Funding available for community-led projects – apply now!
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BC Parks is pleased to announce we are now accepting applications for the 2025/26 Community Park Enhancement Fund (Community PEF). This funding supports community-led conservation and recreation projects in BC Parks thanks to funding from BC Parks licence plates.
Applications are now open! Click here to apply.
Application deadline: Friday, May 30th, 2025.
How much funding is available?
For 2025/26, $350,000 is available to support conservation or recreation projects across the province.
From volunteers to local scientists, Community PEF funding is a wonderful way for BC Parks to support our local parks partners. Keep reading to learn more about Community PEF and who can apply.
Who can apply?
Anyone! Past recipients include Indigenous partners, community groups, BC Parks volunteers, academic researchers, non-profit organizations, and park operators.
There are two project categories:
- Conservation – e.g. research, invasive species removal, monitoring, restoration, etc.
- Recreation – e.g. trail and facility enhancements, interpretation/education, diversity and inclusion, adaptive recreation (please consult with potential users and/or disability-serving organizations before submitting an application), community engagement and events, visitor experience, etc.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Funding requests must not exceed $5,000 per project.
- Projects must be completed by March 31, 2026.
- Projects must be led by volunteer(s), Indigenous groups or community partner(s).
- Projects must take place in or be related to BC Parks.
- Applicants must have support for the project from local BC Parks staff prior to applying.
- Projects must align with a relevant park management plan.
Over the years, Community PEF has supported projects that have enhanced BC Parks and enrich public enjoyment while protecting cultural and conservation values.
Here are some examples of previous initiatives:
- Drumbeg Accessibility Improvements, Gabriola Land and Trails Trust (GALTT)
- Gerald Island Invasive Species Removal, BC Marine Trails
- Community Connections with Nature, REACH Community Health Centre – Mulicultural Family Centre
- Trails to Success Ts’il?os Park, Xeni Gwet’in First Nation
- Bear Locker Installation, Ozalenka Alpine Club
- Kawka Woodshed Completion, Swan City Snowmobile Club
- Hah Nic Na’Aahh 2024 Trail Race (Babine Mountain Marathon), Smithers Run Club
- Telkwa Family Fishing Derby, Michelle’s Tackle Box
- Heather Lake Wildfire Whitebark Pine Seedling Survival Study, Upper Similkameen Indian Band
- BC Annual Bat Counts, BC Conservation Foundation and the Okanagan Community Bat Program
- Butterfly Habitat Interpretive Garden Engagement, Kootenay Native Plant Society
- Lake Windermere Bank Swallow Monitoring and Education, Lake Windermere Ambassadors Society
- Watch for Wolverines Winter Recreation Signage, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative
- Learn to Paddle Day Camp, Prince George Canoe Kayak Club
- Viking Meadows Plankway Project, Caledonia Ramblers Hiking Club
- Walk on the Wild Side, Stewart Public Library
Questions? Please contact your local BC Parks employee or email BCParks.LicencePlates@gov.bc.ca.
Interested in other funding opportunities? Our charitable partner, BC Parks Foundation, provides funding for groups that engage underserved communities in outdoor activities in BC Parks. Learn more at https://25×25.ca/spark-fund/.
