The focus is on grants directed towards initiatives or operating costs that primarily benefit Burnaby residents and must be accessible for free. Applicants must be registered, charitable, or incorporated non-profit societies established for at least one year, must receive a minimum of 60% of their revenue from other sources, and may apply for up to one operating grant to a maximum of 25% of their annual operating budget to a maximum of $10,000, and up to two initiative grants per year for a total maximum grant of $25,000 per organization within the calendar year. Non-Burnaby-based non-profit organizations can only apply for initiative grants and must deliver activities within Burnaby, may apply for up to one initiative grant per calendar year of up to $5,000 to offset facility fees only, and must provide significant and specific benefit to the city and its residents including significant services to marginalized or at-risk groups. The City requires all grant recipients to hold current general liability insurance coverage in an amount not less than $5,000,000. Reporting requirements include outlining participant numbers, positive benefits, inclusivity, alignment with Council’s strategic priorities, and acknowledgment of the City’s contribution. Operating grants are limited to Burnaby-based organizations with budgets not exceeding $200,000, staffed primarily by volunteers, with restrictions on consecutive years of funding. Initiative grants include outreach initiatives, block parties, environmental projects, community events, and fundraising opportunities benefiting Burnaby residents. Recreational sports grants cover travel expenses for Burnaby youth under 21 competing in provincial, national, or international championships, with set funding limits. Food security initiative grants provide up to $5,000 annually for neighborhood-scale programs and services addressing immediate food needs, requiring membership in the Burnaby-wide Food Security Advisory Table.

Grant applications are considered twice per year, in April and October, and approvals are conditional on the availability of funding and alignment with policy requirements. Organizations are required to acknowledge the City’s contribution in all promotional materials. Applications may be declined if incomplete, misrepresentative, or non-compliant with policy stipulations, with no appeal process available.

For more information, visit City of Burnaby.