Heritage Legacy Fund (HLF) - Heritage Conservation Program

Who is eligible?

• Registered non-profit organizations and societies
• Charities
• Local governments
• First Nations governments and organizations
• School boards
• Religious organizations that own heritage assets and demonstrate active, inclusive community programs or services

Who is not eligible

• Individuals
• Unregistered organizations
• Private businesses
• Government agencies of the Province of British Columbia

Eligible expenses

• Exterior building conservation work (repair of foundations, roofs, parapets, cornices, masonry, original wall claddings, windows, doors, columns, towers, porches, architectural features, etc.).
• Conservation of historic structures (outbuildings, garages, sheds, barns, bridges, trestles, railway turntables and platforms).
• Building Code upgrades and fire safety improvements directly related to conservation (structural, mechanical, electrical, fire exits, emergency lighting, sprinklers, accessibility upgrades).
• Seismic upgrading to strengthen the heritage structure if directly related to conservation.
• Conservation of original interior features or materials, if legally protected or formally recognized as essential character-defining features (e.g., staircases, stained glass, fixed furnishings, historic finishes, special floor designs).
• Conservation work for historic sites, cemeteries, or cultural landscapes limited to direct conservation of existing historic resources (original memorials, grave markers, tombstones, fences, gates, trellises, rock walls, railings, decorative paving, or light standards with a clear connection to British Columbia history).

Eligible geographic areas

• British Columbia

• Degree to which the application demonstrates the heritage value of the resource for the community, particularly as it relates to character-defining elements.
• Significance of the project's contribution to the conservation of heritage values.
• Preference given to projects that are formally recognized or legally protected community heritage resources.
• Inclusion of priorities such as climate action/adaptation, accessibility, reconciliation, and cultural awareness.
• Evidence of a clear plan for ongoing maintenance and conservation.

• Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
  • Download and review the updated Heritage Legacy Fund grant guidelines and Pre-Application Worksheet available from May 1, 2025.
  • Familiarize yourself with the requirements and eligible project criteria.
• Step 2: Confirm Eligibility with Program Staff
  • Contact the program staff at Heritage BC early to discuss your project and confirm the eligibility of both the organization and the proposed project.
  • Request instructions and access code for the online application form by emailing grants@heritagebc.ca.
  • Eligibility checks begin June 2, 2025, and must be completed no later than August 2, 2025.
• Step 3: Prepare Application Materials
  • Use the Pre-Application Worksheet to plan your submission and gather required documents such as quotes, financial statements, Statement of Significance, and photographs.
  • Obtain at least two current independent contractor quotes for each portion of eligible conservation work.
  • Prepare a written Statement of Significance for the heritage resource if applicable.
  • Ensure all building permits are secured before disbursement of funds if your project is approved.
• Step 4: Complete Online Application Form
  • Using the access code provided by Heritage BC staff, log in to the online application system.
  • Complete all sections of the online form with accurate and concise answers.
  • Upload all required supporting materials and photographs as prompted.
• Step 5: Submit Application
  • Submit the completed online application before the deadline of August 15, 2025, at 12:00 noon.
• Step 6: Await Funding Notification
  • Heritage BC will notify successful and unsuccessful applicants in November 2025.
• Step 7: If Approved, Sign Contribution Agreement
  • If your application is successful, sign a contribution agreement outlining roles and responsibilities.
  • Provide proof of sufficient insurance coverage, naming the Dogwood Heritage Society of BC as additional insured as required.
• Step 8: Receive and Manage Funds
  • Upon execution of the contribution agreement and provision of insurance, receive 50% of the awarded funding at project start.
  • Balance will be disbursed upon completion of the project and submission of the final report, expenses, photographs, and invoices as required by Heritage BC.
• Step 9: Acknowledge Funding
  • Acknowledge the Heritage Legacy Fund and Heritage BC in your project signage, media releases, and promotional materials as specified.

• Funding is provided on a cost-sharing basis, with applicants responsible for at least 50% of project costs.
• The program encourages projects that prioritize climate adaptation, accessibility, reconciliation, or cultural awareness, which may receive additional consideration.
• Successful applicants must acknowledge the financial support of the Heritage Legacy Fund in promotional materials and signage.
• All applications must include current photographs documenting the existing condition of the heritage resource.