Heritage Legacy Fund (HLF) - Heritage Awareness Program

• Financial aid covers up to 50% of eligible project costs, excluding GST.
• Maximum contribution per project is $10,000 for Heritage Awareness projects.
• Project costs must be substantiated by a minimum of two independent quotes.
• Successful applicants receive half of the awarded amount at the project start, with the balance paid upon project completion and submission of required documentation.

• The applicant must be a registered society (including non-profits and charities), local government, First Nations government or organization, or school board.
• Religious organizations that own heritage assets may be considered if they provide regular, broad-based, and inclusive community programs or services.
• The applicant must be an up-to-date, paid member of Heritage BC.
• If the applicant does not own the site, evidence of a long-term lease or management agreement extending at least three years beyond project completion is required.
• Projects must focus on the conservation, awareness, or planning related to heritage resources, or support community initiatives that foster understanding and appreciation of heritage resources.

Who is eligible?

• Registered non-profit organizations and charities
• Local governments
• First Nations governments and organizations
• School boards
• Religious organizations that own heritage assets (with inclusive community-supported programs)

Who is not eligible

• Individuals (private persons or sole proprietors)
• Unregistered organizations (entities not legally constituted)
• Private businesses and for-profit corporations
• BC Government Agencies

Eligible expenses

• Costs for the research, design, and production of signs, historic markers, or interpretive panels.
• Design and printing expenses for brochures, maps, or guides.
• Development and production costs for permanent or online exhibits or displays.
• Expenses related to creating walking or driving tour materials.
• Costs for producing "how-to" guides related to heritage awareness.
• Development and maintenance expenses for educational websites.

Eligible geographic areas

• British Columbia

• Demonstration of innovation, sustainability, and creativity in the project approach.
• Ability of the project to reach a wide audience and raise public awareness.
• Incorporation of priorities such as climate action/adaptation, accessibility, reconciliation, and cultural awareness (additional consideration given).

• Step 1: Initial Contact and Eligibility Confirmation
  • Contact program staff at Heritage BC at grants@heritagebc.ca to confirm the eligibility of your organization and project.
  • Request access to the online application form at least two weeks before the application deadline.
• Step 2: Obtain Access Code
  • Receive an access code from Heritage BC staff for the online application form after eligibility is confirmed.
• Step 3: Prepare Application Materials
  • Gather all required project details, including a clear purpose, plan, and intended outcomes.
  • Obtain a minimum of two quotes for project costs, where applicable.
  • Ensure your organization is an up-to-date, paid member of Heritage BC.
• Step 4: Complete Online Application
  • Fill out the online application form using the provided access code.
  • Upload all supporting documents as required by the application guidelines.
• Step 5: Submit Application
  • Send the completed application via the online form by the specified deadline.
• Step 6: Post-Submission Requirements for Successful Applicants
  • Sign a contribution agreement outlining responsibilities.
  • Provide a certificate of insurance naming the Dogwood Heritage Society of BC as additional insured.
• Step 7: Obligations During and After Project
  • Acknowledge financial support from the Heritage Legacy Fund in all project materials and publicity.
  • On project completion, submit required documentation (final report, project description, financial statements, photographs, copies of invoices and receipts) to Heritage BC for final funding disbursement.

• Applicants must be current, paid members of Heritage BC when applying.
• All files submitted must be clearly labeled and should follow specified formats and size limits.
• A pre-application worksheet is available to assist in preparing documents and planning submissions.
• Preference in evaluations may be given to initiatives addressing climate adaptation, accessibility, reconciliation, and cultural awareness.