Community Grants (formerly PCAF)

The Community Grants program, formerly known as PCAF, supports individuals and organizations in implementing community-based conservation projects. With an annual funding of approximately $150,000, the program emphasizes hands-on initiatives that enhance public awareness and conservation efforts. Eligible projects focus on the restoration and maintenance of native freshwater species and habitats, with a requirement for a volunteer component. Grants typically range from $2,500 to a maximum of $20,000 over the project's lifetime, fostering community engagement in environmental stewardship.

NOTE: If you intend to apply for further funding to continue the same PCAF project, you must submit a new application each year and include a report, outlining expenditure details and information on the progress of your currently funded PCAF project.
Background
Since its inception in 1981, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation has invested over $189 million in grant money to more than 2,980 conservation projects in B.C.
We fund a variety of conservation work including:

• Projects that restore, maintain, or enhance native freshwater fish and wildlife populations and habitats
• Environmental education, and stewardship projects
• Projects that acquire land or interests in land to secure the value of these areas for conservation purposes
• Community Grants (formerly Public Conservation Assistance Fund- PCAF)

Community Grants provide funding to organizations and individuals who need financial help to implement a conservation project. Since 1974, the Province of BC and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation provide approximately $150,000 each year to help implement on-the-ground conservation work, with a particular focus on hands-on, community-based, and public awareness initiatives.
Some examples of PCAF projects and activities that we have funded include:

• building and installing bird nest boxes
• planting shrubs
• tagging / monitoring animals
• restoring riparian areas
• restoring grasslands
• building waterfowl nesting floats and boxes
• fencing to protect sensitive or restored areas
• improving habitat for freshwater fishes
• replanting forage species for ungulates to improve winter range
• Funding

Eligible expenses up to $10,000 in any one year. You must match the requested funds by contributing a combination of volunteer labour (credited at $20 per hour), materials, or other allowable donations. At least half of your matching funds must be made up of volunteer labour. See the Application Rules & Guidelines document on the “Apply” tab for more information. The maximum total amount available over the life of a Community Grant project is $20,000.
See FAQ for further guidelines.

Eligibility

Individuals and organizations trying to implement on-the-ground, community-based conservation projects, and public awareness initiatives.Projects must be of a conservation nature, with priority given to projects that focus on activities that maintain, conserve or restore native (indigenous) freshwater fish and wildlife species and their habitats.Projects must have 50% volunteer component.Any employees, volunteers or agents working on the Project must be competent, properly trained and instructed, and exercise a standard of care as required to undertake and successfully complete the Project.
You must ensure that all health and safety standards are met.Grant applications must be approved before commencing your project. Grant Funds may only be used on the approved project.

Ineligibility

As PCAF will not fund activities retroactively, PCAF-funded project activities cannot begin until those notifications have been received.Some types of projects or activities are ineligible for Community Grant funding, including but not limited to:Lecture series or conventions
Activities required for ongoing maintenance
Payment of wages (except for contracted equipment or special expertise required in the field, e.g., a biologist, restoration specialist, etc. See “Other Considerations and Responsibilities” section for more requirements on special expertise.)
Vehicle mileage (note that fuel costs can be covered)
Salmon-only or marine projects that do not demonstrate clear benefits to freshwater species or their habitats
Hatchery activities
Design costs for newsletters and websites (printing costs for newsletters are eligible)
Routine courses such as First Aid, Small Vessel Operation, etc.