Apply now for 2026-27 Community-led project funding!
BC Parks is now accepting funding applications for 2026–27 Community Park Enhancement Fund (Community PEF) projects. We invite Indigenous partners, community groups, volunteers, and park supporters to apply for funding to bring community‑led conservation and recreation projects to life in BC Parks across the province.
Community PEF is funded through BC Parks Licence Plate Program revenue and supports projects that enhance conservation, stewardship, recreation, and visitor experience in parks and protected areas. Every year Community PEF partners bring their experience, knowledge, and dedication to deliver conservation and recreation projects that make a meaningful impact in our parks and strengthen connections between communities and the parks B.C. residents enjoy.
Available funding
For the 2026/27 funding year, BC Parks is pleased to offer $350,000 in Community PEF funding. We invite you to bring your ideas, creativity, and commitment to parks and become one of our Community PEF changemakers.
Click here to apply directly.
Application deadline: Friday, May 29th, 2026.
Who can apply?
Anyone! Past recipients include:
- Indigenous partners
- Community groups
- BC Parks volunteers
- Academic researchers and local scientists
- Non-profit organizations
- Park operators
- Passionate community members
If you’re an individual or organization with a program or initiative that supports the conservation and enjoyment of parks or protected areas, we encourage you to apply.
Project categories
Funding is available for two main categories of projects:
Conservation
- Research and monitoring
- Invasive species removal
- Habitat restoration
- Ecological studies
Recreation
- Trail and facility enhancements
- Interpretation and education
- Community engagement and events
- Visitor experience improvements
- Diversity and inclusion programs
- Adaptive recreation initiatives (Please consult with potential users and/or disability‑serving organizations before applying.)
Eligibility Requirements
- Funding requests must not exceed $5,000 per project
- Projects must be completed by March 31, 2027
- Projects must be led by volunteer(s), Indigenous groups or community partner(s)
- Projects must take place within, or directly support BC Parks
- Projects must have support from local BC Parks staff
- Projects must align with a relevant park management plan
Examples of past Community PEF projects
South Coast
- Upgrading boardwalks and bridges on the popular ‘Wonderland’ trail in Alice Lake Park to meet adaptive mountain bike standards – Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association
- Trash removal from inside Cultus Lake and Chilliwack Lake within their respective namesake parks – Divers for Cleaner Lakes and Oceans
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
- Treatment and mapping of invasive plants in Churn Creek Protected Area – Friends of Churn Creek Protected Area Society
- Lower Goat River Trail maintenance work in Bowron Lake Park – Fraser Headwaters Alliance
Kootenay
- Invasive species removal and biodiversity boost at Kokanee Creek, Beaver Creek and Summit Lake Parks – Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society
- Content development and operation of interpretive education kiosk at Morrissey and Mt. Fernie Parks – Elk River Watershed Alliance
West Coast
- Invasive Scotch Broom Removal from Bodega Ridge Park– Galiano Conservancy Association
- Removal of marine debris from Cape Scott Park – Living Oceans Society
Thompson
- Removal of invasive quackgrass and replanting with native species at Tranquille Creek Viewing Area in Lac du Bois Grasslands – Kamloops Naturalist Club
- Rerouting the West Lakeshore trail in White Lake Park to reduce effects of erosion on the shoreline – Shuswap Hut and Trail Alliance
Okanagan
- BC Annual Bat Count in SunOka, Okanagan Lake South, and Fintry Parks – British Columbia Conservation Foundation
- Annual birding blitz at E.C. Manning Park supporting global bird research and conservation through the e-Bird database – Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning
North Coast Skeena
- Birding Interpretive Signage at Lakelse Lake Park – Lakelse Watershed Stewards Society
- Development and distribution of updated accessibility resources and visitor guides at Driftwood and Tyhee Lake Parks – Smithers District Chamber of Commerce and Smithers Visitor Centre
Omineca-Peace
- Building an accessible outhouse at Beatton Park – Whiskey Jack Nordic Ski Club
- Provision of skate and classic trail grooming at Crooked River Park – Caledonia Nordic Ski Club
Contact
For questions about your application, contact your local BC Parks staff or email BCParks.LicencePlates@gov.bc.ca.
Interested in other funding opportunities? BC Parks Foundation, our charitable partner, provides funding to groups that engage equity-deserving communities in outdoor activities in BC Parks. Learn more at https://25×25.ca/spark-fund/.
