BC Gov News

In my March newsletter, I was excited to share with you government’s historic investment of $30 million to create the Non-Profit Recovery and Resiliency Fund. Vancouver Foundation contributed $4 million, bringing the fund total to $34 million. Vancouver Foundation, United Way BC and New Relationship Trust has been working on the eligibility criteria and application process.

In this newsletter, I’m happy to announce that applications to the fund are now open until the end of September.  In addition to government’s first-time investment of $30 million, the fund is ground breaking in how funds will be distributed.  A trust-based application process is being used and multi-year grants will be distributed.

The creation of this fund was a direct result of the input I received from the non-profit sector and is designed to help non-profit organizations disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic recover and build long-term resiliency.  Apply to the fund! 

Left to Right - Walter Schneider, CEO, New Relationship Trust; Kevin McCort, President and CEO, Vancouver Foundation; Michael McKnight, President and CEO, United Way BC; and Parlimentary Secretary for Community Development and Non-Profits Nikki Sharma

This past spring we were able to make several funding announcements that will help improve food security, fight period poverty and increase access to affordable dental care for people with lower incomes in addition to many more announcements that we have included in the next section.

I applaud the volunteers and staff and our non-profits for all the hard work they do behind the scene that help people access services. Your partnership is what truly makes a Stronger B.C. and we couldn’t do it without your dedication so thank you!

Niki Sharma
Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development and Non-Profits

News

Legislative review of Co-operative Association Act

Part of my mandate is to modernize B.C.’s co-operative sector. I’m pleased to say government is launching a review and rewrite of British Columbia’s Co-operative Association Act, which provides rules for the incorporation and corporate governance of co-operative associations. The legislative review will help ensure co-ops can operate efficiently while ensuring transparency and accountability. Based on initial feedback from the co-op sector received by Aug. 15, 2022, a consultation paper will be released by the Ministry of Finance this fall. To provide initial feedback and to stay updated on progress, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/cooperative-association-act-review

New anti-racism data act to fight systemic racism

Government has been working hard to make life better and more affordable for all British Columbians. In early May, the Province introduced the Anti-racism Data Act. This legislation will enable us to do that work and determine exactly what data to collect and how it will be collected. At the same time, the Act will also allow us to use data in a new way to help to address systemic racism. Initially, the legislation will only apply to government ministries, with the broader public sector to be brought under the legislation through a phased approach. Priority areas could include areas such as government grant programs and will be set with Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities. Government will be consulting with public sector organizations to determine next steps as we continue to roll this legislation out and improve government programs and services for more people.

Annoucements

Non-profit

July 8 - The Province is investing $8.4 million to advance reconciliation in the B.C. community social services sector in partnership with the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres. Read more.

June 22 - The Province, through BC Housing, has partnered with Kelowna Gospel Mission to lease a new site for use as a temporary shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Read more.

June 17 - Youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Vancouver now have access to 40 new shelter units and on-site services, with Phase 2 completion of Covenant House Vancouver’s expansion project. Read more.

More non-profit annoucements from the last quarter here.

Housing

Reconciliation

Social supports

Families, children and youth

June 20 - Applications are being accepted from child care providers to join the $10 a Day ChildCareBC program this year, which will enable them to offer low-cost child care, making life more affordable for thousands more families in B.C. Read more.

May 10 - Service providers supporting children and youth with support needs are invited to submit proposals to operate the province's first-ever family connections centres in early-implementation areas in northwest B.C. and the central Okanagan. Read more.

May 4 - The Province is helping more people in B.C.s with low incomes receive much-needed dental care. Read more.

March 31 - Services to help children and youth with support needs and their families are being boosted through $7 million in grant funding to community-based service providers and advocacy organizations. Read more.

Environment

June 20 - People in B.C. will be better protected from the impacts of wildfires, flooding and extreme heat through the actions included in the new Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy. Read more.

June 7 - The free BC Parks day-use pass program will continue in three popular provincial parks this summer to maintain a balance between growing numbers of visitors and conserving the natural environment. Read more.

June 1 - As a result of the Province’s CleanBC Go Electric programs and rebates, the number of electric vehicles on B.C.’s roads has increased by 1,600% in the past six years. Read more.

May 27 - The Province is supporting public transit expansion for people in Metro Vancouver through a significant investment in TransLink that will mean better and more convenient service, lower emissions, and healthier, more livable communities. Read more.

Recent announcements for the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction can be viewed under B.C. Government News.

Funding programs for non-profits

Provincial 

Community Gaming Grants - Community Gaming Grants provide $140 million annually to non-profit organizations throughout B.C., to support their delivery of ongoing programs and services that meet the needs of their communities.

First People’s Cultural Council Grants - FPCC grant funding programs support First Nations communities in B.C. in the revitalization of Indigenous languages, arts and cultural heritage.

BC Arts Council Grants – Grants offered through the BC Arts Council portal.

viaSport Grants - Funded by the Province of B.C., Government of Canada, individual foundations and corporations, viaSport awards approximately $2 million dollars in sport-related grant programs each year. 

Federal

Community Services Recovery Fund - $400 million to create a temporary fund to help charities and non-profits adapt and modernize so they can better support the economic recovery in our communities.  

Canada Small Business Financing Program makes it easier for small businesses, including non-profit and charitable organizations, to get loans from financial institutions.