Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET)

Island Coastal Economic Trust is a public-facing regional funder that invests in community-led economic development across Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and island and inlet communities from the Salish Sea to Cape Caution. Its website shows a portfolio of grant and funding streams supporting projects that diversify local economies, strengthen community assets, and improve long-term resilience.

The Trust describes several organized funding programs. Capital and Innovation supports regional and community-based infrastructure and knowledge infrastructure, with investments of up to $200,000 for public and community-owned capital projects. Investment Readiness supports project development, sector development, economic development strategies, and regional collaboration, with investments up to $30,000. Community Placemaking supports public-space projects and can invest up to $40,000 per project. Regional Initiatives includes bursaries and sponsorships that support learning, collaboration, and economic development capacity.

The Trust funds First Nations governments and organizations, local and regional governments, registered non-profit organizations and charities, economic development organizations, industry associations, educational institutions, and related community-based groups. Its impact priorities include food security and agrifood, tourism, innovation and technology, transportation and logistics, training and advanced education, renewable and low-carbon energy, and regenerative forestry.

The organization publishes funded projects, impact reports, application guides, and project cost guidance. It also notes that its board reviews proposals and makes funding decisions on a regular schedule, while some programs operate with continuous intake rather than fixed deadlines.