Grants
We envision a future where flourishing watersheds and the unimpeded flow of water are of the utmost importance and water is highly valued as the sacred source of life. Our grants program will support work that nourishes our waterways, upholds the strength of Indigenous voices and ways of being in relation to the land and water, and weaves together enduring relationships and partnerships that flow throughout and across watersheds.
Funding will meet watershed stewards and champions where they are at, building partnerships and collaboration amongst First Nations, local governments, NGOs, community groups, and scientific communities.
Like the natural ebb and flow of our waterways, we will grow and evolve through this work with water remaining the most important environmental, cultural, economic, and spiritual wellspring we share.
Overview
Our grants program supports projects and initiatives that advance the resiliency of our watersheds while adhering to a framework of reconciliation and pursuing collaborative relationships to steward the restoration and conservation of healthy watersheds for generations to come.
In this first year, the Fund’s Grants Program will start flowing commitments of $7-$10 million to communities, spread across two grant intakes in 2024/25, to address urgent and long-term watershed security needs. Together with the Grants Working Group, we endeavor to build a foundation of work, systems, and approaches that transfer over and evolve into the long-term multi-year grants program offered through the Watershed Security Fund.
It is early days for the Fund, and we are on a tight timeline to respond quickly to community needs, with a modest amount of dollars available initially. We will do our best to bring forward a good program, recognizing that we will continue to build, resource, and adapt it over the coming year and beyond. We are excited and proud to work together with project teams in watersheds across B.C. on this inspiring, impactful, and healing work.
The Grants Working Group
The WSF Grants Working Group is comprised of a diverse group of leaders with deep knowledge, experience and connection to regional watershed needs and communities across BC. They are generously providing their learning and insights to support the development of an evolving innovative multi-year co-developed grants program offered through the Watershed Security Fund.
The Watershed Security Fund is fortunate to benefit from the collective wisdom, experience, and leadership of the members of the Grants Working Group:
- Lydia Hwitsum, Co-Commissioner, First Nations Water Caucus (Cowichan Nation)
- Teena Demeulemeester, Delegate, First Nations Water Caucus (Saulteau First Nation)
- Deana Machin, Delegate, First Nations Water Caucus (Syilx (Okanagan) Nation)
- Brodie Guy, Chief Executive Officer, Island Coastal Economic Trust
- Tara Marsden/Naxginkw, Consultant, Hlimoo Sustainable Solutions (Gitanyow (Gitksan) people)
- Tim Morris, Director, BC Water Legacy
- Ione Smith, Senior Agrologist, Upland Agricultural Consulting
Working Group Members are encouraged to contribute their own unique perspectives and are not representing the views or positions of their respective Nation, community or organization.
Our Priorities and Funding Streams
In this first year of the program, grant funding will support projects and initiatives that take place in territories and regions within what is known as British Columbia, and that prioritize reconciliation, ecosystem restoration, climate resilience and sustainable economies. Funded projects will support healthy watersheds across a range of project types in any of the following areas of watershed-based work. We recognize the holistic, interwoven aspects of watershed work and understand that most projects will connect across several areas.
Funding Themes (Areas of work) include:
- Watershed Collaboration, Planning and Governance
- Watershed and Ecosystems Restoration
- Nature-based infrastructure
- Watersheds & Food Systems
- Monitoring and Assessment
- Land & Water-based Learning, Intergenerational Knowledge
Funding Streams
There are widespread needs and interests in watershed funding across the province which far exceed available funds. Given the small size of our funding envelope in 2024/25, three funding streams have been identified with some limitations on the maximum grant size.
Organizations are eligible to make one application per intake.
Assessment Criteria and Eligibility
Funding Opportunities
Our first intake opened June 3-26, 2024, for grants approved in September. Our second intake is planned to open in late 2024/ early 2025 for grants approved in Spring 2025.
These are our first intakes of an ongoing, evolving, multi-year program.
Please find below a Guide to the Grants Program and Application as well as a list of some Frequently Asked Questions.
Applications for Funding
Next Intake: Fall 2024/Winter 2025
Please find the Application and Budget Form below.
Ways to Apply
We aim to uphold grant making practices that are approachable, accessible, adaptable, and supportive and grounded in good relationships, trust and partnerships. With this in mind, we are offering three different ways to apply:
Application Supports and Guidance
Interested in applying for a grant? Not sure where to begin? We’re here to support you in your application.
Grants Program Webinars
We’re here to support you in your application. Below are the recordings of two webinars hosted by the Watershed Security Fund team. The webinars provide information on the grants program, the application process, and more.
Webinar # 2 | June 17, 2024
Webinar # 1 | May 27, 2024
Connect with Program Staff
We are here to support you. We encourage you to connect with our program staff prior to submitting your application.