GRANTS & FUNDING

Supporting Community Impact in the Shuswap

Shuswap Community Foundation provides grants to eligible charities and qualified organizations for projects and programs that strengthen communities throughout the Shuswap. Grants are designed to support initiatives that improve the well-being of local residents and create lasting community impact.

COMMUNITY
GRANTS

CYCLE ONE: July 1 – August 15
CYCLE TWO: December 1 – January 15

  • Community projects and programs
  • Small capital projects
  • Requests up to $20,000

LEARN MORE >

MAJOR CAPITAL GRANTS

Applications accepted year-round
Major Capital Grants support:

  • Multi-year Projects (up to two years)
  • Support for larger capital projects $20,000 – $100,000

CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS

Funding for initiatives that strengthen an organization through:

  • Skills development
  • Strategic planning
  • Organizational growth
  • Resource development

Up to $15,000. Capacity Building Grants require matching funds from the applicant organization.

SPONSORSHIPS

Support for events, festivals, retreats, and community gatherings in the Shuswap that:

  • Benefit local residents and organizations, and/or
  • Increase awareness of the Foundation within the community

Sponsorship requests will typically be funded up to a maximum of $5,000.

Grant Eligibility: What You Should Know

To be eligible for funding, applications must align with the Foundation’s Grant Guidelines.

  • Benefit residents of the Shuswap
  • Demonstrate clear community impact
  • Align with Foundation priorities and funding criteria

The Foundation does not fund:

  • Partisan, political, or religious activities
  • Projects already underway
  • Debt retirement
  • Travel, accommodations, or mileage expenses
  • Events outside the Sponsorship Program unless part of a defined project or program

Additional guidelines include:

  • Administrative and overhead costs are limited to a maximum of 10% for Community and Major Capital Grants
  • National organizations are not eligible for Community, Capital, or Capacity Building Grants
  • Sponsorships are limited to events taking place within the Shuswap when funded through grant disbursement dollars
  • Final reports must be submitted before a new grant application can be considered

All grant recipients are required to submit a final report outlining:

  • Project outcomes
  • Use of funds
  • Community impact achieved

Organizations with outstanding reporting requirements may not be eligible for future funding.

The Foundation understands that projects can evolve after funding approval.

Project Changes

If the scope or nature of a funded project changes:

  • Approval from the Foundation is required before changes are implemented
  • A “Change of Plan Application” must be submitted for review

If the revised project no longer meets funding criteria, grant funds may need to be returned.

Project Deferrals

If a project is delayed by more than one year:

  • The Foundation must be notified in writing
  • Funds may need to be returned until the project is ready to proceed
  • Organizations may reapply in a future grant cycle

Project Cancellations

If a project cannot proceed:

  • Unused grant funds must be returned immediately
  • Any funds already spent must be fully documented with receipts and reporting details

How Grants Are Awarded

Grant decisions are made through a transparent review process led by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, Grants Committee, and staff team.

Funding available each year is based on:

  • Investment earnings from Foundation funds
  • Canada Revenue Agency disbursement requirements
  • Annual approval by the Board of Directors

Grant Timing:

  • Community Grants: Awarded semi-annually
  • Major Capital, Capacity Building & Sponsorships: Reviewed on an ongoing basis

The Foundation may also administer special granting programs in partnership with organizations such as Community Foundations of Canada and Vancouver Foundation.

Grant Application Checklist

Before submitting an application, read our Grant Eligibility information to ensure y our organization and project are eligible for funding.

Discuss your project with Shuswap Community Foundation prior to submitting your application. Please contact our grants and finance manager for Community, and Major Capital grants at 250-832-5428 ext. 1

For Capacity Building grant queries, call our executive director at 250-832-5428 ext. 2.

For Sponsorship grant queries, call our communications specialist at 250-832-5428 ext. 3.

For First-time Applicants:

  • Register your organization on the grant portal and familiarize yourself with its features.

For Returning Applicants:

  • Check “Action Items” on your grant portal home page for any outstanding Community Grant final reports.
  • Submit any outstanding final report(s) from approved Community Grants before the grant intake deadline. Your previously funded project(s) must be finished before submitting your report. That is, you have completed the activities described in your proposal, used the funds provided by The Foundation, and demonstrated the outcomes of your project.

For All Applicants:

  • Add or update your organizational profile including your contact list to ensure the information is current. Please review the FAQ section on the relevant grant program page.
  • Gather the required documents that must be included with your application:
    • Current list of Board of Directors
    • Most recent audited or reviewed financial statements
    • Approved operating budget for the current fiscal year
    • Quotes for renovations/equipment (if applicable)
    • Signed letter of agreement (For collaboration projects only)
  • Optional: Gather additional documents related to your application, for example:
    • Letters of support (from your Board or community members)
  • Submit your application including the required documents before the grant deadline.

SHUSWAP COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANTS

How to Apply

Log in here by the appropriate grant cycle deadline. Applications must be submitted using our grant portal. Emailed applications and supporting documents will not be accepted. The deadline is firm – late applications will not be accepted.

APPLICATION ASSISTANCE

If you need technical assistance, or require support while completing your application, please email grants@shuswapfoundation.ca or call 250.832.5428 ext. 1.

For Community Grants, which have specific application periods, applicants should contact the Shuswap Community Foundation team before the final week leading up to the deadline. On deadline day, support may be limited due to the high volume of requests. We encourage organizations to start their applications early to avoid issues with their submissions.

Grants Portal

Connecting Community with Opportunity