Funding and resources update: June 2026

Publishing Date

June 3, 2026

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

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 deadline: October 9, 2026.

Other Funding

Grants and Funding from the Government of Canada

Community Economic Development and Diversification – The federal CEDD program creates enduring economic benefits by investing in projects that attract investment and talent, increase productivity and economic growth, grow new, existing and transitioning sectors, increase the economic participation of British Columbians and respond to changing economic circumstances. To qualify for funding, a project being delivered by Indigenous, municipal, or regional governments in BC must focus on community economic research, analysis, and planning and/or community economic development, diversification, and resilience. Funding is delivered in the form of non-repayable contributions and at least 50% of project funding should come from private or other public organizations and be confirmed at the time of application. Expressions of Interest are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Regional Innovation Ecosystems – The federal RIE program aims to create, grow and nurture inclusive regional innovation, by making targeted investments in not-for-profit organizations that support businesses in priority sectors to innovate, grow and compete globally. Open to Indigenous organizations and municipalities, funding is on an ongoing basis to respond to a specific challenge, opportunity, or market need or demand related to business scale-up and productivity. The program is fostering inclusivity by supporting under-represented groups including women, Indigenous peoples and young entrepreneurs. Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis, but potential applicants are encouraged to contact Pacific Economic Development Canada.

Canada Cultural Spaces Fund – Funding Update: As outlined in the 2025 federal budget, the funding envelope of the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF) has been reduced and reoriented over the next two fiscal years to focus solely on funding specialized equipment in the cultural sector. Projects for the renovation of an arts or heritage space with expenses that occur between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2028 will be accepted while funds remain available. As of April 1, 2026, projects for completion of infrastructure planning and design documents, feasibility studies, and facility assessments are no longer accepted. Due to limited funding, construction projects are no longer accepted. However, exceptional circumstances may apply. Applications accepted until funds are exhausted.

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., 125^th, 150^th); 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

Northern Healthy Communities Fund Capacity Building Program – The Province of BC funds up to $300,000 for capacity building projects that help communities adjust to the economic growth expected to occur as a result of major economic development projects, namely the Coastal GasLink and LNG Canada projects. Applicants must be located within the Norther Development Initiative Trust's service region. The next application deadlines is July 31, 2026.

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.

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

Community Healing Fund – Offered through the Na-mi-quai-ni-mak (I Remember Them) Fund at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR), the fund can provide a one-time grant of up to $10,000 towards community healing gatherings or workshops connected to the Indian Residential School System. Eligible recipients include non-profit organizations, Indigenous (First Nation, Metis, and Inuit) communities, Survivor organizations, schools, band offices, etc.

Indigenous Labour Market Fund – Funded by the New Relationship Trust, the fund supports Indigenous communities across British Columbia in identifying and addressing employment gaps, training opportunities, and barriers to participation in the workforce. This funding is designed to enhance Indigenous-led initiatives that improve employment outcomes and build long-term capacity in ways that complement, but do not duplicate, existing WorkBC and ISET services. Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2027 or funds are exhausted.

Nation Building Grant – Funded by the New Relationship Trust, this grant provides multi-year funding to BC First Nations and Tribal Councils, supporting self-determined priorities that enhance governance structures, institutional capacity, and community resilience, advancing self-determination and sovereignty.

Capacity-Building Funding for Indigenous Communities – The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) works to promote engagement between Canada’s Indigenous communities and the mineral development sector. PDAC developed a comprehensive catalogue of all available federal, provincial, and territorial government capacity-building support programs that can serve to facilitate Indigenous engagement with the mineral development sector, and to contribute to active participation in related activities.

Strategic Partnerships Initiative – Funding Update: Until 2027, this initiative has an additional $12 million annually to support regional clean energy initiatives that advance economic development opportunities within Indigenous communities across Canada. ISC also partners with Natural Resources Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations Canada through Wah-ila-toos to help Indigenous, rural, and remote communities access federal clean energy funding and resources that support reducing diesel use. More details and funding information is available on the Wah-ila-toos website. This funding initiative provides a way for federal partners to coordinate their efforts, reduce administrative burden and pool resources in support of Indigenous communities. This initiative helps Indigenous communities participate in complex economic opportunities.

Emergency Management FireSmart Program – Funded by the Government of Canada, the Emergency Management Assistance Program supports First Nations communities with wildland fire non-structural mitigation and preparedness initiatives through the FireSmart funding stream. FireSmart builds skills to prevent and prepare against wildland fires. FireSmart project funding is available for initiatives such as wildfire pre-suppression planning, wildfire risk assessments, fuel reduction, forest thinning, prescribed burning, fire breaks, wildland fire crew training, vegetation management, fire mapping, FireSmart training, workshops, conferences and community and youth engagement. Project proposals will be considered on an ongoing basis until the funds are exhausted or until March 31, 2027.

Emergency Management Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness Program – Funded by the Government of Canada, The Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) provides funding to First Nations communities on reserve so they can prepare for and mitigate emergencies caused by natural disasters such as flooding, landslides, tsunamis, severe weather and drought. A broad range of initiatives, such as all-hazard assessments, emergency services training, alerting systems and community engagement, are eligible for funding as well as the purchase of low-value equipment for emergency preparedness. Project proposals will be considered on an ongoing basis until the funds are exhausted or until March 31, 2027.

New Relationship Trust: Declaration Act Engagement Fund – The Declaration Act Engagement Fund (DAEF) provides multi-year (4-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.

Other:

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Soccer Mini-Pitches – To build on the legacy of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the Province of BC, viaSport and Vancouver Whitecaps FC are supporting the installation of professional soccer mini-pitches to as many as 20 communities in BC. These mini-pitches will be long-term, community-owned soccer facilities. Applications are being accepted until all mini-pitches have been allocated.

Capital project: Construction of new sustainable municipal and community buildings – FCM’s Green Municipal Fund offers combined loan and grant funding to support new building construction projects for sustainable municipally owned buildings. This funding helps Canadian cities and communities of all sizes undertake sustainability projects that reduce emissions, accelerate energy savings and keep energy dollars in the community. Funding is a combined grant and loan for up to 80% of eligible costs. The fund is a combined grant and loan up to a maximum of $10 million. Applications are accepted year-round, but may close when all funding has been allocated.

Capital project: Retrofit of existing municipal buildings – FCM’s Green Municipal Fund offers a combined loan and grant funding to support municipalities in implementing one or more phases of a selected GHG reduction pathway. Eligible projects may focus on a single building or a portfolio of municipal buildings. The fund is a combined grant and loan up to a maximum of $10 million. Applications are accepted year-round, but may close when all funding has been allocated.

Study: New construction of municipal and community buildings – FCM’s Green Municipal Fund offers funding for feasibility studies that assess in detail the approaches needed to implement the new construction of an energy efficient community or municipal building. The fund will cover up to 80% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $200,000. Municipalities and Municipal partners are eligible to apply. Applications are accepted year-round, but may close when all funding has been allocated.

Study: Retrofit pathway for municipal buildings – FCM’s Green Municipal Fund offers funding for feasibility studies that assess in detail the approaches needed to retrofit existing municipal buildings for an impactful multi-year pathway toward zero-operational GHGs. Studies should identify a sequence of retrofit measures to reduce emissions from municipal buildings by at least 50 percent within 10 years and achieve best practice energy targets within 20 years. Grants are for up to 50%* of eligible costs. Up to a maximum of $65,000 for a single building, up to $200,000 for multiple buildings. Applications are accepted year-round, but may close when all funding has been allocated.

Wildfire Risk Reduction Funding – The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) 2025 – 2027 Wildfire Risk Reduction Funding Program supports projects on BC provincial crown land with WRR planning and treatment prescription development, treatments, and recovery and utilization of uneconomical residual fuel from FESBC -unded treatments following Crown Land Wildfire Risk Reduction program standards. Eligible applicants include First Nations, companies owned by First Nation governments or Indigenous entrepreneurs, small area-based tenures including community Forest Agreement holders and woodlot licensees, local governments, Irrigation and Improvement Districts, all season resorts on crown land, BC Heritage Properties, unincorporated community or rural fire departments and not-for-profit organizations. Projects must be capable of completion by March 31, 2027.

Fibre Utilization Funding – The Forest Enhancement Society of BC 2025 – 2027 Fibre Utilization Funding Program supports the delivery of uneconomic fibre to non-sawlog facilities within an economic radius from BC provincial crown land locations. The uneconomic fibre can originate from cutting authorities harvested primarily for sawlog, from activities associated with Wildfire Risk Reduction projects, overstorey removal, and fire or insect damaged stands. Eligible applicants include First Nations, companies owned by First Nation governments or Indigenous entrepreneurs, small area-based tenures including community Forest Agreement holders and woodlot licensees, forest tenure holders, and local governments. Projects must be capable of completion by March 31, 2027.

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.

Events and Resources

BC Pay Transparency Act – The new BC Pay Transparency Act requires provincially regulated employers with 50 or more employees to complete a pay transparency report by November 1, 2026. To prepare employers, there are bi-monthly 45-minute webinars with demonstrations of the Pay Transparency Reporting Tool:

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.

External 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.