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.
UBCM Awards
2026 Community Excellence Awards - The Community Excellence Awards recognize local governments and UBCM member First Nations projects or programs that have gone above and beyond in meeting the purposes of local government in BC. The awards are intended to showcase outstanding initiatives and share them with other members to implement in their own communities.
The awards are open to all UBCM member local governments and First Nations. There are four categories awarded, plus the Presidents' Committee Choice. This award recognizes an outstanding, unique and/or special project chosen from all the submissions received. The deadline to apply is May 29, 2026, and the awards ceremony takes place during the annual UBCM Convention.
Long Service Awards - Each year, UBCM presents Long Service Awards to eligible local government and member First Nation elected officials at the annual UBCM Convention. Elected officials can be recognized for 20, 25 or 35 years of service. A new program guide has been developed, and nominations should be submitted through the new UBCM Awards Online Tool. Nominations are accepted every year from May 1 to August 31.
Nominations are required to be submitted by the CAO, CFO, Band Manager or designate of the local government or member First Nation where the nominee is currently elected or was last elected.
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:
Regional Community to Community Program - The Regional Community to Community (C2C) program continues to fund C2C forums and events. In addition, the program supports the advancement of First Nation/local government reconciliation and relationship building through the development of agreements (such as protocols, MOUs, and service agreements), joint plans, and/or strategies and the joint review of bylaws and/or policies in order to develop recommendations for amendments or new bylaws and/or policies. Applications can be submitted at anytime; however applications will only be reviewed two times in 2026. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application within 60 days of the following application deadlines: May 29, 2026 and October 9, 2026.
Other Funding
Grants and Funding from the Government of Canada
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
Disability Management Improvement Funding – 2026 is the final year for this provincially funded opportunity, which fully funds a confidential disability management assessment. The assessment provides recommendations to help an organization implement best practices in Disability Management/Return-to-Work. These assessments are at no cost to public, non-profit, and private sector organizations in BC. Participating organizations may also apply for a subsidy of up to $7,500 to implement improvements. Applications are accepted first-come, first-served, until the remaining funding is committed.
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.
Soccer Mini Pitch Initiative - In celebration of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Province, viaSport, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC have provided $13 million in funding to build up to 20 soccer mini pitches in communities throughout British Columbia. Each soccer mini pitch will be supported by programming and mentorship from Vancouver Whitecaps FC and other provincial sport organizations. The application process for communities to apply to receive a soccer mini pitch will open in spring 2026 and will be managed by Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The soccer mini pitch initiative delivers on the Province's commitment to harness the social and economic benefits of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and ensures people in all regions of B.C. share in the benefits of hosting.
For Indigenous Recipients
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.
Cultural Practices Grant - This grant supports B.C. First Nations in planning, carrying out and documenting community-based cultural practices and events. The project goals affirm identities, foster a sense of belonging, and celebrate the roles, relationships and responsibilities within a community. Successful applicants could receive up to $25,000 towards their project. Application deadline is June 2, 2026 at 4:00 pm.
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.
Municipal Fleet Electrification – Offered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, this grant program offers combined loan and grant funding for capital projects that achieve a partial or complete transition of municipal and/or transit fleet to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), including electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs), electric buses, electric police cruisers, and other electric vehicles. Applications are accepted year-round, though the intake may close when all funding has been allocated.
Sustainable Municipal Buildings – The Green Municipal Fund of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities supports energy retrofits in eligible municipal buildings and municipally-owned community buildings, including but not limited to, upgrades to heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), insulation, windows and doors, hot water systems, LED lighting, and renewable energy technologies such as solar and geothermal. The program offers combined loan and grant funding to support municipalities in implementing one or more phases in a sequence of retrofit measures (pathway) to help reduce emissions from a municipal building by at least 50 percent within 10 years and achieve best practice energy targets within 20 years. Applications are accepted year-round, though the intake may close when all funding has been allocated
Events and Resources
CAMA 2026 Conference and Annual General Meeting – The Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators’ annual conference will be held in Whistler, BC from May 25 - 27. This is an event for Chief Administrative Officers, municipal senior managers, and staff members that offers professional development opportunities, information and best practices, and an interactive tradeshow.
Keeping it Rural Conference 2026 – This conference is designed specifically for elected officials, key stakeholders, and industry sectors from rural, remote, and First Nation communities. Held in Kelowna, BC, from June 10 - 12, this year’s agenda will feature rural projects and success stories and topics impacting rural communities.
Climate Resilience Training for Small Communities – Fraser Basin Council is accepting expressions of interest from small and rural communities for its CoNext program: a free, four‑month training to help build climate preparedness and resilience. For details and application materials, contact Rebeka MacDonald.
Child Care Expansion in BC – A report from the Coalition of Childcare Advocates of BC outlines challenges with the current approach to child care and proposes a new model with new roles and responsibilities for the Ministry of Education and Child Care, School Boards, and local governments.
Responsible Conduct Resources for Local Government – This database is maintained by the Working Group on Responsible Conduct and lists consultants who provide a range of services that support responsible conduct by elected officials.
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.