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Community grant program application time
BC Hydro is letting East Kootenay non-profits and community organizations know that applications are open for the community grant program until March 31.
There are two grant categories to choose from. Grassroots Grants provide funding up to $2,000 and are available for local community-based programs. Broad Impact Grants provide funding up to $10,000 and are available for organizations that wish to expand an existing program’s reach or develop a new program across multiple communities.
Grants are provided in three funding areas.
Building the Workforce of Tomorrow supports organizations and programs with a focus on youth programming in the areas of trades, science, technology, engineering and math. BC Hydro’s goal is to help foster a more highly qualified workforce for British Columbia’s future. Projects or programs with a particular focus on indigenous communities are at the top of the list.
The Safety Education funding area supports community initiatives that focus on public safety. At the top of the list is electricity safety. Grants can also support programs that promote water safety and emergency preparedness.
The Developing Smart Energy Ideas focus area supports organizations and programs that make a difference in their communities through the smart use of energy – initiatives that educate, inspire and develop new ideas around energy. Projects or programs that promote energy efficiency or support carbon dioxide reduction are at the top of this list.
In 2017, BC Hydro donated $43,000 to a diverse group of East Kootenay organizations and projects.
Columbia Outdoor School, Mainstreams Environmental Society and Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network all received grants for their education programs. Other youth programs that received funding were the Columbia Valley Makerspace and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cranbrook. These were grants of $5,000 and higher.
Smaller donations of $2,000 or less were made to community events in Fernie, Creston, Edgewater and Cranbrook, to an energy project in Invermere, and to a trail building project in Cranbrook. Since 2008, BC Hydro has donated more than $250,000 to more than 100 local organizations.
To apply or for more information, visit www.bchydro.com/grants.
Lead image: Students at Ecolé TM Roberts Elementary take part in a 2017 Columbia Outdoor School education program, with funding from a BC Hydro community grant. BC Hydro photo
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