Unlocking Grant Opportunities for Social Services Organizations in BC
In British Columbia, social services organizations play a vital role in supporting individuals, families, and communities. However, accessing the funding needed to sustain and grow programs can often be daunting. Fortunately, a wide range of grants are available to support initiatives in areas such as community development, accessibility, cultural preservation, and economic resilience.
This blog post serves as your comprehensive guide to navigating the grant landscape in BC. From federal programs like the Community Services Recovery Fund, which offers significant support for modernization and economic recovery, to local initiatives like the City of Burnaby Grants, tailored for neighbourhood organizations and social service groups, there is something for everyone. We’ve curated a list of opportunities spanning government, local municipalities, and private sector foundations to help your organization find the right funding for its mission.
Explore the table below to discover grants that align with your organization’s goals, whether you’re focused on fostering cultural inclusion, improving accessibility, or enhancing community well-being.
Federal Government Grants
Community Services Recovery Fund
A $400 million fund to help charities and non-profits adapt and modernize to support economic recovery.
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Canada Small Business Financing Program
Supports loans for non-profit and charitable social enterprises for land, building, and equipment improvements.
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Canada Job Grant
Provides funding for training new or existing employees, including those in non-profit organizations.
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National Autism Network Funding
Grants to establish the National Autism Network, focusing on the needs of autistic individuals and their families.
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Jordan’s Principle Funding
Funding for First Nations children to address health, education, and social service needs.
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Province of BC Grants
Community Gaming Grants
Provides funding for programs in arts, culture, sport, environment, public safety, human services, and parent advisory councils.
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BC Arts Council Grants
Offers funding for arts and cultural organizations, including social service-oriented artistic programs.
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Multiculturalism Grants
Supports intercultural trust and reduces barriers for marginalized communities.
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First Peoples’ Cultural Council Grants
Provides funding for Indigenous communities to revitalize language, arts, and cultural heritage.
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BC Community Climate Funding Guide
An online resource compiling climate action funding opportunities for Indigenous communities and local governments.
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BC Housing Funding Opportunities
Supports partners in housing projects, including the Canada-BC Housing Benefit and the Supportive Housing Fund.
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Disability Alliance BC Accessibility Grants
The Accessible Organizations Project provides funds for specific activities, such as planning toolkits and training, aimed at building knowledge and capacity across Prescribed Organizations to meet certain requirements. Unlike traditional grants, which offer financial support for a wide range of purposes, this project allocates resources for designated activities.
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WorkBC Find Loans and Grants
A resource for funding opportunities in skills training, student support, employer assistance, and community projects.
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Local Government Grants
City of Vancouver Community Grants
Funding for non-profit social services and neighborhood groups, including Core Support, Capital Projects, and Childcare Grants.
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City of Surrey Grants
Grants supporting arts, culture, heritage, community safety, and social well-being for Surrey residents.
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City of Burnaby Grants
Community and social service grants for non-profit organizations, offering funding for social service groups and neighborhood organizations to help build strong communities in Burnaby.
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Cariboo Regional District Grants for Assistance
Every year, the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) gives Grants for Assistance** to local non-profit organizations delivering proven benefits to the community.
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Cariboo Regional District – Year-Round Grants for Assistance (<$1,000)
Small grants are available year-round for projects under $1,000.
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Cariboo Regional District – Community Economic Development Grants
Supports economic growth and stability through community development projects.
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Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society Grants
Funded by CRD and Williams Lake for arts and culture initiatives, with two application intakes per year.
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South Cariboo Joint Grants for Assistance
Joint funding with 100 Mile House for volunteer projects benefiting the South Cariboo community.
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Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako Grants
Grants supporting non-profits in arts, heritage, community recreation, economic development, and environment.
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PacifiCan
PacifiCan provides a range of funding programs to support businesses and non-profits in British Columbia, focusing on innovation, community economic development, and recovery efforts in sectors such as AI, quantum technologies, homebuilding, tourism, and regional development, as well as past initiatives aimed at pandemic recovery and sustainable growth.
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Community Foundation North Okanagan (CFNO)
The CFNO supports the North Okanagan region through various grant programs, including the Smart & Caring Community Grants Program , addressing diverse local needs, the Better Together Community Fund for emergency responses, and partnership initiatives such as the Neighbourhood Small Grants Program and Community Services Recovery Fund, all aimed at fostering sustainable, equitable, and thriving communities.
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Victoria Foundation
The Victoria Foundation strengthens community well-being by granting over $27 million annually to hundreds of organizations, leveraging strategic partnerships, research, and insights from Victoria’s Vital Signs to inform their grants. Current opportunities include the Community Grants Program and the Community Services Recovery Fund, with periodic calls such as the Adoption & Permanency Fund and Investment Readiness Program, supporting the non-profit sector amid rising demands and challenges.
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Private Sector Grants
Vancouver Foundation Grants
Provides funding for projects that promote equity and vibrancy, including BIPOC, Prosperity, and Thriving Indigenous Grants.
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Peter Gilgan Foundation – Children, Youth, and Families
Grants focused on children, youth, and family programs.
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Canada Post Community Foundation
The Canada Post Community Foundation provides grants of up to $50,000 to support projects benefiting children and youth across Canada in the areas of community development, education, and health.
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United Way BC – Province-Wide Grants
Provides funding for social services supporting children, food security, healthy aging, and community resilience.
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Neighbourhood Small Grants
Grants up to $500 for small community-building projects that foster neighbourhood connections.
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Prince George’s Community Foundation
The Prince George Community Foundation offers various funding programs, including the Spruce Credit Union Legacy Grant, Community Impact and General Grant Programs, Prosperity Fund, Grant Writer Assistance Program, and Fraser-Fort George Endowment Grants, supporting new initiatives and community development projects in the Prince George region.
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Quesnel Community Foundation
Grants for community projects in Quesnel (application deadline has passed).
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Four Rivers Co-operative – Community Support Fund
Registered charities, non-profit organizations and community groups that depend on funding to complete or start their projects, as well as enhance their facilities and services, are invited to apply for up to $150,000 in capital funding.
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TELUS Friendly Future Foundation
Grants up to $20,000 for community-based health and education programs focused on youth facing barriers to potential.
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Harnessing Grants to Drive Impact
The grants highlighted above represent a fraction of the opportunities available to social services organizations in British Columbia. Leveraging these resources can be transformative, enabling your organization to expand its impact and address pressing social needs. As you pursue these funding options, be sure to align your application with each grant’s priorities and guidelines to maximize your chances of success.
At The Proposal Lab, we specialize in helping organizations like yours craft compelling grant applications that stand out. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like support in identifying or applying for these opportunities. Together, we can turn your vision into reality.
Which grant opportunity are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments, or connect with us for tailored guidance!