Community Gaming Grants

Overview of the Community Gaming Grants program:

The Community Gaming Grants program offers substantial annual funding to eligible non-profit organizations across British Columbia to support a broad range of programs that deliver direct benefits to the public. This initiative recognizes the vital role non-profits play in enhancing the well-being of BC communities through services in arts and culture, sports, public safety, environment, and human and social services. Each year, the program distributes up to $140 million in grants, making it one of the most significant sources of funding for BC’s non-profit sector. Community Gaming Grants are divided into five main sectors: Arts and Culture – for cultural events, festivals, and educational arts programming Sport – for amateur sports leagues and youth sports development Public Safety – for emergency preparedness, crime prevention, and related activities Environment – for education, awareness, and conservation programs Human and Social Services – for services that improve quality of life, such as food banks, mental health support, or shelter services Grants can also support capital projects through a separate Capital Projects sector, which helps fund facility upgrades and equipment purchases that benefit community programming. The program ensures funding is accessible to a wide range of organizations—from small community groups to large provincial entities—and encourages inclusive, diverse programming. Successful applicants must show how their activities serve the public interest and align with program priorities, such as equity, accessibility, and community need. Programs must be ongoing, locally delivered, and not primarily fundraising in nature. Human and Social Services: open February 1 – May 31 Public Safety: open July 1 – August 31 Environment: open July 1 – August 31 Arts and Culture: open February 1 – April 30 Sport: open March 1 – May 31 Capital Projects: open June 1 – August 31

Benefits of the Community Gaming Grants program:

• Access to stable, annual operational funding
• Support for essential community services and programs
• Capital project funding for equipment and facility improvements
• Funding across multiple community sectors
• Encouragement of diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Empowers local non-profits to address unique regional needs
• Supports youth, marginalized populations, and at-risk communities
• Helps sustain arts, sports, environment, and public safety initiatives

Eligibility criteria of the Community Gaming Grants program:

• Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Be a not-for-profit organization located in British Columbia
• Be legally registered in BC and in good standing
• Have delivered community-based programs for at least 12 months
• Provide direct programs that benefit the public, not primarily fundraising
• Have a volunteer board of directors
• Operate within one of the five eligible sectors: arts and culture, sport, public safety, environment, or human/social services
• Must operate in accordance with the BC Societies Act or other relevant legislation
• Capital project applicants must demonstrate:
• Long-term community benefit
• Ownership or secure long-term lease of the facility
• Financial need and project readiness
• Appropriate quotes and documentation for proposed work