The Indigenous Active Communities Grants provides resources to First Nations, Métis Chartered Communities, and Aboriginal Friendship Centres in British Columbia to create or expand physical activity, sport, and recreation opportunities in their communities.

The purpose of the Indigenous Active Communities Grants is to:

  1. Support Indigenous people of all ages and abilities to increase access to community-based physical activity, sport, and recreation programs and opportunities.
  2. Create physical and social environments within communities that encourage regular physical activity.

The Indigenous Active Communities Grants promotes a holistic approach, which includes cultural. Applicants are encouraged to establish local partnerships that build relationships towards long-term and sustainable participation in sport, recreation, and physical activity in their community.

Eligibility

The following are BC-based communities are eligible to apply:

  • First Nations and Tribal Councils
  • Métis Chartered Communities
  • Aboriginal Friendship Centres

Active Communities Grants Guidelines:

  • Approved projects must be completed by March 31, 2025.
  • Application must be submitted by a First Nation, Tribal Council, Métis Chartered Community, or an Aboriginal Friendship Centres.
  • Applicants can apply for a grant of up to $20,000.
  • Project activities must increase opportunities for physical activity, specifically through improving access and inclusion.
  • Applicants should demonstrate existing or new cross-sector community partners in the design and delivery of the project.
  • Projects are encouraged to demonstrate a link to broader and longer-term community policies, strategies and/or community knowledge and culture.
  • Projects must include evaluation activities, including the collection of data.
  • Project leads should be willing to participate in an I·SPARC led knowledge exchange activities.
  • Project expenses must be reasonable, in relation to proposed activities.
  • Small equipment expenses are permitted as a part of the project. Applicants should explain how any equipment expenses are necessary to achieving project objectives and impacts.

Project or Event Considerations:

The following activities are eligible for funding under this program including but not limited to:

  • Short term (weekend camps, special events, and ‘Try-it’ programs)
  • Longer term (6 to 12 week/ongoing) programs.
  • Types of activities eligible include but not limited to:
    • Sport
    • Physical activity
  • Recreational activities
  • The following types of activities are NOT eligible for funding under this program:
    • General operating expenses (staff salaries, office rent, regular promotional or marketing activities)
    • Capital expenditures (renovation, construction, computer equipment)
    • Deficits incurred from past activities
    • Awards
    • Travel
    • Re-granting programs
    • Political activities
  • I·SPARC will only approve ONE application per community/organization and will not provide multi-year funding.

Application Requirements:

  • Online Application Form can be accessed here: Active Communities Grant Application.
  • Applications will only be accepted online.
  • Applications must be fully completed including the submission of a project budget and project plan (template provided).

Application Approvals

  • Initial intake period will begin May 22, 2024, with a deadline of June 21, 2024.
  • Only completed applications will be reviewed and considered for funding.
  • Initial screening of all applications will be conducted by I·SPARC staff.
  • Funding decisions will be made by a review panel. The panel will assess grants based on the following:
    1. Alignment with the purpose of the Indigenous Active Communities Grants and anticipated use of funds.
    2. Ability to complete the project and meet its goals and objectives.
    3. Demonstrates a commitment to increase access and opportunities to participate in sport, physical activity, and recreation opportunities.
    4. Provides evidence that the project is promoting partnerships in and with their community.

All applicants will be notified of successful or unsuccessful applications, no later than July 12, 2024. Instructions on next steps and grant obligations will be conveyed to successful recipients.

Scoring Criteria

Active Communities Grants – Criteria

Grant Distribution

Payments for successful applications will be made within 30 days of the decision to the applying organization. Grant payments will be made through a Direct Deposit Enrolment Form and Proof Banking Information is mandatory. Funding may only be utilized for the direct delivery of the specific project, event, or activity that has been applied.

Grant Reporting

A survey will be sent to all successful grant recipients to gather information on the project progress and results. A final budget and report will be required within one month of the completion of the project (April 30, 2025). Successful applicants may also be asked to participate in interviews and share their findings and impact from participants.

(Note: a 10% holdback will be applied to all grant recipients. The holdback will be released upon receipt of the reports)

Terms and Conditions

Support from the Province of British Columbia, BC Healthy Living Alliance and I·SPARC will be acknowledged on all materials related to the funded project, with the consent of I·SPARC.

Privacy and Confidentiality Statement

I·SPARC respects your privacy. Information collected in this application process will only be utilized for the purpose of administering and promoting the Indigenous Active Communities Grants for Indigenous Communities.  Information collected will also be utilized and shared for statistical purposes. Information collected will only be disclosed to personnel who require the information in order to carry out the responsibilities of their job, and to other organizations or individuals who may need to be contacted to carry out the application process. Successful applicants may be asked to voluntarily participate in sharing their experiences with the program for promotional purposes. By completing this application form you agree to have all collected information stored in our online database system.