes ­de bienfaisance et organismes sans but lucratif. Il les aidera à s’adapter aux effets à long terme de la pandémie de COVID-19.

Pour connaître les organismes de bienfaisance et les organisations et organismes de bienfaisance sans but lucratif qui reçoivent des fonds par l’entremise du Fonds de relance des services communautaires, veuillez visiter : Fonds de relance des services communautaires – United Way British Columbia.

Pour en savoir davantage, visitez le site fondsderelancedesservicescommunautaires.ca.

The Recovery and Resiliency Fund is a new fund made possible through a partnership between Government of BC, Vancouver Foundation, and United Way British Columbia to distribute $30 million to charities and non-profit organizations across the province. The fund will be disbursed over three years. 

This Fund provides multi-year, unrestricted grants to eligible organizations that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. A portion of the Fund – the Indigenous Resilience and Recovery Grant (IRR Grant) – will go to New Relationship Trust to provide funding directly to organizations that are led by or serve Indigenous Peoples in their post-pandemic recovery.

The Critical Food Infrastructure Grant (CFIG) aims to increase access to traditional and culturally preferable foods by supporting initiatives prioritizing Indigenous food sovereignty and regional self-determination.  This grant aims to improve year-round access to nourishing and culturally preferable foods by supporting initiatives that overcome barriers limiting food access, such as high food costs, logistical challenges, and lack of infrastructure like refrigeration, food storage, and cooking facilities.    

Eligible expenses include but are not limited to:  

• Purchase or lease of physical sites to receive, process, store and/or redistribute food to community members;  
• Dry or cold storage space to increase food-safe storage capacity and duration. For example, Food Safe Shelving and storage areas, back-up power and generators;  
• Logistics and transportation. For example, refrigerated vehicles;  
• Food preservation equipment to extend shelf-life and facilitate year-round access to nutritious foods  
• Equipment to preserve food to extend the shelf life and provide year-round food access to nutritious foods;  
• Infrastructure to procure and grow food locally such as hunting, fishing, harvesting, gardening.  For example, physical structures such as greenhouses, garden plots, community farms, machinery, equipment, water irrigation systems;  
• Shelters for animal husbandry;  
• Food infrastructure upgrades.  

A maximum of 20% of the project budget could be directed to fund capacity for project implementation, e.g. staff time, labour or consulting, contractor fees, volunteer expenses. 

Eligible Applicants:  

All charitable organizations, as well as other non-profit, social enterprise, grassroots organizations, co-ops, community contribution companies, Indigenous governing body, Indigenous community, or Indigenous led organization (including a band or tribal council, government of a self-governing First Nation or Métis Nation Chartered Community, Society or Association, or not-for-profit).  

Both new projects or programs, and existing initiatives that are expanding are eligible to apply.   

 Grant amount available:   

$5,000 to $100,000 (one application per agency)  

The Critical Food Infrastructure Grant call is now closed.

Questions?   

View our virtual information session here or review the presentation here.

Applicants are encouraged to use the Word document template found here to help develop their proposal for CFIG. 

If you require more assistance, please email Morning Star Trickey, Project Coordinator, at morningstart@uwbc.ca.  

Please note that if you received funding in the first round of CFIG, which was awarded in March 2024, you are not eligible to apply for the second round of CFIG, opening April, 2024. 

Working together for food security  

By fostering collaboration and partnerships among food organizations and stakeholders at the local, regional, and provincial levels, United Way BC will work towards building a cohesive and responsive network of support to create lasting positive impacts on food security and community well-being.  

This fund is a partnership between United Way BC and the Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction – Province of BC.  

Critical Food Infrastructure Grant FAQ  

What is the Critical Food Infrastructure Grant?  

The Critical Food Infrastructure Grant (CFIG) is a United Way BC (UWBC) initiative to strengthen local food security by supporting the development and implementation of community-led food infrastructure projects across the province. This fund will support initiatives that increase the year-round access and availability of nourishing and culturally preferable foods, while addressing barriers that restrict food access for vulnerable populations, including logistical challenges, high cost of food, and limited or inadequate infrastructure.    

Who is eligible to apply?  

All charitable organizations, as well as other non-profit, social enterprise, grassroots organizations, co-ops, community contribution companies, Indigenous governing body, Indigenous community, or Indigenous led organization (including a band or tribal council, government of a self-governing First Nation or Métis Nation Chartered Community, Society or Association, or not-for-profit) are encouraged to apply for this grant. Both new projects or programs, and existing initiatives that are expanding are eligible to apply.    

What is the total funding amount?  

The funding range is $5,000 to $100,000.  

When are applications open?  
Applications are open from April 8, 2024, to May 14, 2024.  

What types of expenses are eligible?  

Eligible expenses include but are not limited to:  

• Purchase or lease of physical sites to receive, process, store and redistribute food to community members;  
• Dry or cold storage space to increase food-safe storage capacity and duration;  
• Logistics and transportation;  
• Food processing equipment to support household food accessibility;  
• Food preservation equipment to extend shelf-life and facilitate year-round access to nutritious foods;  
• Infrastructure to procure and grow food locally (E.g., hunting, fishing, harvesting, gardening etc.);  
• Shelters for animal husbandry;  
• Food infrastructure upgrades.  

 

A maximum of 20% of the total budget may be allocated to fund human capacity for project implementation, e.g. staff time, labor, consulting, contractor fees, volunteer expenses. 

Evaluate your project’s alignment with the focus and eligibility criteria to maximize the potential impact on your community’s food security. If you have any questions or require support, please contact Morning Star Trickey, Project Coordinator, by email at morningstart@uwbc.ca or Hailey Dermott, Food Security Initiative Manager, at haileyd@uwbc.ca.   

Does the entire budget have to be used exclusively for acquiring infrastructure?  

Seventy (70) percent of the budget should go towards food infrastructure expenses. A maximum of twenty (20) percent of the budget may support project implementation expenses such as staff time, labour, consulting, contractor fees or volunteer expenses is allowed. Ten (10) percent of the budget can be allocated towards administrative costs such as meeting expenses, financial management expenses, etc.  
 
How long is the funding term?  

The term is 12-18 months (up to a year and a half). The project must be completed, with all funding spent, within this time frame. Timelines and reporting requirements will be provided upon successful grant allocation.  

How can I apply?  

You can apply through United Way BC’s online granting system, where all necessary information, including eligibility criteria and application guidelines, will be available. Additionally, United Way BC offers individual consultations to assist you with the application process and project planning. Applications may also be submitted via Zoom call. For more information, please contact Morning Star Trickey, Project Coordinator, at morningstart@uwbc.ca.  

What are the reporting requirements?  

Funded projects must provide updates on project status, successes, challenges, and timeline adjustments through in-person or virtual mid-project check-ins. A final report is required, including a detailed budget reconciliation, documentation of the project’s impact on the community, improved food access, and demographics benefiting from the project. Photo and video documentation, as well as any media and social media promotion or recognition of the project, should also be included in the final report.  

How are applications evaluated and decisions made?  

All grant applications are evaluated based on project eligibility, regional equity, prioritization of low food access areas, low socio-economic index areas, and alignment with the fund’s objectives. Decision-making involves an evaluation committee.  

Are there any restrictions on how the grant funds can be used?  

Grant funds must be used solely for the purposes outlined in the project proposal and approved budget. The funds cannot be used for general operational expenses or unrelated projects.  

Can I apply for funding if my project has already started or been completed?  

We accept applications for both new and existing projects that are expanding. If you are seeking funding to scale up an existing project, please provide relevant documentation and progress reports to support your application. Funding will not be allocated to completed projects.  

Can I apply if I am based outside of BC?  

No, this fund is specifically designed to support community-led food infrastructure projects within British Columbia. Projects based outside of the province are not eligible for funding.  

Are matching funds or co-funding required for applications?  

Matching funds or co-funding are not required for this grant application.   

Can I apply for funding to hire staff or consultants for my project?  

Yes, the fund recognizes that personnel and expertise are essential for the successful implementation of projects. Funding can be allocated for hiring staff or engaging consultants, provided that their roles directly contribute to the objectives of the project and are clearly outlined in the proposal. A maximum of 20% of the project budget can be directed to fund capacity for project implementation such as staff time, labour, consulting, contractor fees or volunteer expenses.  

The United Way BC Climate Resilient Communities: Food Infrastructure Grant (FIG), in partnership with The Ministry of Health, is a funding program that supports rural, remote, and Indigenous communities to build food systems resilience. The program aims to support community food-based organizations adopt local, climate adaptive solutions for growing, harvesting, foraging, procuring, storing, and processing local, and traditional foods. With the support of the FIG program, communities can improve access to nourishing and culturally preferable foods while fostering community health, resiliency and food security. 

Eligibility:  

The FIG program is open to all community food-based organizations, as well as other non-profit, social enterprise, grassroots organizations, co-ops, community contribution companies, Indigenous governing body, Indigenous community, or Indigenous led organization (including a band or tribal council, government of a self-governing First Nation or Métis Nation Chartered Community, Society or Association, or not-for-profit) located in rural, remote or Indigenous communities. 

Total Funding Amount:  

The grant offers funding of up to $20,000 (one application per organization). 

Eligible Expenses:  

Eligible capital expenses include infrastructure and equipment for growing, harvesting, foraging, procuring, storing, and processing local, and/or Traditional, Indigenous food to improve community food access and climate resiliency. Some examples are: 

• Solutions for growing food, such as greenhouses, seed libraries, and garden boxes. 

• Equipment for Traditional, Indigenous food processing, such as smoking, canning, curing, and freeze-drying. 

• Food infrastructure, including cool storage alternatives like root cellars. 

Non-Eligible Expenses 

• Purchasing food for direct distribution  

• Routine or ongoing operating costs (e.g., heating and lighting; security; telephone; internet) 

• Planning, community engagement or needs assessment 

• Community events  

• Projects that require adherence to a specific faith 

• Projects with political activities 

• Research projects 

Applications are open from September 3, 2024, to October 16, 2024, 12:00 PM PDT (NOON). 

Additionally, United Way BC offers individual consultations to assist you with the application process and project planning. Applications may also be submitted via Zoom call. For more information, please contact Morning Star Trickey, Project Coordinator at morningstart@uwbc.ca.

Reporting: 

Funded projects are required to provide virtual or in-person mid-point check-ins and  through our online portal, submit a written final report including a description of how the project has improved access to nourishing and culturally preferable foods within the community. 

Questions?  

View our virtual information session here or review our PowerPoint presentation here. Use this template to prepare for your online application. 

If you require more assistance, please email Morning Star Trickey, Project Coordinator at morningstart@uwbc.ca. 

Please note: Organizations that received funding from the Climate Resilient Communities: Food Infrastructure Grant (FIG) awarded in March 2024 are not eligible to apply this cycle. 

Partner: 
The United Way BC Climate Resilient Communities: Food Infrastructure Grant is funded by the Ministry of Health – Province of British Columbia. 

Climate Resilient Communities: Food Infrastructure Grant FAQ  

What is the Climate Resilient Communities: Food Infrastructure Grant (FIG)? 

The United Way BC Climate Resilient Communities: Food Infrastructure Grant (FIG), in partnership with The Ministry of Health, is a funding program that supports rural, remote, and Indigenous communities to build food systems resilience. The program aims to support community food-based organizations adopt local, climate adaptive solutions for growing, harvesting, foraging, procuring, storing, and processing local and traditional foods. With the support of the FIG program, communities can improve access to nourishing and culturally preferable foods while fostering community health, resiliency, and food security. 

Who is eligible to apply?  

All community food-based organizations, as well as other non-profit, social enterprise, grassroots organizations, co-ops, community contribution companies, Indigenous governing body, Indigenous community, or Indigenous led organization (including a band or tribal council, government of a self-governing First Nation or Métis Nation Chartered Community, Society or Association, or not-for-profit) located in rural, remote or Indigenous communities are encouraged to apply for this grant. Both new projects or programs, and existing initiatives that are expanding are eligible to apply.   

What is the total funding amount? 

The grant offers funding of up to $20,000 per application. 

When are applications open? 

Applications are open from September 3, 2024, to October 16, 2024. 

What types of expenses are eligible for funding? 

Eligible capital expenses include infrastructure and equipment for growing, harvesting, foraging, procuring, storing, and processing local, and/or Traditional, Indigenous food to improve community food access and climate resiliency. Some examples are: 

• Solutions for growing food, such as greenhouses, seed libraries, and garden boxes. 

• Equipment for Traditional, Indigenous food processing, such as smoking, canning, curing, and freeze-drying. 

• Food infrastructure, including cool storage alternatives like root cellars. 

Does the entire budget have to be used exclusively for acquiring infrastructure?  

Seventy (70) percent of the budget should go towards food infrastructure expenses. A maximum of twenty (20) percent of the budget may support project implementation expenses such as staff time, labour, or consulting. Ten (10) percent of the budget can be allocated towards administrative costs such as meeting expenses, financial management expenses, etc. 

How long is the funding term?  

The term is 12 months. The project must be completed, with all funding spent within this time frame. Timelines and reporting requirements will be provided upon successful grant allocation.  

How can I apply?  

You can apply through United Way BC’s online granting system, where all necessary information, including eligibility criteria and application guidelines, will be available. Additionally, United Way BC offers individual consultations to assist you with the application process and project planning. Applications may also be submitted via Zoom call. For more information, please contact Morning Star Trickey at morningstart@uwbc.ca. 

What are the reporting requirements?  

Funded projects may provide updates on project status, successes, challenges, and timeline adjustments through in-person or virtual check-ins. A final report is required, including documentation of the project’s impact on the community, improved food access, and demographics benefiting from the project, and it will be submitted through our online portal. Photo and video documentation, as well as any media and social media promotion or recognition of the project, should also be included in the final report.  

How are applications evaluated and decisions made?  

All grant applications are evaluated based on project eligibility, regional equity, and alignment with the fund’s objectives. Decision-making involves an evaluation committee.  

Can organizations located in an urban center apply? 

No, this fund will only support organizations in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.   

Are there any restrictions on how the grant funds can be used?  

Grant funds must be used solely for the purposes outlined in the project proposal and approved budget. The funds cannot be used for general operational expenses or unrelated projects.  

Can I apply for funding if my project has already started or been completed?  

We accept applications for both new and existing projects that are expanding. If you are seeking funding to scale up an existing project, please provide relevant documentation and progress reports to support your application. Funding will not be allocated to completed projects.  

Can I apply if I am based outside of BC?  

No, this fund is specifically designed to support community-led food infrastructure projects within British Columbia. Projects based outside of the province are not eligible for funding.  

Are matching funds or co-funding required for applications?  

Matching funds or co-funding are not mandatory for this grant application.   

No grants currently available.

United Way British Columbia (UWBC) is increasingly stepping in to provide immediate response to large scale crises in our province and taking action locally on emerging issues and opportunities. UWBC’s Emergency Response approach is centred on mobilizing resources to help communities in the early days of a crisis and then providing longer term supports when we know what recovery efforts are needed.

The Emergency Response Grant is available to agencies in communities supporting evacuees under Evacuation Orders. Its intent is to support your work helping people initially affected by a crisis with basic needs from food and water to mental health supports and pop-up summer camps for kids.

The current grant is open to agencies providing immediate support to evacuees in Kootenays; North, Central, and South Okanagan; Shuswap; Similkameen; Thompson Cariboo Nicola; and Northeast, Northwest, and North Central BC.

Emergency Response Grant Stream

• For immediate response needs in the face of an emergency” (directly supporting evacuees under an order)
• This could include supporting basic needs met by those impacted by emergency, such a food, shelter, transportation
• This work is characterized by being adaptive and changing to meet the needs of those impacted

The maximum amount to apply is up to $15,000.

Please note: We are not supporting preparedness activities at this time. A Recovery Grant stream may open at a later date to help communities recover, focusing on resiliency and to help rebuild their communities when the natural disaster is over.

**Emergency Response Grant will close on September 30th, 2024**

The Cold Weather Preparedness Grant, made possible by Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR), aims to provide support to communities facing extreme weather emergencies. The grant is intended for activities/initiatives that enable supporting vulnerable populations during periods of extreme cold.

This grant will prioritize impact work in Northern BC, Thompson-Nicola-Cariboo, Southern Interior, as those regions are most susceptible to extreme cold temperatures. Therefore, the applications have been limited to these regions.

Funded initiatives may include response programs, programs that foster sharing of best practices, training, or mentoring to facilitate relationship building with other emergency-focused/disaster response organizations, and local government emergency preparedness staff. It will also provide support in creating protocols for identifying, locating, and supporting vulnerable residents before, during, and after crises in ways that respect and address privacy concerns.

Eligible expenses include but are not limited to:  

• Supplies required for warming reception centres/temporary shelter (including required upgrades for existing spaces)
• Emergency kits or supplies
• Volunteer engagement
• Communication strategies/tools for wellness checks
• Communication strategies or informational preparedness sessions
• Logistics and transportation. For example, transportation to temporary shelter

Admin costs may only account for maximum of 10% of the project budget.

Eligible Applicants:  

All charitable organizations, as well as other non-profit, social enterprise, grassroots organizations, co-ops, community contribution companies, Indigenous governing body, Indigenous community, or Indigenous led organization (including a band or tribal council, government of a self-governing First Nation or Métis Nation Chartered Community, Society or Association, or not-for-profit).  

Both new projects or programs, and existing initiatives that are expanding are eligible to apply.   

Grant amount available:   

$1,000 to $10,000 (one application per agency)  

Timeline:

July 2 – August 20: Open grant call

August 20: Grant Call closes

August 21 – September 11: Grant Reviews

Late-September: Funds go out

United Way British Columbia (UWBC) is increasingly stepping in to provide immediate response to large scale crises in our province and taking action locally on emerging issues and opportunities. UWBC’s Emergency Response approach is centred on mobilizing resources to help communities in the early days of a crisis and then providing longer term supports when we know what recovery efforts are needed.

The Emergency Response Grant is available to agencies in communities supporting evacuees under Evacuation Orders. Its intent is to support your work helping people initially affected by a crisis with basic needs from food and water to mental health supports and pop-up summer camps for kids.

The current grant is open to agencies providing immediate support to evacuees in Kootenays; North, Central, and South Okanagan; Shuswap; Similkameen; Thompson Cariboo Nicola; and Northeast, Northwest, and North Central BC.

Emergency Response Grant Stream

• For immediate response needs in the face of an emergency” (directly supporting evacuees under an order)
• This could include supporting basic needs met by those impacted by emergency, such a food, shelter, transportation
• This work is characterized by being adaptive and changing to meet the needs of those impacted

The maximum amount to apply is up to $15,000.

Please note: We are not supporting preparedness activities at this time. A Recovery Grant stream may open at a later date to help communities recover, focusing on resiliency and to help rebuild their communities when the natural disaster is over.

**Emergency Response Grant will close on September 30th, 2024**

The Cold Weather Preparedness Grant, made possible by Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR), aims to provide support to communities facing extreme weather emergencies. The grant is intended for activities/initiatives that enable supporting vulnerable populations during periods of extreme cold.

This grant will prioritize impact work in Northern BC, Thompson-Nicola-Cariboo, Southern Interior, as those regions are most susceptible to extreme cold temperatures. Therefore, the applications have been limited to these regions.

Funded initiatives may include response programs, programs that foster sharing of best practices, training, or mentoring to facilitate relationship building with other emergency-focused/disaster response organizations, and local government emergency preparedness staff. It will also provide support in creating protocols for identifying, locating, and supporting vulnerable residents before, during, and after crises in ways that respect and address privacy concerns.

Eligible expenses include but are not limited to:  

• Supplies required for warming reception centres/temporary shelter (including required upgrades for existing spaces)
• Emergency kits or supplies
• Volunteer engagement
• Communication strategies/tools for wellness checks
• Communication strategies or informational preparedness sessions
• Logistics and transportation. For example, transportation to temporary shelter

Admin costs may only account for maximum of 10% of the project budget.

Eligible Applicants:  

All charitable organizations, as well as other non-profit, social enterprise, grassroots organizations, co-ops, community contribution companies, Indigenous governing body, Indigenous community, or Indigenous led organization (including a band or tribal council, government of a self-governing First Nation or Métis Nation Chartered Community, Society or Association, or not-for-profit).  

Both new projects or programs, and existing initiatives that are expanding are eligible to apply.   

Grant amount available:   

$1,000 to $10,000 (one application per agency)  

Timeline:

July 2 – August 20: Open grant call

August 20: Grant Call closes

August 21 – September 11: Grant Reviews

Late-September: Funds go out

United Way British Columbia (UWBC) is eager to work with a partner to deliver the School’s Out program in Merritt, BC. United Way’s School’s Out programs ensure that children (aged 6-12) are safe and protected in the critical hours of 3pm-6pm after school, while participating in activities that support them to reach their full potential. Now, more than ever, children and families in Merritt, BC are facing disproportionate barriers to accessing quality after-school programming. 

Criteria: 

• Eligible applicants include registered charitable agencies, First Nations communities, and Indigenous organizations (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) who can deliver a School’s Out program in Merritt, BC; 

• Program must serve children aged 6-12 from priority populations; 

• This may include Indigenous, newcomers, racialized, low-income, or neuro-diverse populations; 

• Program is free or highly subsidized for children to attend; 

• Programs must occur at least twice a week per site; 

• Program must include healthy and culturally relevant nutrition at each session; 

• Program requires registration (not drop-in); 

• Program is strongly embedded in and with community and demonstrate collaboration (eg: this can include working in partnership with the School District); 

• Programs are in an accessible community location or transportation is organized; 

• Applicant must commit to submitting quarterly reports (in November, February, and April) and a final report (due in July); 

• Applicant must commit to ensuring one staff member attends the School’s Out Community of Practice gathering (takes place via Zoom quarterly – in November, February, and April); 

• Applicant must commit to administering the School’s Out participant surveys to children; 

• School’s Out programs and activities align to 5 Outcome Domains: 

1. Service to Community, which focuses on activities that build empathy, volunteering, and the motivation for children to meaningfully contribute and give back to their community. 

2. Social and Emotional Development, which focuses on activities that develop a stronger self-awareness, social awareness, and the ability to recognize and regulate emotions.   

3. Interests and Competencies, which focuses on activities and new experiences that foster an increased sense of curiosity and developing a love for learning new skills. 

4. Health and Wellness, which focuses on activities that provide increased understanding of healthy nutrition and physical well-being, supports knowledge about wellness, and ownership over personal well-being. 

5. Connectedness, which focuses on pro-social activities that develop friendships and connections to others in their community (incl. adult mentors, peers). 
   

Applications can be submitted through our online Salesforce granting portal. For more information on this grant, please watch this helpful video.

Use this template to prepare for your online application.

Applications close: Monday, June 17, 2024 12PM (noon) 

Grant amount available: Up to $40,000 

Funding period: September 1^, 2024 – June 30, 2025 

Questions?  

For more information on program details, please contact: Trisha Dulku, trishad@uwbc.ca.

For more information on the application portal, please contact: Jenny Louie, jennyl@uwbc.ca.

No grants currently available.

No grants currently available.

United Way British Columbia (UWBC) is increasingly stepping in to provide immediate response to large scale crises in our province and taking action locally on emerging issues and opportunities. UWBC’s Emergency Response approach is centred on mobilizing resources to help communities in the early days of a crisis and then providing longer term supports when we know what recovery efforts are needed.

The Emergency Response Grant is available to agencies in communities supporting evacuees under Evacuation Orders. Its intent is to support your work helping people initially affected by a crisis with basic needs from food and water to mental health supports and pop-up summer camps for kids.

The current grant is open to agencies providing immediate support to evacuees in Kootenays; North, Central, and South Okanagan; Shuswap; Similkameen; Thompson Cariboo Nicola; and Northeast, Northwest, and North Central BC.

Emergency Response Grant Stream

• For immediate response needs in the face of an emergency” (directly supporting evacuees under an order)
• This could include supporting basic needs met by those impacted by emergency, such a food, shelter, transportation
• This work is characterized by being adaptive and changing to meet the needs of those impacted

The maximum amount to apply is up to $15,000.

Please note: We are not supporting preparedness activities at this time. A Recovery Grant stream may open at a later date to help communities recover, focusing on resiliency and to help rebuild their communities when the natural disaster is over.

**Emergency Response Grant will close on September 30th, 2024**

The Cold Weather Preparedness Grant, made possible by Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR), aims to provide support to communities facing extreme weather emergencies. The grant is intended for activities/initiatives that enable supporting vulnerable populations during periods of extreme cold.

This grant will prioritize impact work in Northern BC, Thompson-Nicola-Cariboo, Southern Interior, as those regions are most susceptible to extreme cold temperatures. Therefore, the applications have been limited to these regions.

Funded initiatives may include response programs, programs that foster sharing of best practices, training, or mentoring to facilitate relationship building with other emergency-focused/disaster response organizations, and local government emergency preparedness staff. It will also provide support in creating protocols for identifying, locating, and supporting vulnerable residents before, during, and after crises in ways that respect and address privacy concerns.

Eligible expenses include but are not limited to:  

• Supplies required for warming reception centres/temporary shelter (including required upgrades for existing spaces)
• Emergency kits or supplies
• Volunteer engagement
• Communication strategies/tools for wellness checks
• Communication strategies or informational preparedness sessions
• Logistics and transportation. For example, transportation to temporary shelter

Admin costs may only account for maximum of 10% of the project budget.

Eligible Applicants:  

All charitable organizations, as well as other non-profit, social enterprise, grassroots organizations, co-ops, community contribution companies, Indigenous governing body, Indigenous community, or Indigenous led organization (including a band or tribal council, government of a self-governing First Nation or Métis Nation Chartered Community, Society or Association, or not-for-profit).  

Both new projects or programs, and existing initiatives that are expanding are eligible to apply.   

Grant amount available:   

$1,000 to $10,000 (one application per agency)  

Timeline:

July 2 – August 20: Open grant call

August 20: Grant Call closes

August 21 – September 11: Grant Reviews

Late-September: Funds go out

For over a decade, United Way British Columbia (UWBC) has been working with local partners to deliver high quality after-school programs that enable children to be happy, healthy and resilient. United Way’s School’s Out programs ensure that children (aged 6-12) are safe and protected in the critical hours of 3pm-6pm after school, while participating in activities that support them to reach their full potential. Now, more than ever, children and families in our communities are facing disproportionate barriers to accessing quality after-school programming. 

Criteria: 

• Eligible applicants include registered charitable agencies, First Nations communities, and Indigenous organizations (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) who are based in Northern BC; 
• Program must serve children aged 6-12 from priority populations; 
• This may include Indigenous, newcomers, racialized, low-income, or neuro-diverse populations; 
• Program is free or highly subsidized for children to attend; 
• Programs must occur at least twice a week per site; 
• Program must include healthy and culturally relevant nutrition at each session; 
• Program requires registration (not drop-in); 
• Program is strongly embedded in and with community and demonstrate collaboration (eg: this can include working in partnership with the School District); 
• Programs are in an accessible community location or transportation is organized; 
• Applicant must commit to submitting quarterly reports (in November, February, and April) and a final report (due in July); 
• Applicant must commit to ensuring one staff member attends the School’s Out Community of Practice gathering (takes place via Zoom quarterly – in November, February, and April); 
• Applicant must commit to administering the School’s Out participant surveys to children; 
• School’s Out programs and activities align to 5 Outcome Domains: 

1. Service to Community, which focuses on activities that build empathy, volunteering, and the motivation for children to meaningfully contribute and give back to their community. 
2. Social and Emotional Development, which focuses on activities that develop a stronger self-awareness, social awareness, and the ability to recognize and regulate emotions.   
3. Interests and Competencies, which focuses on activities and new experiences that foster an increased sense of curiosity and developing a love for learning new skills. 
4. Health and Wellness, which focuses on activities that provide increased understanding of healthy nutrition and physical well-being, supports knowledge about wellness, and ownership over personal well-being. 
5. Connectedness, which focuses on pro-social activities that develop friendships and connections to others in their community (incl. adult mentors, peers). 
   

Applications can be submitted through our online Salesforce granting portal. For more information on this grant, please watch this helpful video.

Use this template to prepare for your online application.

Applications open: Monday, May 13, 2024

Applications close: Friday, June 7, 2024 12PM

Grant amount available: Up to $60,000 

Funding Period: September ^1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 

Questions?  

For more information on program details, please contact: Trisha Dulku, trishad@uwbc.ca.

For more information on the application portal, please contact: Jenny Louie, jennyl@uwbc.ca.