Spark Grants

Spark Grants is sponsored by BC Parks Foundation. Provides small grants to community groups leading nature-based activities in BC Parks, focusing on inclusion, accessibility, safety, and building confidence outdoors.

Spark Grants | BC Parks Foundation Support access now Apply for a Spark Grant Everyone outside, no obstacles Grounded in research showing that time in nature improves mental and physical well-being, Spark Grants help ensure that more people can enjoy BC’s great outdoors. The truth is, not everyone can just go hiking. For many community-led groups, getting out into BC’s parks takes more than just the desire to go.

It requires time, coordination, and resources. Spark Grants help turn these visions into reality by providing small grants to help cover real costs: transportation to remote sites, gear like hiking poles and proper footwear, nourishment for long days outside, and providing gifts of thanks to people who act as guides. Remove barriers to access Getting outside should be simple and joyful.

Through Spark funding, we provide small grants that cover the real costs—like rides, gear, food, and honouring those who guide the way—so that everyone can enjoy time together in BC’s parks. Improve health and well-being of British Columbians and BC Park visitors People who spend at least two hours in nature each week report significantly better health and wellbeing.

Spark Grant recipients have spent more than 155,000 hours outdoors in BC’s parks, time that translates into healthier and happier lives. Advance knowledge and stewardship Spark Grant recipients have already spent more than 155,000 hours on the land, collecting nature observations, restoring ecosystems, and contributing to community science. These efforts grow our collective knowledge and strengthen the care of BC’s parks.

Amplify the impact of BC Parks Foundation across BC We want parks across the province to be alive with community energy. Places where people gather, restore, and celebrate nature. Through Spark Grants, communities and individuals everywhere can share in the health, joy, and inspiration of time outside.

Community science observations collected. Recipients of Spark Grants. Granted to equity-deserving communities.

Your gift helps remove barriers and support programs that bring more people into BC’s parks. Encourage friends, family, and community groups to explore BC’s parks and participate in inclusive programs. Get updates on access projects, community grants, and stories from people whose lives have been changed by time in nature.

Every purchase supports programs and upgrades that make BC’s parks more welcoming for all. "Every time you step outside, it’s like an Etch-a-Sketch. The land has a way of pulling you into the now."

For the Stó:lō women of Thélá:ylexwawtxw Foundation—The House of Life Givers, the Spark Fund helped bring the Footsteps of Our Ancestors hiking series to life. Together, aunties, sisters, mothers, and grandmothers have walked hundreds of hours on their traditional territory, honouring their ancestors and finding renewal in the land.

From the first snow of the season falling softly through the forest, to moments of deep healing for women carrying heavy burdens, each hike is a reminder of the strength and connection that comes from being on the land. By supporting community-led programs like this, we help ensure more people can experience nature’s power to heal, connect, and inspire.

Nature is My Kink - BC Parks Foundation T-shirt Hours spent outside through Spark Grants.

“Footsteps of Our Ancestors” Hiking Series Offers Healing and Connection in Parks Celebrating Black History Month: A Day of Belonging at Peace Arch Park Newcomers Find Hope and Home in Nature this Season Frequently asked questions Spark Grants fund community groups leading nature-based activities in parks, like guided walks, community science, and outdoor education. Who is eligible for Spark Grants?

Spark Grants are open to community-serving groups – including registered charities, non-profits, and First Nations – that engage underserved communities in BC Parks. Projects must connect people to nature and focus on inclusion, accessibility, safety, and building confidence outdoors. How much funding is available?

Grants range from $2,000-$10,000, depending on the scope of the project and available budget. What can Spark Grants be used for? Funding can support costs like transportation, staff salaries, equipment/gear, food, program materials, honoraria, and accessibility supports needed to run outdoor activities.

What are some examples of past activities? Previous Spark-funded activities include guided hikes, snowshoeing, plant and animal ID workshops with iNaturalist, Indigenous-led nature education programs, and other outdoor recreation activities. When is the Spark Fund open for applications?

Typically, we have one intake each year in the spring. If additional budget is available, we may open another intake later in the year. For the most up-to-date information regarding intakes, please check our Fluxx grantee portal.

Through donations, sponsorships, and community partnerships. Support for the Spark Fund goes directly to community groups so they can cover the costs of traveling to and spending the day in one of BC’s parks. Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. BC Parks Foundation is a registered Canadian charity, and all eligible donations receive a charitable tax receipt. chelsea.

rooney@bcparksfoundation. ca