January Grant Update Newsletter
Supports for Workers and Employers
NEW – Work Experience Opportunities Grant (WEOG) – 2026–2027
Funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia and delivered by United Way BC as part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan. Supports employability and work readiness by funding programs that provide work experience placements for up to 10 participants on income or disability assistance and Indigenous people receiving equivalent federal assistance who may face significant barriers to employment.
Application Deadline: February 24, 2026
StrongerBC Future Skills Grant (FSG)
Open to British Columbian residents aged 19 years or older, regardless of financial need. Covers up to $3,500 in eligible short-term skills training at public post-secondary institutions.
Community and Employer Partnerships (CEP) – 2025–2026
Funds projects to increase training and work experience for job seekers in BC. Three funding streams are open for applications: Project-Based Labour Market Training; Job Creation Partnerships; and Labour Market Partnerships. Applicants are encouraged to connect with CEPTEAM@gov.bc.ca to discuss a project idea prior to applying.
B.C. Employer Training Grant
Supports employers to access skills and training required to adapt to changing job requirements. Employers can receive up to 80% of training costs, up to $10,000 per employee, with a maximum annual amount per employer of $300,000. Continuous application intake.
2026 Business Façade Improvement Program – Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT)
NDIT works with communities and regional districts to provide funding to improve business facades. Businesses may be reimbursed up to $5,000 in matching funding. For more information and to apply, follow the community links.
Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) – Business Development Programs
NDIT offers business development programs. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis until the annual budget is committed.
Community Grants
NEW – 2026 Community Gaming Program Grants
The 2026 Community Gaming Grants Program Guidelines are now available. Applicants are encouraged to review the updated guidelines before submitting their next application. Webinar on February 25, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Arts and Culture sector application intake opens February 1, 2026 and closes April 30, 2026.
NEW – BC Healthy Communities Age-Friendly Community Grants 2026
Focused on helping BC seniors lead independent, active lives through the Age-Friendly Communities (AFC) Program. Two funding streams are available: Stream 1 – up to $25,000 for age-friendly assessments and action plans; Stream 2 – up to $15,000 for age-friendly projects promoting health, safety and engagement of older adults.
Application Deadline: March 12, 2026
NEW – First Peoples’ Heritage Program – First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC)
Applications are now being accepted for FPCC’s Heritage Program. Funding up to $75,000 is available for BC First Nations for cultural heritage projects, including the Heritage Stewardship Program (deadline: February 18, 2026) and the Braided Infrastructure Program (deadline: February 24, 2026).
NEW – 2026 Recreation Foundation of British Columbia Community Grant
Provides support to non-profit organizations active in recreation, sports, parks, culture, environment and associated education. The Recreation Foundation of BC is working to update grant criteria. For more information, email grants@recreationfoundation.ca.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
NEW – Hosting BC – viaSport
Intended to facilitate economic and community development through notable sporting events. Eligible applicants may apply for up to $35,000 (depending on type of event).
Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
Note: Hosting BC typically opens roughly every four months, with eligible event dates shifting for each intake.
NEW – Tire Stewardship BC (TSBC) Community Grant Program
Supports projects that use BC recycled tire products (e.g., rubber tile surfacing, pour-in-place surfacing) to enhance public spaces, promote sustainability and improve accessibility. Projects must be made in BC from BC recycled tires, must be fully public and wheelchair accessible. Eligible projects include playgrounds, water parks, fitness areas, walkways and running tracks.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
NEW – Quesnel Community Foundation (QCF) Grants Program – North Cariboo Region Only
Funds projects in Arts, Education, Environment, Health and Recreation/Social Programs that benefit local area residents and provide a community service or an innovative response to a need or concern within the Quesnel, Lhtako Dene and North Cariboo regions. Four Field of Interest Grants are also available.
Application Deadline: February 27, 2026
FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program (FCNRP)
Officially recognizes neighbourhoods that have taken critical steps to reduce vulnerability to wildfire.
Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) – Community Development Programs
Community development and infrastructure funding suited to a range of economic development priorities. Programs include Community Places, Cultural Infrastructure, Economic Infrastructure, Recreation Infrastructure, Marketing Initiatives, and Main Street Revitalization (Planning and Capital).
2026 Deadlines: January 31, April 30 and July 31, 2026
New Relationship Trust (NRT)
Funding initiatives available to support First Nations capacity building, sustainable growth, educational success and cultural revitalization.
Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF)
Delivers programs supporting BC’s agriculture and food sector. Application intakes and deadlines vary.
Local Festivals: Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program
Funding provided to local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists, artisans, heritage performers and local First Nations. Application deadlines vary.
Indigenous Climate and Environmental Funding
Supports Indigenous climate and environmental action initiatives.
Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program
Supports development and adoption of clean technology. Priority areas include green energy and energy efficiency, precision agriculture, and bioeconomy.
Community Economic Development & Diversification (CEDD) – Government of Canada / PacifiCan
Invests in projects that harness local ambitions, assets, knowledge and economic opportunities to create prosperous and resilient communities. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis. Funding varies by project.
Community Support Funding Programs – Community Futures North Cariboo (CFNC)
Funding programs include Sponsorship Fund ($500), Skills Development Fund ($1,000), Facilities & Equipment Fund ($2,500), and Business & Entrepreneurship Fund ($5,000). Applications are reviewed monthly by the Board of Directors.
Ryan Government Funding Directory (formerly Mentor Works)
A directory of Canadian and British Columbia government funding programs for small businesses, large corporations and not-for-profit organizations.
Additional Resources
Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
Province of British Columbia
Government of Canada
Climate Ready BC
United Way British Columbia
Emergency Response; Food Security; Seniors; Children & Youth; Capacity Building; Indigenous Priorities and Communities
Innovate BC
Growth. Talent. Tech Adoption.
Community Action Initiative
Community-Based Mental Health
Heritage Funding Resources
Heritage BC
Contact Us
Central Cariboo - Williams Lake
Suite D, 180 North Third Avenue, Williams Lake, BC V2G 2A4
Phone: 250-392-3351
Toll Free: 1-800-665-1636
Email the CRD
