HeliCat Community Sustainability Grants
Our HeliCat Canada Sustainability Action Grants provide grant funding for youth-driven community environmental and sustainability projects.
The grants are intended to encourage focused projects that provide the opportunity for young adults to get hands-on experience working on environmental, sustainability, and adventure tourism projects either on their own, or under the mentorship of an agency, not-for-profit organization, or Indigenous Band or group. While projects can focus on the mitigation of environmental impacts, a primary interest of HeliCat Canada is an orientation towards learning about the opportunities and benefits of our sector. We are focused on making a positive contribution to the communities we work and play in.
HeliCat Canada is driven by the vision outlined in our Sightline 2030 strategy and our Wildlife and Environmental Research Fund (WER Fund). Proposals for the Community Sustainability Action Grants that complement the goals and strategies found in those documents will be viewed favorably.
Description
HeliCat Canada is looking to maximize the opportunity for young people to engage with environmental, sustainability, Indigenous, or adventure tourism causes. While we do not have pre-conceived project constraints, and a wide variety of projects will be considered, some examples that would provide youth opportunities include:
Engagement with Indigenous peoples in activities that will encourage the building of relationships and reconciliation. For example, encouraging Indigenous youth participation in outdoor adventure activities, or activities that would build capacity of Indigenous stakeholders in adventure tourism.
Developing career paths and skill development in adventure tourism. For example, participating in adventure tourism training or mentorship programs, or activities that contribute to the knowledge base about the benefits and impacts of adventure tourism in BC.
Participation in action-focused projects that protect, rehabilitate, or enhance the natural environment and wildlife habitat. For example, rebuilding fish habitat and creating fish spawning beds or restoring streams to improve habitat and water quality.
Being involved in projects that will reduce the impacts of climate change or increase sustainability. For example, participation in the installation of micro-hydro, solar, or waste-reduction programs within an adventure tourism business.
Action focused projects that help build community capacity to address issues that are pressing or are underserved by other initiatives.
Grant Amounts
2023 Grants will be provided up to $5,000 each. Half of the grant amount will be paid at the beginning of the project and half of the grant amount will be paid upon the completion of the project and upon receiving a final work report.
The number of grants issued each year will depend on the annual funding available from HeliCat Canada. In 2023 we anticipate providing two grants.
Who Can Apply
Any person who lives in a British Columbia community that is the base for a HeliCat Canada member business can apply. However, the intent is to get youth involved in the work and project funds must be paid to young people under 25 years of age. Young people can apply directly for the grant, or agencies, not-for-profits, or Indigenous Bands or groups may apply on their behalf. Staff employed seasonally in the helicat sector will receive priority funding.
Project Length
This will be determined by the project proposal, but it is anticipated that most projects will be
completed over the summer months of June to September. Half of the grant funding will be provided at the beginning of the project and half upon completion. June/July project starts will be prioritized.
How to apply
1. Apply via the HeliCat Canada Community Sustainability Action Grant Application Form. This form can be found here;
2. Include a letter from a responsible person who is willing to guarantee the work will be completed as is proposed. If the project is not completed to HeliCat Canada’s satisfaction, funding will be withheld.
Application Review
2023 Applications will be accepted until July 15, 2023. An HCC grant committee will review the applications and contact the proponents by early August.