The Real Estate Foundation of BC’s Board of Governors approved $1,542,378 in grants at their fall meeting. This funding will support applied research, education, and policy analysis on topics like urban design, climate resilience, and land use planning.

To date, REFBC has awarded over $90 million in grants to non-profit organizations working to strengthen communities and protect land and water in British Columbia.

At their fall meeting, the Board of Governors also approved a $100,000 impact investment in Skyline Clean Energy Fund. To date, REFBC has invested over $1 million in impact funds and projects that generate financial, social, and enviromental returns.

Fall 2019 grants are listed alphabetically, below.

The BC Marine Trails Network Association will work with First Nations with territories in the inside passage region to formalize protocols for recreational use of these lands. ($47,500)

The City of Surrey will identify urban design, development and green infrastructure solutions to mitigate urban heat effects related to climate change and built form in urban areas. ($120,000)

The Fraser Basin Council will scale up the First Nations Home EnergySave program, which provides training and support for First Nations to renew housing, conserve energy, and save money. ($225,000)

Lake Windermere Ambassadors Society will collect data and update mapping of sensitive habitats and ecosystems on Lake Windermere. This research will include assessment of cultural and ecological values and be used to inform lake management plans. ($33,605)

Living Lakes Canada will provide community training for monitoring the health of freshwater streams and groundwater in the Columbia, Skeena, and Peace watersheds using a new approach based on environmental DNA analysis. ($150,000)

The Marine Reference Guide Leadership Team (via Tides Canada Initiatives Society) will create an interactive map of Howe Sound’s marine environment and watersheds that includes ecological, biophysical, and human use data. ($120,000)

The Municipal Natural Assets Initiative will develop a monitoring plan for communities with natural asset management projects, as well as guidance materials for engineers on how natural infrastructure can support municipal services. ($184,273)

New Commons Development will adapt its affordable housing development model to fit the needs and realities of small, rural communities. ($150,000)

The Stewardship Centre for BC will scale up the Green Shores program by piloting incentives, making policy recommendations, and providing training to shoreline professionals. ($151,500)

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association will work with businesses to reduce the land, water, and energy impacts of tourism in the Thompson Okanagan region. This project will include assessments, recommendations, toolkits, and education programs. ($120,000)

Tseshaht First Nation will engage community members and partners in developing a long-term land use plan for the territory, reserve lands, and fee simple lands. ($50,000)

Tsleil-Waututh Nation will conduct research, engage community members, and develop maps to better understand how traditional and western models of land tenure intersect on the nation’s Indigenous territory. ($50,500)

The Vancouver Urban Farming Society will conduct research on bylaws and permitting processes for urban farming in other cities and regions, alongside a census of urban farming in Vancouver. The findings will help inform updates to the City of Vancouver’s Urban Farm Guidelines. ($20,000)

West Kootenay Community EcoSociety will work with local governments to commit to targets and implement strategies for transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2050 in the Kootenays. ($120,000)

Looking for project funding?

We are accepting applications for General Grants until September 5, 2019. The next General Grants intake opens in February 2020.

The next Real Estate Industry Grant application cycle opens in November and closes on December 4, 2019.

For information on eligibility and funding priorities, visit refbc.com/grants or email our team at grants@refbc.com to tell us about your project.