At their September meeting, the Real Estate Foundation of BC’s Board of Governors approved $1,052,300 in grants. This funding supports research, education, and policy analysis on Indigenous land histories, renewable energy, mine site reclamation, and other topics.

Including these recent grants, REFBC has awarded over $90 million to non-profit organizations working to strengthen BC communities and protect our shared land and water.

Fall 2020 grants are listed alphabetically below.

Blueberry River First Nation will develop a strategy, including a framework, practices, and targets, for building suitable habitat and restoring relationships to the land. ($160,000)

The Kamloops Naturalist Club will deliver a public education program on the benefits of native plants (biodiversity, climate resilience) over commonplace turf grass, build demonstration gardens, and research policies and social factors that affect homeowner landscaping choices. ($30,000)

The Okanagan Nation Alliance will use drones to conduct thermal mapping of groundwater inflow near Bessette Creek. Imagery and data will help establish environmental flows, support water planning, and protect fish habitat. ($30,000)

The Pembina Institute will lead on research, education, advocacy, and policy work that advances renewable energy and reduces emissions from transportation, buildings, and industry.  ($300,000)

The POLIS Project on Ecological Governance will work with Indigenous and non-Indigenous water leaders, communities and governments to develop and implement new tools and approaches for watershed governance, decision making, management, and legal and regulatory reforms. ($270,000)

Raincoast Conservation Foundation will establish a network of environmental organizations to align work on ecological resilience, engage local governments, and support Indigenous-led freshwater habitat restoration and monitoring. ($50,000)

The Salmo Watershed Streamkeepers Society will pilot a rapid assessment method to assess and propose remediation plans for six abandoned mine sites in the Kootenays. ($30,000)

Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition will support land use planning in the Upper Skeena watershed. This project includes rigorous community engagement, data collection, research and policy work, and coordination between partners and projects. ($100,000)

The Trails Society of British Columbia will work with First Nations and community groups to understand barriers to creating safe and accessible trails, and will conduct research on policies and measures that have worked in other parts of BC and Canada. ($15,000)

Tsleil-Waututh Nation will develop models of land tenure that reflect the identity, culture, history and needs of the Nation., The Nation will engage community members and consider traditional knowledge, western models, and examples from other First Nations. ($29,800)

Vancouver Museum Society will partner with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations to develop a five-year exhibit and education program on the relationship between people and the land.  ($37,500)

Looking for project funding?

The next Real Estate Industry Grant application cycle opens in November and closes on December 15, 2020. Due to COVID-19 impacts on our budget, this intake will be limited to applications from real estate boards and associations.

The next General Grant application cycle opens in February and closes in early March 2021 (date to be confirmed).

For information on eligibility and funding priorities, visit refbc.com/grants or email grants@refbc.com to discuss your project idea.