Empowering Communities: Grant Applications for the Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC Now Open
Bella Coola Resource Society
Community groups across British Columbia have another opportunity to secure funding for their initiatives as the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) launches the second intake of the Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC grant program. This grant opportunity is designed to empower communities and volunteer organizations in their efforts to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities and stewardship across the province.
The Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC grant program provides financial support to community-based projects that align with three core objectives:
Outdoor access and infrastructure: Supporting the maintenance and enhancement of outdoor recreation infrastructure such as trails, climbing crags, boat launches and signage
Stewardship and education: Promoting responsible outdoor use through educational and stewardship initiatives that foster community engagement while minimizing environmental, cultural and safety impacts
Inclusive participation: Cultivating accessible, inclusive and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities by encouraging participation in outdoor recreation for under-represented groups
Funding amounts typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, and grants will be available for charities, non-profits, local governments and Indigenous governments. During the program’s inaugural intake in 2024, ORCBC announced 30 recipients across the province, awarding a total of $250,711 in grants.
“We received an overwhelming number of excellent applications in our first intake last year,” said Tomke Augustin, Grant Program Manager at ORCBC. “The proposed projects revealed incredible contributions to outdoor enhancement, education, stewardship, and inclusive participation. Beyond these vital impacts, many projects also showcased their potential to boost local economies and foster economic diversification in rural communities across the province. We are excited to see what BC’s outdoor recreation groups have planned to continue making a positive impact on our natural spaces, the well-being of BC’s people, and the resilience of our communities.”
Eric Vanderkruk, Board Chair of ORCBC, emphasized the significance of the grant program in boosting outdoor recreation across the province. “The first intake clearly demonstrated the need for more funding to maintain and advance BC’s outdoor infrastructure, much of which is cared for by volunteers. This grant program amplifies our commitment to advocate for the outdoor recreation sector and ensure that future generations can safely enjoy our beautiful natural spaces.”
Since 2020, ORCBC has been at the forefront of researching and advocating for sustainable funding for outdoor recreation. The Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC addresses a long-standing need to support volunteer-based organizations and community groups that are instrumental in maintaining infrastructure, protecting natural areas, and delivering programs that make outdoor recreation safe and accessible for everyone.
The creation of this grant program was made possible by a one-time $10 million grant from the Province of BC in May 2023. This grant established an endowment fund—the Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC—whose income will serve as a perpetual funding source for the program.
The Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC grant program is now accepting applications until February 20, 2025. Interested parties are encouraged to visit the ORCBC website at https://www.orcbc.ca/grants-for-outdoor-recreation for detailed information on eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and deadlines.