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Applications open again for Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC

The Outdoor Recreation Fund of B.C. is accepting new applications for 2025
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The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) has launched a second round of intakes for the Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC grant program. 

The fund provides financial support to community-based programs and is designed to empower communities and volunteer organization efforts to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities and environmental stewardship. Tomke Augustin, ORCBC's grant program manager, said they opened up this second round of applications after receiving an "overwhelming number of excellent applications" during their first intake last year. 

“The proposed projects revealed incredible contributions to outdoor enhancement, education, stewardship, and inclusive participation. Beyond these vital impacts, many projects also showcased their potential to boost local economies and foster economic diversification in rural communities across the province," Augustin said. "We are excited to see what B.C.’s outdoor recreation groups have planned to continue making a positive impact on our natural spaces, the well-being of B.C.’s people, and the resilience of our communities.”

The funding the ORBC offers typically ranges from $2,000 to $10,000 and during 2024's intake the ORCCBC gave $250,711 to 30 different recipients across the province. Any charity, non-profit, local government or Indigenous government is invited to apply so long as their project meets the fund's three core objectives: improving outdoor access and infrastructure, stewardship and education and inclusive participation. 

Eric Vanderkruk, board chair of ORCBC, said this grant program is boosting outdoor recreation across the province. 

“The first intake clearly demonstrated the need for more funding to maintain and advance BC’s outdoor infrastructure, much of which is cared for by volunteers," Vanderkruk said. "This grant program amplifies our commitment to advocate for the outdoor recreation sector and ensure that future generations can safely enjoy our beautiful natural spaces.”

The creation of the grant was made possible by a $10-million grant to the ORCBC in May 2023 by the B.C. provincial government. The ORCBC describes itself as having been at the forefront of researching and advocating for sustainable funding for outdoor recreation since 2020 and seeks to support volunteer-based organizations and community groups who often maintain outdoor infrastructure, protect natural areas and run programs that make the outdoors safe and accessible to everyone. 

The ORCBC is accepting applications for this second round of funding until Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. Anyone looking to apply is asked to go to orcbc.ca/grants-for-outdoor-recreation for detailed information on eligibility criteria, application guidelines and deadlines.