Cold Weather Preparedness Grant Program (Canada)

The grant is intended for activities/initiatives that enable supporting vulnerable populations during periods of extreme cold.

This grant will prioritize impact work in Northern BC, Thompson-Nicola-Cariboo, Southern Interior, as those regions are most susceptible to extreme cold temperatures.

Funded initiatives may include response programs, programs that foster sharing of best practices, training, or mentoring to facilitate relationship building with other emergency-focused/disaster response organizations, and local government emergency preparedness staff. It will also provide support in creating protocols for identifying, locating, and supporting vulnerable residents before, during, and after crises in ways that respect and address privacy concerns.

Funding Information

• Grant amount available: $1,000 to $10,000 (one application per agency)

Eligible Funding

• Eligible expenses include but are not limited to:
  • Supplies required for warming reception centres/temporary shelter (including required upgrades for existing spaces)
  • Emergency kits or supplies
  • Volunteer engagement
  • Communication strategies/tools for wellness checks
  • Communication strategies or informational preparedness sessions
  • Logistics and transportation. For example, transportation to temporary shelter
• Admin costs may only account for maximum of 10% of the project budget.

Eligibility Criteria

• All charitable organizations, as well as other non-profit, social enterprise, grassroots organizations, co-ops, community contribution companies, Indigenous governing body, Indigenous community, or Indigenous led organization (including a band or tribal council, government of a self-governing First Nation or Métis Nation Chartered Community, Society or Association, or not-for-profit).
• Both new projects or programs, and existing initiatives that are expanding are eligible to apply.

For more information, visit United Way British Columbia.