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.
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.
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 will be accepted until September 5, 2025.
2026 FireSmart Community Funding and Supports – The 2026 program materials are available now, with applications being accepted from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2027. The FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program provides funding to local governments and First Nations in BC to increase community resiliency by undertaking community-based FireSmart planning and activities that reduce the community’s risk from wildfire.
Active Transportation Planning program – The ATP program supports local governments to incorporate or enhance active transportation components of formal planning documents (Official Community Plan, Sustainability Plan, Neighbourhood Plan, or Transportation Plan), including research, engagement, and policy development. Local governments with a population up to 25,000 that meet the grant criteria are eligible for up to $30,000 toward their active transportation planning costs. The 2024/25 intake will accept applications between October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025, or until funding is exhausted.
2025 FireSmart Community Funding and Supports – The FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program provides funding to local governments and First Nations in BC to increase community resiliency by undertaking community-based FireSmart planning and activities that reduce the community’s risk from wildfire. The 2025 program materials are available now, with applications being accepted from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025
Canada Community-Building Fund
Strategic Priorities Fund – The Strategic Priorities Fund supports local government projects that are large in scale, regional in impact or innovative, and support the national objectives of productivity and economic growth, a clean environment, and strong cities and communities. There are two funding streams under SPF; the Capital Infrastructure Steam which supports capital costs for infrastructure projects, and the Capacity Building Stream which supports capacity building projects (including asset management, long term infrastructure planning and integrated community sustainability planning). SPF is an application-based program that is available to all local governments outside of the Metro Vancouver. Municipalities are eligible to submit one application per funding stream, regional districts are eligible to submit up to four applications (with a maximum of three under the capital infrastructure stream). The SPF program can contribute up to 100% of eligible costs to a maximum of $7 million. Intake deadline is September 12, 2025. Applications can be submitted through UBCM’s Program Information Management System (PIMS).
Other Funding
Grants and Funding from the Government of Canada
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs - Infrastructure Planning Grant – The Infrastructure Planning Grant Program supports projects related to the development of sustainable community infrastructure. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to help local governments develop or improve long-term comprehensive plans including, but not limited to; asset management plans, integrated stormwater management plans, water master plans, liquid waste management plans. Municipalities and regional districts are eligible to apply to this year-round funding program, with applications processed on a regular basis.
NIDMAR: Disability Management Assessment and Subsidy – A Government of Canada grant that provides free workplace disability management assessments, and up to $7,500 through an improvement subsidy to enhance processes to significantly reduce costs and liabilities resulting from employee illness and injury; retain and engage skilled employees experiencing illness, injury, and longer-term disabilities; subsidize workplace improvements; and/or meet provincial requirements for Accessibility Plans.
Government of Canada: Local Festivals, Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program – This funding stream provides funding to local groups (including local non-profit groups, band councils, tribal councils, or Indigenous governments) for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists, artisans, or heritage performers. This includes the celebration of LGBTQ2+ communities and Indigenous cultural celebrations. Applicants may request up to 100% of eligible expenses up to a maximum of $200,000. Applications are accepted throughout the year, depending on the anticipated festival date.
Grants and Funding from the BC Government
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 – With funding provided by the Province of BC, eligible applicants in BC include Indigenous communities, local governments, improvement districts, etc. This stream will fund assessments, engineering studies, or plans that are required, often by law, before implementing on-ground infrastructure work and that will enhance the understanding of the operational and developmental limitations to the water supplies in the regions and/or watersheds, and which enable applicants to determine the appropriate type and scale of infrastructure required to achieve their project goals. Applications will be accepted first-come, first-served on a continual basis until funding is fully committed.
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.
Government of Canada: Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support Fund – Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada will fund the locating, documenting, maintaining, and commemorating of burial sites associated with former residential schools, and responding to family wishes to commemorate or memorialize their losses and the children's final resting places.
BC Government: BC Residential School Response Fund – Provincial funding is available for First Nations-led strategies to identify, investigate, protect, and commemorate the sites of former residential schools and hospitals in BC and for the mental health, wellness, and cultural supports required to do this work. Up to $475,000 is available for each site.
Other
Accessibility Grants for Local Governments - Local governments are invited to apply for accessibility funding of up to $25,000. The grant program, run by SPARC BC, supports the implementation of projects and priorities identified in local government accessibility plans or in partnership with their Accessibility Committee. For more information, contact SPARC BC.
FCM: Green Municipal Fund – This program funds capital projects that allow a community to remove 60% of total suspended solids (TSS) or a significant amount of other contaminants (e.g., e.coli, salt, grease) from its stormwater runoff. Potential applicants may submit initial review forms at any time. Application forms will be provided to eligible recipients.
FCM: Community Buildings Retrofit Initiative – This initiative is intended to help fund energy efficiency upgrades for existing community facilities. The Government of Canada, through is funding this $167 million initiative to help Canadian municipalities of all sizes retrofit existing community facilities, such as arenas, pools, and libraries, to significantly reduce GHG emissions, while reviving important community assets.
Canadian Heritage: Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program provides funding to eligible applicants for community-based events that promote intercultural or interfaith understanding, promote discussions on multiculturalism, diversity, racism and religious discrimination, or celebrate a community’s history and culture such as heritage months recognized by Parliament. There is no established deadline date to submit a funding application as applications are accepted on a continuous basis. However, applications must be submitted at least 18 weeks prior to the proposed event start date.
Island Coastal Economic Trust – DIVERSIFY: 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.
Northern Development Initiative Trust: Community Places – NDIT program that supports the creation, restoration, or enhancement of community spaces not attached to educational institutions. Local governments, First Nations Bands, and registered not-for-profit organizations are eligible to apply with applications approved on a quarterly basis.
Events & Resources
MISA BC 2025 Conference – The 2025 Municipal Information Systems Association of BC conference exists to promote greater co-operation among local government staff in the IT field by sharing information and developing common solutions on a broader and cost-effective scale. This year’s conference is in Victoria from September 8-11, 2025 and will provide access to senior local government decision-makers using a balanced format of speaking sessions, an exhibit hall, and social networking events.
BC Active Transportation Summit 2025 - Hosted by the BC Cycling Coalition in partnership with movmi and the Planning Institute of BC (PIBC) Kootenay-Rocky Mountain Chapter, the summit brings together planners, policymakers, advocates, and industry leaders to shape the future of walking, cycling, and micromobility across the province. Expect panel discussions, workshops, student poster sessions, and hands-on learning tours that encourage creativity and collaboration. This year’s summit is being held in Kimberley, BC from September 10-12, 2025.
Resilience Starts with Risk: Defining Cybersecurity Risk in Municipalities – This webinar on September 17, 2025 will show Canadian municipalities how to apply a risk-based approach to strengthen their cybersecurity programs during a 1-hour interactive session. Registrants will learn how to prioritize defenses against common threats like ransomware, manage supply chain risks, and make the most of limited budgets.
CAMA Executive Assistants in Local Government Conference 2025 - The target audience for this event is Executive Assistants working in local government in Canada, which may include Administrative Assistants, Legislative Coordinators, Office Coordinators, Clerks/Treasurers, and any front line or clerical staff that assist our members. This event will be held in Ottawa, ON from October 5-7, 2025 and will provide a networking and professional development forum for Executive Assistants to reconnect, collaborate, share their success, and learn about the latest trends with their peers.
Principles for Responsible Conduct – This online course, developed by UBCM, LGMA, and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, introduces the principles that support responsible conduct by local elected officials in BC. The interactive course is based on real-life scenarios in which learners are part of the story. The code to access the course is VV81-5TFM.
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.