Each month, we provide an update on funding programs administered by UBCM along with and information on other programs, events, and resources of interest to local governments and First Nations. Most of the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund 2025-26 intakes are now open.
Local Government Program Services
Applications are currently being accepted for the following funding programs. A complete and chronological listing (by intake deadline) of currently offered Local Government Program Services grants is also available on the UBCM website.
The following funding streams’ materials are now available online and applications are being accepted:
2026 FireSmart Community Funding and Supports – As of February 2, 2026 the FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program transitioned to the 2026 Winter/Spring Closed Intake. All applications for the 2026 Winter/Spring Closed Intake will be required to be submitted in full by April 30, 2026 and will be adjudicated based on merit and priority. A webinar outlining the changes to the FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program will be held today, February 4, 1:30 – 3:30 pm. Register here
Next Generation 911 – The intent of the Next Generation 911 funding program is to support local preparedness for the implementation of NG911, and to provide funding to eligible recipients to support the transition and operational readiness of existing 911 services to NG911, in compliance with the CRTC Mandate. The grant maximum is up to $45,000 and applications will be accepted until February 13, 2026.
Local Government Development Approvals - The intent of the Local Government Development Approvals Program is to support the implementation of established best practices and to test innovative approaches to improve development approvals processes while meeting local government planning and policy objectives. The grant maximum is up to $200,000 and applications will be accepted until March 13, 2026.
Emergency Operations Centres Equipment and Training – The EOC stream is intended to support the purchase of essential equipment and supplies required to maintain or improve Emergency Operations Centres (EOC) and to enhance EOC capacity through training and exercises, with funding of up to a maximum of $30,000. Applications will be accepted until February 27, 2026.
Public Notification and Evacuation Route Planning – The intent of this funding stream is to support eligible applicants to develop Evacuation Route Plans and/or Public Notification Plans that provide information for First Nations, local governments, and community members in the event of an emergency. Eligible applicants can apply for up to $40,000 in grant funding. Applications will be accepted until April 24, 2026.
Other Funding
Grants and Funding from the Government of Canada
Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Fund – This fund supports projects that deliver actionable, data-informed solutions tailored to the realities of federally regulated workplaces. These solutions must address persistent challenges in harassment and violence prevention Applications will be accepted until February 13, 2026, at 3:00 pm EST.
Enabling Accessibility Fund 2026 Call for Proposals – This fund aims to make workplaces and communities across Canada more accessible for persons with disabilities. It will fund projects that create more opportunities for persons with disabilities to access and maintain employment. In addition, it will fund projects that remove accessibility barriers for persons with disabilities in Indigenous workplaces or Indigenous communities. Available funding is between $500,000 and $1,000,000 for a project that is up to 24 months in duration. Proposals will be accepted until March 12, 2026, at 3:00 pm EST.
Build Canada Homes – Build Canada Homes is accepting proposals to work with eligible applicants (including First Nations and local governments) to build and deliver affordable housing at scale. Initial investments will prioritize “shovel-ready” projects that can begin within 12 months.
Legacy Fund: Building Communities through Arts and Heritage – This Department of Canadian Heritage Program provides funding for community-initiated capital projects, intended for community use. Recipients may receive up to 50% of eligible project expenses up to a maximum of $500,000. Funding supports community-initiated capital projects that: commemorate a significant local historical event or pay tribute to a significant local historical personality; mark a 100th anniversary or greater, in increments of 25 years (e.g., 125th, 150th); involve the restoration, renovation, or transformation of existing buildings or exterior spaces with local community significance that are intended for community use; encourage arts and heritage activities in the local community that are intended for and accessible to the general public. Applications accepted on continuous basis.
Grants and Funding from the BC Government
Connecting Communities BC – Eligible applicants can apply for funding to support the expansion of high-speed internet in any area of the province, with a focus on specific areas that currently do not have access to internet speeds of at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download speed and 10 Mbps upload speed. Applications are accepted until February 26, 2026.
Disaster Financial Assistance – DFA is now available for eligible people, businesses and communities in southwestern British Columbia affected by flooding from the heavy rainfall December 10-19, 2025. An online DFA application portal is available to private and public-sector applicants. Applications will be accepted until April 13, 2026.
2026 Community Event Support Fund – Municipalities and First Nations governing bodies are invited to apply for one-time funding to support community-driven events that are free to attend, celebrate the FIFA World Cup 26TM and boost community engagement. Submitting a Grant Application requires a Business BCeID or a Basic BCeID.
Work BC: BC Employer Training Grant – The BC Employer Training Grant is a cost-sharing grant program that provides employers throughout BC with skills training funding for their workforces, including prospective new hires. Employers can apply as often as they need and receive 80% of the cost of training up to $10,000 per employee, with a maximum annual amount per employer of $300,000.
Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC – Funded by the Province of BC, eligible applicants in BC (Indigenous communities, local governments, improvement districts, etc.,) are encouraged to increase adoption of efficient irrigation infrastructure and improve agricultural water supply and management. This stream will fund assessments, engineering studies, or plans that are required before implementing on-ground infrastructure work and that will enhance the understanding of the operational and developmental limitations to the water supplies, and which enable applicants to determine the appropriate type and scale of infrastructure required. Applications will be accepted first-come, first-served on a continual basis until funding is fully committed.
For Indigenous Recipients
First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program – This program supports activities that assist First Nations and Inuit youth in gaining the essential skills to help them gain employment, perform effectively in workplace settings, and learn about job and career options. Activities can include career promotion, science and technology activities, co-operative education placements, internships and mentored work placements. Applications will be accepted until March 6, 2026 at 11:59 pm, EST.
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care - Quality Improvement Projects – This program supports projects that improve the quality, accessibility, and cultural relevance of early learning and child care services for Indigenous children by using Indigenous knowledge, improving training for educators, and creating tools that reflect Indigenous cultures and languages. Available funds are up to $2 million for a project that is up to 36 months in duration. Applications will be accepted until March 25, 2026, at 3:00 pm, EST.
New Relationship Trust: Declaration Act Engagement Fund – The Declaration Act Engagement Fund (DAEF) provides multi-year non-repayable funding contributions to First Nations to support their capacity to engage with the Province on the implementation of the Declaration Act Action Plan and alignment of Provincial laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The total funding cap over four years per Nation is $1,040,000. One application per Nation. The DAEF will accept new applications between May and December each year. Applicants will only have to apply once to the program.
Other:
Island Coastal Economic Trust: Capital and Innovation Program – Supports the development of a wide range of strategic economic development, diversification, and innovation initiatives. Funding streams include business and industry support, downtown revitalization, strategic tourism infrastructure, destination trails, innovation infrastructure and innovation support. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.
Events and Resources
LGMA 2026 CAO Forum – Offered by the Local Government Management Association of BC, the CAO Forum is an annual offering for local government chief administrative officers to connect, share experiences, and in-depth discussions on key topics impacting their work. The Forum will feature interactive, two-way discussions with speakers on subjects of interest to local governments. Registration is limited to CAOs, and appointed Deputy CAOs. CAO Forum sessions can be used towards Continuous Professional Learning credits. The 2026 Forum will be held in Richmond, BC, from February 17-19, 2026.
Myths vs. Reality: Member Requirements When Using Canoe – This webinar will explore compliance requirements when working with Canoe contracts, explain purchasing requirements, and highlight member obligations so participants understand how the Canoe program works in practice. The session will be led by Stéphanie Dion, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, Canoe’s Procurement Manager, and William Peachman, Canoe’s Chief Legal Officer, and will combine procurement expertise with legal insight. This webinar will be held February 24, 2026 at 9am PST.
Electoral Area Directors’ Forum – The 2026 EAD Forum provides an opportunity to explore challenges common to electoral areas and identify potential solutions. The conference is open to electoral area directors and their alternates, regional district chairs and regional district staff. This year’s Forum has been moved from winter to early spring to improve travel conditions for those attending. It will be held in Richmond, BC from March 10-11, 2026.
LGLA Forum 2026 – The Local Government Leadership Academy’s annual forum brings together senior staff and elected officials from local governments and First Nations to explore innovative ways to collaborate and drive positive transformation. The forum will be held in Richmond, BC from March 11-13, 2026, immediately following the EA Directors’ Forum.
BC Rural Centre – The Centre provides a wealth of links to assets, news, videos, services, and resources of value to rural British Columbians.
CivicInfo BC – British Columbia's local government information hub offers comprehensive organizational and grant directories, events listings, tools for training, research and career development, bids & tenders, and other resources.
Indigenous Services Canada – ISC works collaboratively with partners to improve access to high quality services for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. They provide information on social programs, emergency management, health, infrastructure, governance, education, economic development, funding programs, and other resources
FireSmart – This website introduces the FireSmart program and its seven disciplines and is intended as a one-stop shop for all things FireSmart. The site includes links to training, education, an events calendar, resource library, and downloadable content. It also features a short video inviting everyone to become involved in prevention and to learn about the benefits of the program.