Williams Lake Community Forest Now Accepting Grant Applications
The Williams Lake Community Forest’s 2022 Granting Application six-week window is currently open and accepting applications for 2023 projects until 4 pm on Friday, November 18, 2022.
Proponents applying for grants must be living and/or working in the WLCF “local area” which is defined as the City of Williams Lake, and CRD Electoral Areas D, E, and F. This area extends North to Marguerite, south to Dog Creek and follows the east side of the Fraser River. Along Highway 97 the eligible area extends south to include 141 Mile, and northeast encompassing Bosk Lake, Crooked Lake, Quesnel Lake and Mitchell Lake. A map is provided on the WLCF website.
Applications can come from registered charities, non-profit and/or community organizations such as Parent Advisory Councils, clubs including 4H clubs, and community associations. Public, Private and Indigenous schools and educators are also invited to apply if they are within the “local area” described above.
Funds are targeted toward:
• projects enhancing economic development;
• recreation and recreational structures including trails, signs and kiosks;
• culture and the arts projects as they relate to forests and forest values;
• capital improvements;
• education and outreach projects for all age groups; and
• other projects particularly related to forest resource values
There is a pre-established set of evaluation criteria provided with the application form, along with a budget template. Five per cent of annual WLCF profits are set aside to be distributed to the community through this granting program.
The Williams Lake Community Forest has increased its annual allocation for 2023 to $65,000. Previous funding amounts were $23,500 in 2019 and $45,000 in 2020 – 2022.
Paper application forms are available at the Williams Lake Community Forest Office at 177 Yorston Street, or can be found online at https://williamslakecommunityforest.com/community-granting/
For more information, please contact:
Mary Thurow, WLCF Granting Coordinator