Grants for community groups
Funding for non-profit organizations and registered charities
By supplying electricity to the people and businesses of this province, we provide an essential and important service. But we also believe in doing more than that.
We accept applications for funding from eligible organizations that are developing new or expanding existing programs that align with one or more of our focus areas.
Two types of grants available
We’re offering two types of grants to support non-profit organizations and registered charities that are making a difference in their communities.
Grassroots Grants
We provide funding of up to $2,000 to develop new or enhance existing community-based programs in B.C. The organization or program must:
- Use grant funding to support a specific local program or initiative.
- Strengthen community connections.
Broad Impact Grants
We provide funding of up to $10,000 for organizations to either expand an existing program or develop a new program across multiple communities in B.C. The organization or program must:
- Use grant funding to support a specific program or initiative that's sustainable and has a significant impact, or for new or existing program delivery into multiple communities.
- Demonstrate the ability to provide measurable outcomes of the initiative's success.
- Submit stories and photos of the project during or upon completion.
How it works
To qualify for a community grant, your program or initiative needs to align with one of our three focus areas below:
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. Projects or programs with a particular focus on Indigenous communities are at the top of our list.
Safety education
We support organizations with programs that focus on public safety. Projects or 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.
When planning your project, please review all program requirements to ensure your application is eligible.
Please note, we only fund one program or initiative per organization per year. Meeting the qualifications to apply doesn’t 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
- Be financially stable, have effective management, and enough employees or volunteers to successfully execute the program.
- Eligible initiatives must 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
- Sports teams, tournaments, or sports equipment
- School equipment
- Scholarships, bursaries, and endowments
- Research and feasibility studies
- Organizations or projects devoted to political or religious causes
- Capital campaigns, infrastructure upgrades, or maintenance
- 100% of any project costs
- Salaries, wages, or stipends
- Operating costs (e.g., heating, lighting, rent)
- Expenses incurred prior to the application date
- 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, individual or third-party fundraising, special equipment)
- Advertising costs (e.g., underwriting TV, film, or video)
- Individuals and individual pursuits
- Travel costs including accommodations, meals, or transportation
- 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
Our next intake for applications is March 1 to 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 1 to April 30, 2025. The application form will be available March 1.
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.