Grants for community groups
Applications close April 30
We're now accepting community grant applications until April 30, 2025.
Funding for non-profit organizations and registered charities
We’re offering community grants of up to $10,000 to support B.C. non-profit organizations and registered charities that are making a difference in their communities by either developing a new program or expanding an existing one. Preference may be given to programs that:
- Engage youth through initiatives such as after-school programs and summer camps.
- Empower girls and women in STEM through workshops and mentorship programs.
- Serve rural, remote, or Indigenous communities.
Community grant focus areas
To qualify for a community grant, your program or initiative must align with one or more of our three focus areas.
Building the STEM workforce of tomorrow
We support organizations with programs that focus on youth education in the areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) and trades training. Our goal is to help foster a more highly qualified workforce for B.C.’s future.
Safety education
We support organizations with programs that focus on public safety. Programs that promote electrical safety, water safety, and emergency preparedness are at the top of our list.
Developing a clean and sustainable future
We support organizations with programs that will lead to a more sustainable future. Projects or programs that increase awareness and take steps towards environmental conservation, energy efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions are at the top of our list.
These examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not an exhaustive list.
Previously funded activities include after-school programs, summer camps, educational workshops, community initiatives, mentorship programs, and training courses.
Previously funded items include marketing and training materials, educational tools, office and media equipment, and safety supplies.
An example of an eligible program is a youth leadership summer camp focused on energy conservation and climate protection. The grant could be used for hands-on learning tools, educational materials, software subscriptions, and marketing.
Please note that high-value equipment, new infrastructure, or building renovations or upgrades are not eligible for funding.
Eligibility requirements
When planning your program, please review all requirements to ensure your application is eligible.
Please note that we only fund one program per organization per year. Meeting the qualifications to apply does not guarantee funding support.
Organizations requesting funding must:
- Be a Canadian non-profit or registered Canadian charitable organization. If you are a Canadian charity, you must provide your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) registered charitable number.
- Direct the funding to a specific program or initiative that aligns with one or more of our three focus areas:
- Building the STEM workforce of tomorrow
- Safety education
- Developing a clean and sustainable future
- Develop programs or initiatives that:
- Clearly address an urgent or important issue.
- Are well-prepared and ready to be implemented.
- Have a significant and direct positive effect on the community.
- Be financially stable, have effective management, and enough employees or volunteers to successfully execute the program. Organizations should not rely on BC Hydro to be the sole funder of its program.
- Submit stories and photos to BC Hydro during the program or upon completion.
- Ensure that eligible programs or initiatives take place from May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026.
The following organizations and/or activities are ineligible to receive funding:
- Organizations with no operating base in B.C.
- Health and social service organizations (unless the program aligns with focus areas)
- Political parties or candidates, advocacy, or special interest groups
- Organizations or projects devoted to political or religious causes
- Individuals and individual pursuits
- Sports teams, tournaments, or sports equipment
- Capital campaigns, high-value equipment, infrastructure upgrades, renovations or maintenance
- Salaries, wages, or stipends
- Event sponsorships (e.g., charity events, galas, golf tournaments, event tickets, celebrations, and festivals) unless aligned with focus areas
- Fundraising events (e.g., school fundraisers, out of province travel, individual or third-party fundraising, special equipment)
- Travel costs including accommodations, meals, or transportation
- 100% of any program or project costs, or expense incurred
- Projects where benefits occur outside Canada
- Advertising costs (e.g., underwriting TV, film, or video)
- School equipment
- Research and feasibility studies
- Scholarships, bursaries, and endowments
- Operating expenses (e.g., heating, lighting, rent)
- Expenses incurred prior to the application date
- In-kind donations of prizing, giveaways, or gift baskets
- In-kind requests for BC Hydro services, materials or equipment including, but not limited to:
- Electrical connections, deferred or free electricity
- Electrical vehicle charging
- Fleet vehicles
- Used computers
- Poles
- Scrap metal
How to apply
We're currently accepting applications until April 30, 2025.
To get started with your application, follow the three steps below:
Step 1 – Select a focus area
Choose the focus area for your program: Building the STEM workforce of tomorrow, safety education, or developing a clean and sustainable future.
Step 2 – Review eligibility criteria
Please review all eligibility requirements before submitting your application.
Step 3 – Apply online
We're accepting applications from March 7 to April 30, 2025.
Please note that meeting the qualifications to apply doesn't guarantee funding support. Once you've submitted your application, you'll receive a confirmation email.
Our review process
We review applications from May to June after the intake period is complete. Applicants will be notified of grant decisions by email approximately eight weeks after the application intake period ends.
Grant applications are reviewed based on six main criteria:
- Relevance: How does your organization impact your community or communities?
- Capacity building: How does your organization help support the vitality of your community or communities?
- Sustainability: How does your organization operate on a self-sustaining model?
- Involvement: Does your program or initiative create partnership opportunities (e.g., volunteerism)?
- Accountability: Can you provide measurable results?
- Profile: How visible are you locally and/or regionally?
Contact us
If you have questions about the Community Grants program, please email us.