Frequently Asked Questions
Grants Program
Last Updated: November 10, 2025
We have received many good questions and are still working hard to compile and respond as best we can. Please see below for our current FAQs regarding the Grants Program. This document will be periodically updated as we receive more questions.
If you have a question regarding our grants program that is not listed below, please feel free to contact our team at
grants@watershedsecurityfund.ca
Advancing UNDRIP
Our goal is to center First Nations voices, experiences, approaches, and leadership while also making space for resourcing important work of non-Indigenous led initiatives that contribute to holistic, collaborative, shared ways forward for addressing watershed needs.
As the inherent rightsholders of the lands and waters of what is now also known as B.C., who have protected and cared for them for millennia, First Nations must have a central role in this work if we are to uphold commitments to UNDRIP and achieve transformative change towards healthy, secure watersheds. It is also recognized that repairing the harms of 150 years of colonial and settler impacts cannot fall solely on the shoulders of First Nations.
To help us understand applicants’ organizational relationship to First Nations, we are using a tool called the I4DM developed by the Circle on Philanthropy. On the application form, we provide a link to information on the matrix and ask project teams to familiarize themselves with it, so they can self-identify their relationship to First Nations using the I4DM, or they can let us know if they don’t currently have a relationship with First Nations.
Across the three funding streams, at higher levels of funding there will be some prioritization of projects led by organizations who are generally further along the continuum towards First Nations led or partnered work. Right now, we have general guidelines on this for each of our three Funding Streams rather than specific funding targets and percentages.
More information on the Circle’s I4DM is available at these links: Circle for Philanthropy I4DM Definitional Matrix and article.
There are many good resources to support this, and we recommend you start by learning about the Nation(s) in whose territory you are working.
For insights on the relationship between UNDRIP, decolonizing practices and watershed security work, a number of good resources were produced through the Healthy Watersheds Initiative:
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, Heathy Watersheds Initiative Evaluation Framework and Report by Tara Marsden, Naxginkw / Senior Indigenous Advisor- see link: https://healthywatersheds.ca/news/the-united-nations-declaration-on-the-rights-of-indigenous-peoples/
UNDRIP Posters, see link: https://healthywatersheds.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/UNDRIP-Posters.pdf
Decolonizing Watersheds with Nahanee Creative- see link: https://healthywatersheds.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/HWI-Nahanee-Creative-Final-Report-Feb-15th_.pdf and https://healthywatersheds.ca/news/learning-and-unlearning-together/
Examples of First Nations and non-First Nations approaches to UNDRIP are also available on pages 48 – 51 of “Our Water Our Future: Healthy Watersheds Initiative Final Outcomes Report” link here: https://healthywatersheds.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/HWI_MajorOutcomesReport.pdf
A webinar recording on “UNDRIP & You: What does UNDRIP mean for your organization?” is available through REFBC’s website – link here: https://refbc.ca/undrip/
For local governments, there is a resource available through the Climate Caucus on “Aligning Local Climate Action with UNDRIP” – see link: https://www.climatecaucus.ca/resources/undrip-and-local-climate-action
As First Nations are the inherent rightsholders of the lands and waters of what is known as B.C., proposed projects should demonstrate meaningful engagement and collaboration with the relevant Nation(s) whose territories the project will be undergoing.
The level of expected involvement may vary depending on the project Stream (1, 2, or 3), and the WSF uses the Circle on Philanthropy’s I4DM Matrix to assess the strength of the organizational relationship to First Nations for non-First Nations groups. Stream 1 is more flexible for early-stage projects with intentions to develop meaningful partnerships, while Streams 2 and 3 require stronger evidence of collaboration and partnership. Applicants should show understanding of local context, including overlapping territories where applicable, and provide evidence of support from the Nation(s). Applicants are expected to explain how they are approaching collaboration and responsibilities in alignment with UNDRIP and FPIC. Overall, the WSF is seeking evidence of meaningful connection and partnership between non-First Nation and First Nation-led organizations.
We refer to the Circle on Philanthropy’s I4DM Matrix to define Indigenous-led. Given the focus of the WSF on watersheds in B.C., and given that First Nations are the title and rights holders of these territories, when using the Matrix, we are focusing on First Nations-led organizations aligned with the I4DM category of Indigenous-Led. An Indigenous-led organization, in the context of what’s known as B.C., demonstrates First Nations leadership at all levels of decision-making, where First Nations peoples own, guide, and deliver programs in relationship and response to their communities. Culture, knowledge, and language are foundational to the organization’s values, policies, and practices, with reciprocity deeply embedded in how it operates. The organization sustains ongoing, reciprocal relationships with First Nations communities, locally and/or directly, grounding its work in accountability and mutual benefit.
In the category of First Nations-partnered, that could include a Métis or Inuit-led organization partnering with a First Nation on whose territory they are working. First Nations-partnered could also include a non-Indigenous led organization partnering with a First Nation. Please note that when using the I4DM Matrix to classify your organization, it should reflect the current state of your organization, rather than future goals or aspirations. There is a separate question further in the application where you can identify First Nations partners who you are working with in a variety of other types of roles.
Application Support
We do not have the capacity to review and provide feedback on applications in advance of the application deadline, but we’d be happy to respond by email or set up a short call with one of our program staff if you have questions you’d like guidance on. We also offer support through our website, including the Grants Application Guide and FAQs, and recorded webinars. For organizations that do not have the capacity to fill out an application, a video or phone call can be arranged with our grants program staff who will complete the application based on the conversation.
This option is available for organizations that do not have the capacity to submit a grant application. For applications that are being filled out in conversation (whether on Zoom, Teams or a phone call) please review the application in advance and come prepared to answer all the questions. The role of staff is to assist with filling out the application if the organization needs that additional capacity support, not give feedback on drafts. To set up your conversation with a Grants Program staff member, please email us at grants@watershedsecurityfund.ca
We suggest you choose whichever project is the strongest fit to your interests, community priorities and level of readiness. You might also want to look at the descriptions of our three funding streams. For example, in Stream 1 (applications up to $50k), we are open to supporting projects or initiatives at early stages of development.
For projects seeking higher levels of funding, we’ll be looking for projects that are further along in their design, development and degree of collaboration or with a foundation of prior related work to build upon. At higher funding levels, we’ll look to prioritize projects led by organizations that are generally further along the I4DM continuum towards First Nations-led, Partnered or Informed work.
Others may be considered, if there are demonstrated actions to build understanding of relationships with First Nations in B.C., and to address restoration and restitution of watershed damage caused by non-Indigenous communities and industries, which negatively impact Indigenous rights.
Yes, unsuccessful applicants can reach out to program staff to discuss general guidance and receive feedback on their applications. We have an option for organizations with previous applications to access their past submissions and make edits for an easier resubmission process. To do so, please contact us at grants@watershedsecurityfund.ca. We will send you a customized link to your application that will allow you to edit and resubmit it.
Budget
The budget form is required for applications in Stream 2 (up to $150k) and Stream 3 (up to $400k). Applications in Stream 1 (up to $50,000) are not required to fill out the budget form; instead, they provide a summary description of budget expenses on the overall application form (section 6).
If you reach out to us (grants@watershedsecurityfund.ca) well in advance of the deadline, there may be other options, such as submitting a budget form you previously prepared for another funding program, in lieu of our budget template. Please allow plenty of time so we can jointly ensure it provides the information we need to receive and review your budget information.
WSF supports nature-based and watershed-related infrastructure projects, defined as projects or initiatives that support and protect the healthy functioning of waterways using nature-based engineered methods with a mix of hard and natural infrastructure. Site costs and capital equipment costs are eligible for restoration and nature-based infrastructure projects, with some limitations. Capital purchases which are necessary to the project and add to the organization’s asset base beyond the project timeframe are eligible, but they should not exceed over 25% of project expenses. The notes on expenses in the budget form as well as the Grants Application Guide offers clear guidance on what costs are eligible.
Yes. $400,000 is the maximum available for a single grant under Stream 3. Applicants can apply for smaller grants under Stream 1 (up to $50,000) or Stream 2 (up to $150,000). If the overall project budget is more than $400,000, applicants can provide details on other funding sources. This is optional, but good to see for projects in Stream 3 and of interest in Stream 2.
WSF funding can be combined with other sources of funding to support larger initiatives. The WSF does not require matching funds, as this has been identified as a barrier for many organizations doing watershed work. As part of project reporting, we will be interested in knowing about other sources of funding across any of the streams, to help us see how WSF resources are leveraged or complemented, and to understand and share insights about the funding landscape for the watershed sector. Providing details on other funding sources is optional but is good to see for projects in Stream 3 and of interest in Stream 2.
The WSF does not specify project timelines, and funds do not need to be spent within a specific fiscal or calendar year. Applicants set their own project start and end dates in the WSF application, and funds can be used across the approved project period.
Funds are disbursed in installments over the project timeline. For example, a three-year grant may be released as 40/30/25/5 percent payments over the duration of the project. Similarly, a one-year project may be released as 50/35/15, paid out in the beginning, halfway, and at the end of the project period. The disbursement schedule will be mutually determined and outlined in the Grant Agreement.
No. WSF does not fund retroactive expenses. Only costs incurred after a grant is approved are eligible.
Decision Making
Advancing UNDRIP is an overarching priority for the Fund and there are a series of questions related to that in the application. Along with UNDRIP, applications are assessed qualitatively based on multiple other criteria outlined in the Guide to Grants Program & Application:
• Free, Prior, Informed Consent (FPIC)
• Regional Equity
• Community Connection
• Economic Resiliency, Jobs, Training and Mentorship
• Diversity of Interests & Collaboration
For grants in Stream 2 and 3, the budget is reviewed to ensure that only eligible expenses are covered, and that expenses align with the scope of the project. More information on our priorities and assessment criteria is available in our program and application guide on our website.
In previous intakes we’ve had to decline many very strong projects due to the high volume of applications relative to our grants budget. In Intake 3 we will be prioritizing strong applications for projects that have been previously declined in Intakes 1 and/or 2. Applications will still be evaluated using the same criteria as above but, all other things being equal, projects that have been previously submitted and declined due to limited funding will be prioritized over projects that are being submitted for the first time.
Decisions on how many projects will be funded in each of the streams have not been made and will depend on the mix of applications received. But for illustrative purposes, with this year’s grants budget of $5 million we could potentially fund about 25 projects, with a mix of grant sizes (some up to $50k, some up to $150k and some up to $400k). We anticipate being able to support 6-8 applications in each of Streams 1 and 2, and 8-10 applications in Stream 3.
We realize this is not a lot compared to the enormous needs in community and the high costs of restoration work. We hope there will be additional contributions to the fund in the future that enable a larger annual budget for grants.
The Watershed Security Fund Grants Program is fortunate to benefit from the collective wisdom, experience and leadership of a Grants Program Working Group, convened in April 2024 to support and provide direction on the co-development, design and implementation of the Grants Program (see https://watershedsecurityfund.ca/grants for a list of members of the Grants Working Group). Watershed Security Fund Grants Program Staff will work with the Grants Program Working Group to collaboratively bring forward recommendations for grants to be confirmed by the Watershed Security Fund Joint Executive.
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 Grants Working Group provides guidance to the grants program staff on the Grants Program framework, including its guiding principles, values, approach, criteria, priorities, and eligibility. For each intake, the Working Group recommends a package of grants for approval by the Joint Executive, with the Joint Executive focusing on overall oversight and process that was followed to reach a decision. To view the members of the Grants Working Group, see watershedsecurityfund.ca/grants-working-group.
We ask that applicants do not direct questions and inquiries to the grants working group. The WSF program staff is available for any and all inquiries related to the grants program
The size of a watershed is not a deciding factor on its own. The WSF takes into account several equity-based assessment lenses to determine the strength of a project, including regional equity and addressing gaps in under-resourced areas when assessing applications. The WSF strives to support a diverse range of projects across BC, recognizing that some regions face particular challenges accessing funding or other resources, and/or are at a greater risk in terms of climate change impacts and cumulative industrial development. Both small and large-scale projects are eligible.
Eligibility
Eligible Organizations for WSF grant funding include Indigenous or non-Indigenous:
• Registered Non–profits
• Educational Institutions
• Social Enterprises (C3)
Or
• First Nations (including First Nation governments, Tribal Councils and others)
• Local/Regional Governments
Eligibility is not restricted to Canada Revenue Agency-registered charities or qualified donees. In addition to those listed above, some other types of organizations may be eligible.
Generally, organizations are eligible to make one application for one project per intake and can choose from one of three funding streams.
In these first intakes and with such a small grants budget relative to the amounts requested, we are trying to manage the volume of applications while enabling a diversity of organizations, projects and communities to put forward applications and have access to funding. For this reason, we are currently considering one application per organization per intake.
For Tribal organizations and other larger multi-community/regional or province-wide organizations – who may be leading, coordinating or providing administrative housing for a number of entities or project teams working on different projects in different communities – there may be flexibility in this regard. Some questions may be best discussed through a conversation with program staff or other follow-up. Our preference would be for applications to come from community-connected organizations themselves; however, if that organization prefers to have an umbrella entity make an application on their behalf to reduce their administrative burden or for other reasons, they are eligible to do so. We’ll be looking for a clear indication that the project is community-led and driven, and that funding provided through the grant is serving and resourcing local capacity and staff.
We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we consider the many important roles that different types of organizations play in watershed work.
When considering applications that involve universities, our preference and priority would be for those applications to come from a community connected organization themselves, with the university entity as a partner which could be funded through a portion of the grant. This approach aligns with our principal to support community connected and community driven work (see assessment criteria) and it reduces the likelihood of multiple applications coming from one university.
If a community organization that is partnering with a university entity prefers the university entity to make the application on the community’s behalf to reduce their administrative burden or for other reasons, universities are eligible organizations, but we will be looking for a very strong sense of partnership and indication of that from the community partner itself when assessing applications.
For universities with different faculties, departments or institutes that may be involved in several different watershed projects, we could receive applications from more than one, if they are for different projects/communities, but we’ll be looking for that strong community connection noted above when reviewing and prioritizing applications.
Organizations who receive a WSF grant would be eligible to apply for another grant in future years when existing funded work is nearing completion or complete, contingent on the strength and success of their project, and our goals to fund a diversity of organizations at various stages and the other assessment lenses we’re weighing. Funding the same organization twice in the same year would be very unlikely at this stage, with such a comparatively small grants budget.
We are taking a developmental approach, so – for example – a funded project in Stream 1 ( grants up to $50k) may be supporting readiness building for a next stage project which could be eligible for funding at higher levels in future years, subject to the strength of their next application (i.e. prior funding at a lower level is not a guarantee of a subsequent grant). Organizations who already have plans, partners and a foundation of readiness in place, may choose to apply in Stream 2 (grants up to $150k) or Stream 3 (grants up to $400k) and are not required to have had a prior Stream 1 grant to be eligible.
This funding is only for BC based projects and initiatives. However, some transboundary work may be eligible if a significant portion is BC based.
WSF Grants are not able to fund:
• Activities that primarily provide financial benefits for individuals
• Debt retirement, reserves, mortgage paydowns
• Retroactive expenses (costs incurred prior to funding being approved)
• Purchase of land or large-scale development of buildings
• Endowments
• Partisan political activities
• Projects or initiatives that do not take place in what is known as BC.
Grant funding will support projects and initiatives that prioritize reconciliation, ecosystem health, climate resilience, and sustainable economies in any of these areas of work:
• Watershed Collaboration, Planning and Governance
• Watershed & Ecosystems Restoration
• Nature-based Infrastructure
• Watersheds and Food Systems.
• Monitoring and Assessment
• Land & Water-based Learning, Knowledge Sharing
We recognize the holistic, interwoven aspects of watershed work and understand that most projects will connect across several areas.
WSF funding is focused on land and freshwater systems with the watershed basins of B.C., and marine projects are not a focus for this funding.
This funding also prioritizes projects that are community-led, with funds going directly to communities. As such the Fund is particularly interested in proposals that create or sustain community-based positions, roles, and project resources. Applicants are encouraged to provide evidence of community support, such as letters, emails, MOUs, or other documentation, to show the depth of engagement and partnership. This approach ensures that grant funding uplifts communities and strengthens local capacity, rather than simply funding external expertise.
Yes. We recognize that watershed work is interconnected, and many projects will align with more than one theme. Applicants can select up to two themes that best reflect the primary focus of their project, but we acknowledge the holistic interwoven aspects of watershed work and understand that most projects will connect across several areas.
This funding also prioritizes projects that are community-led, with funds going directly to communities. As such the Fund is particularly interested in proposals that create or sustain community-based positions, roles, and project resources. Applicants are encouraged to provide evidence of community support, such as letters, emails, MOUs, or other documentation, to show the depth of engagement and partnership. This approach ensures that grant funding uplifts communities and strengthens local capacity, rather than simply funding external expertise.
There are no set funding targets or allocations by theme. Project teams and communities are best positioned to identify their priorities for watershed work. The themes are intended to illustrate the breadth of work that supports watershed security, and examples help us share the story of funded projects. All applications are assessed on their merits based on the overall grants program criteria and objectives, regardless of theme.
The Fund can support ongoing projects as long as the proposed activities reflect a phase of work that begins after funding is approved. WSF grants do not support retroactive costs or work already completed. Projects should demonstrate clear outcomes and readiness to proceed once funds are in place.
WSF funding is focused on land and freshwater systems within the watershed basins of what is known as B.C. Marine-focused projects are not eligible. Applications may acknowledge important marine connections (ex. Estuaries), but it is expected that the project demonstrates a focus on freshwater connections.
No. Multi-year projects should apply once, with a budget and plan that covers the full duration of the project. If approved, funding will be distributed in installments over the project period. Once the project is complete, the organization may apply to the WSF in the next intake.
Yes. Applicants may apply to both REFBC and WSF, and WSF funds can be combined with other sources to support a project, as long as the expenses listed are clear. As part of project reporting, we will be interested in knowing about other sources of funding across any of the streams, to help us see how WSF resources are leveraged or complemented, and to understand and share insights about the funding landscape for the watershed sector. Providing details on other funding sources is optional, but is good to see for projects in Stream 3 and of interest in Stream 2.
Generally, organizations may submit one application per intake. It is preferred that organizations make applications on their own behalf. An organization can be listed as a partner on other applications in the same intake. Should a grant be awarded, organizations will be eligible to apply for the fund again after their project has been completed, but can still be listed as a partner organization.
Partnerships
As a partner, you can be involved in another application/project. We also hope that organizations working on similar types of projects will seek ways to collaborate and coordinate efforts. Communities may work together on a larger collaborative application while also applying separately for their own projects, as long as the applications are for distinct initiatives and budget items are not double counted. It is still required that an organization makes one application per intake. Although each application is assessed on its own merits, it is unlikely that the WSF will fund multiple projects within the same community.
Letters of support are optional as we understand there are challenges and constraints in getting letters of support from busy partners. That said, if you’ve indicated you are working in partnership with a First Nation we will be looking for meaningful evidence of that to accompany your application. There are a number of ways to demonstrate that (e.g. MOU, emails, evidence of shared involvement in events and other related projects), which don’t burden Nations who are often fielding many such requests. If you’ve indicated you are working in partnership with a First Nation, please provide supplementary evidence of that partnership.
After you submit your application, if you also want to provide a letter of support and just need a little more time, we can receive letters of support during our review process (6-8 weeks after an intake closes). Letters of support can be in email or letter format. Copies of letters or emails addressed to other funders can also be provided.
It is preferred that applications come from community-based organizations, and a consultant can be listed as a project contact.
Communities may engage consultants for specific roles, such as project management or technical expertise, but the fund is particularly interested in funding projects that create or sustain community-based positions, roles, and resources. If a community were to outsource aspects of the project to external consultants, it should be demonstrated that project planning, staffing, and implementation are closely tied to the community itself.
Should a community not have the capacity to apply for an intake, they can contact the grants program staff to set up an online meeting where the staff can support in filling out the application.
What matters most is demonstrating meaningful relationships and roles in the project, and budgets should reflect that. A partner may bring their own source of funding, and/or depending on the nature of the partnership, we may also expect to see relevant budget items that reflect the nature of the partner’s role. Some partnerships may involve shared budgets, while others may focus on collaboration, knowledge sharing, or in-kind contributions.
Provincial approval is not required to apply. Applicants can propose governance initiatives at early or developmental stages. At later stages, evidence of multi-stakeholder alignment, meaningful collaboration, and community engagement will strengthen a proposal. This does not have to come through the form of a Letter of Support, and can be an MoU, email threads, evidence of shared involvement at events, or other forms of evidence that demonstrate a history of meaningful collaboration.
Reporting
We will typically look for a project update or reporting once a year. Depending on the duration of the project, there will be an interim and final report required. Specific reporting timelines will be mutually agreed on and outlined in the Grant Agreement but can be flexible as we recognize that projects can experience unforeseen circumstances.
In alignment with our values and principles, we do not want project reporting to be an undue burden for project teams. Listening to, responding to and amplifying the voices and experiences of project teams, and sharing the stories of the work, learnings and outcomes will be the primary goal. Reporting forms can be viewed in advance on our website, here: Resources For Project Teams – Watershed Security Fund.
WSF Strategy
The Province made an initial investment of $100 million to establish the Fund. Currently, the Provincial role is advisory in nature.