United Way Grants
United Way British Columbia provides funding to non-profit organizations in the following areas: children and youth, food security, healthy aging, urgent response and more.
At United Way British Columbia, we strengthen vital connections that support people in need in local communities across our province. One way we do this is through our various grant streams. These United Way grants help build a strong social support network by providing programs and services for communities in need. Our intention is to be responsive during challenging and urgent times to ensure our friends and neighbours are cared for and connected. Our grant streams are available throughout the year. Updated information can be found on this page.
Working together, we can build inclusive, resilient communities.
Province Wide
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)
Applications are open from April 8, 2024, 9 AM PDT to May 14, 2024, 12 PM PDT.
Questions?
Join our virtual information session April 2 at 3 PM PDT. Register 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.
Lower Mainland
United Way British Columbia (UWBC) is excited to announce the opportunity for program proposals to implement a School’s Out Summer program in Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley regions in 2024, focusing on the middle years – ages 6-12.
There are disproportionate challenges faced by our fastest growing middle years populations, including Indigenous, Black, racialized, newcomer and refugee children and their families, hindering their ability to reach their full potential. Summer is a particularly challenging time as there are a reduction of services and wrap-around supports available for the whole family and now, more-than-ever, high costs and inflation are impacting the choices that families make between making ends meet and ensuring that their child has access to a safe and enriching environment in the summer. At United Way British Columbia, we firmly believe that socioeconomics should not dictate the ability for a child to achieve brighter futures. We are inviting applications for partners to implement School’s Out Summer programs in their communities across Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley.
School’s Out Summer program proposals must focus on children aged 6-12 from priority populations (Indigenous, Black, racialized, newcomer, refugee, low-income, those with neuro-diversity, or physical disability) , offering them access to quality programming that prepares them for the return to the classroom in September and mitigates learning loss (also known as the summer slide). Applications must also include a clear family engagement component and demonstrate how the whole family unit is supported in a community of care.
School’s Out Summer program activities and curriculum must align with the following 5 core outcome domains and demonstrate how they will include the following 3 priorities:
1. Social and Emotional Development (this includes the development of emotional regulation, and better coping and resiliency strategies)
a. Priority One: Preparing children for the return back to the classroom in September (this can include gradual routine adjustment, being organized for success, empowering independence, celebrating achievements);
2. Connectedness (this includes access to role models and consistency of programming)
a. Priority Two: Family engagement (this can include opportunities for families to convene and celebrate their child’s experience or the inclusion of wrap-around supports available for the families while the child is attending the program);
3. Interests and competencies (this includes the opportunity for new experiences and the development of new life skills)
a. Priority Three: Mitigating learning loss (this can include literacy and numeracy learning opportunities that help close the achievement gap);
4. Health and Well-Being (this includes physical, mental, and nutritional);
5. Service to community (this includes community engagement and volunteerism).
*Program proposals operating at 4 weeks or less will be eligible to apply for up to $30,000. *Program proposals operating at 5-8 weeks will be eligible to apply for up to $50,000.
Successful applicants must commit to:
Sending a representative to attend the School’s Out Summer Kickoff event in early June 2024;
- A mid-program visit to the program;
- One interim report;
- One final report;
- Implementing UWBC School’s Out Summer participant evaluations and submitting results back to UWBC by the end of the program.
Ineligible costs include:
- Overnight camps;
- Organization costs outside of the 10% admin fee;
- Capital costs.
There will be TWO funding streams for School’s Out Summer 2024:
STREAM ONE: Community Organizations (including registered and non-registered charitable agencies, non-profits, societies);
- Stream one applicants are encouraged to use the Word document template found here to develop their application for a School’s Out Summer application ahead of submitting via the Salesforce Portal.
Preference will be given to applications that demonstrate:
- Alignment with UWBC’s goal of addressing inequity for Indigenous, Black, racialized, newcomer, and refugee communities (this can include providing culturally informed summer program activities and demonstrated organizational connection to the communities which the applicant seeks to serve);
- Clear demonstration of how the 5 core outcome domains and 3 School’s Out Summer priorities are being met/integrated;
- Community Integration and Partnership: Programs should be strongly embedded in and with the community (this can include agreements for in-kind program space, collaboration with school districts, corporate partners, or municipalities);
- Involve youth engagement &/or leadership in the program;
- Clear access to wrap-around supports for the child and the whole family (eg: healthy food and nutrition, English language learning, care products, mental health supports, etc.)
UWBC is aiming to create systems change and meaningful engagement spaces for children and families. Grant programs in 2023 may look different in comparison to past programs.
STREAM TWO: Indigenous-led organizations and Land Based Nations (including First Nations Métis, and Inuit communities) – Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley Only
Please apply through the “School’s Out Summer Indigenous-Led 2024” grant stream.
- Stream two applicants have the option of submitting either a written program proposal and supporting documents via Salesforce or an audio or video recording proposal. Applicants are encouraged to use the Word document template found here to help develop their proposal for a School’s Out Summer program. Audio or video applications can be submitted via email to mayag@uwbc.ca.
Preference will be given to applications that demonstrate:
- Clear demonstration of how the 5 core outcome domains and 3 School’s Out Summer priorities are being met/integrated;
- Connections to Indigenous cultures and traditions that builds capacity, confidence, and motivation for children to be secure in their identity;
- Involve youth engagement &/or leadership in the program.
Important Dates:
- December 14th, 2023: Call for Applications is live.
- February 26th, 2024: Application deadline. Call for applications is closed.
- March 31st, 2024: Decisions are reached and communicated to applicants.
- June 1st – August 31st, 2024: Funding period for the program (with Interim Report due mid-way through program delivery).
- June 7th 2024: School’s Out Summer Kickoff event.
- September 12th 2024: Final report due.
- September 12th 2024: School’s Out Summer participant evaluations due.
For inquiries, please contact Maya Graves-Bacchus, Project Coordinator, Strategic Initiatives, at mayag@uwbc.ca. For technical assistance, contact Jenny Louie, Granting Specialist, at jennyl@uwbc.ca.
Southern Interior
No grants currently available.
Thompson Nicola Cariboo
No grants currently available.
Central & Northern Vancouver Island
This year, the UWBC Community Investment Grant is aimed specifically towards Child and Youth Mental Health programs and projects (existing or new) for ages birth – 29 years, that promote adaptability, resiliency, communication skills, emotional regulation, problem-solving, intergenerational teachings, culture expressions, identity, a sense of belonging, life skills and prosocial behaviour.
UWBC Child and Youth Mental Health Grants will be available through our online portal and eligible organizations include charitable agencies, First Nations, and Indigenous organizations (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit). Priority will be determined based on local service delivery, capacity, scope and overall impact. UWBC Child and Youth Mental Health grants are open to eligible local programs throughout the Central and North Vancouver Island Region. Applications will be accepted from organizations operating in the Regional Districts of Mount Waddington, Strathcona, Comox Valley, Nanaimo, Alberni Clayoquot, Cowichan and qathet.
Objectives of 2024-25 Community Investment Grant: We recognize that community partners know what is needed to support the mental health of children and youth they serve, and how to develop programs to meet these needs.See below for some examples of program activities that align with this year’s grant call. Innovative ideas that support the mental health of children and youth are welcome!
- Increased Connections – Inclusive and strength-based programming that nurtures social and cultural connectedness and positive relationship building for children, youth, and parents.
- Knowledge Sharing and Increased Resilience Skills for Children and Youth – Programming that promotes resilient thinking strategies and habits (accurate and flexible thinking) and builds positive mental health strategies to manage stress and anxiety.
- Empowering Youth (ages 12 – 29) – Providing opportunities for youth to learn skills and gain experience that enhances their capacity to make healthy life choices and create positive impact in their community.
- Supporting Children (ages birth – 12) – Providing opportunities for children to learn and gain experience that enhances their capacity to make healthy life choices and reach their emotional and developmental milestones.
- Access to Training and Resources for Caregivers – Defined as someone with a family or a cultural connection to or a strong relationship with a child in need, who cares for that child full‐time, on either a temporary or a permanent basis. Programs that promote an understanding of attachment-based parenting strategies, across the age spectrum, to build healthier parent/child connections.
- Cultural Connectedness and Belonging – Inclusive and strength-based programming for communities and Nations which supports health and well-being.
Join us at an online information session to learn more about our 2024-2025 Community Investment Grants. Together we will review the guidelines, the online process, and answer questions about this year’s Community Investment grants.
Info Session – March 11 at 1:00 pm (click link to register)
Info Session – March 13 at 1:00 pm (click link to register)
Info Session – March 19 at 11:00 am (click link to register)
For more information please contact Mary Catherine Williams – marycatherinew@uwbc.ca
Powell River & qathet Region
Danielle’s Helping Hand Fund provides prompt, one-time grants to individuals and families in our community living below the poverty line to help cover emergency or unexpected expenses. The fund is designed to fill gaps and provide support where no other community or government services are available. Expenses can include dental work, dentures, emergency or bereavement travel expenses, unexpected bills, rental arrears, and more.
Northern BC
Thank you for your interest in UWBC’s support for communities affected by wildfires in Northern BC. Please note, this grant is closed for the 2023 season but will reopen as climate emergencies in Northern BC arise. For more information on this funding and or other impact initiatives happening throughout the region please contact Victoria Awodele at VictoriaA@uwbc.ca.