The BC Parks Foundation grant program reaches a record number of applications

The BC Parks Foundation’s Spark Grants have seen an increase in interest in community-serving groups across the province as demand for inclusive nature activities increases.

This grant program aims to make nature more accessible to underserved communities, providing support to overcome physical or invisible barriers that communities may face.

Grants are generally around $10,000, but this amount can change depending on the organization’s needs.

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“This is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We work with community service organizations to understand what their communities really need” said Kate La Souef, vice president of programs for the BC Parks Foundation.

In the past, the foundation has funded 50 groups through its grant program, including the Fort Saint John Association for Community Living, Nature Kids BC and Indigenous Women Outdoors. This year, they were able to fund 10 more groups, La Souef said.

Some new groups this year include the Pacific Immigrant Resources Society, Squamish Newcomers Services, and Kamloops Immigrant Services.

Thirty-three thousand people have been supported through Spark Grants, according to the BC Parks Foundation, with the program having enabled 155,000 outdoor hours at BC Parks and more than $600,000 awarded to communities deserving of justice.

For more information, visit the BC Park Foundation website.