B.C. allocates $60M in grants to community-building non-profits

Non-profits in B.C. are receiving a financial boost from the province for their community-building work.

Premier Eby announced $60 million in grant funding will go towards helping non-profit organizations deliver priorities set by the provincial government.

“The work done by our province’s non-profits reflects some of the most important ways British Columbians show up for each other in tough times,” said Premier David Eby. “That’s why our government is supporting non-profits, so they can support people struggling with challenges like global inflation, homelessness and addiction.”

The four types of organizations to be supported by this funding include: community foundations, large, multi-service organizations with provincial or regional footprints, small local non-profits affected by the pandemic and organizations supporting and run by people in the Black, Indigenous and people of colour community.

According to the province, non-profits are essential for delivering its priorities, such as affordable housing, food security, and Indigenous and racial justice.

“Non-profits are the face of social supports, poverty reduction, and community empowerment in B.C.,” said Megan Dykeman, parliamentary secretary for community development and non-profits.

The Vancouver Foundation will distribute the grants to eligible non-profits.

“As British Columbians face increasing economic challenges, this new funding will make a difference to charities and non-profits doing critical work that local communities count on,” said Kevin McCort, president and CEO of Vancouver Foundation.

There are more than 31,000 non-profit organizations employing about 335,000 people — three quarters of which are women. Non-profits also contribute $28 billion to B.C.’s gross domestic product, the province states.

In addition to announcing the new funding, the province also declared Oct. 30 as Non-Profit Recognition Day. Zahra Esmail, CEO of the non-profit Vantage Point, says this day means a lot for her sector of work.

“I could not be happier that there is an official day now to recognize the impact and achievements of the non-profit sector in B.C.,” she said. “Vantage Point is thrilled that the non-profit sector is finally receiving meaningful recognition and visibility for all the contributions we make. Hopefully, this is just the beginning to a stronger and a more sustainable sector.”