Open
Source verified August 6, 2026
Non-profit SMART Grants
Supports energy efficiency and renewable energy projects
Latest source updateLast Update: July 31, 2026Latest change: The Stream 1 and Stream 2 program guides now show updated eligibility, application steps, deadlines, funding caps, and contact details.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 31, 2026
Latest change: The Stream 1 and Stream 2 program guides now show updated eligibility, application steps, deadlines, funding caps, and contact details.
Non-Profit SMART Grants guide updated
The Non-Profit SMART program content now includes separate 2026 program guides for Stream 1 and Stream 2, with updated application instructions, selection criteria, and support contacts. Stream 2 now shows an EOI deadline of May 13, 2026 at 2:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm MT, a full application deadline of October 14, 2026 at 2:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm MT, and a Stream 2 contact line at 1.800.505.8998 and nonprofitSMART@ourtrust.org. The funding and eligibility details are now more specific, including a cumulative maximum of $150,000 per applicant across both streams, up to 75% of eligible costs to a maximum of $50,000 for renewable energy generation, and up to 75% of eligible costs to a maximum of $150,000 for building or property improvements. The Stream 1 guide also now states that charging-station requests are capped at up to two stations and up to $20,000, and it adds clearer project and cost eligibility rules for vehicles, charging, and building-related work.
Funding available
$ 150,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
Non-Profit SMART Grants support Basin non-profits and First Nations in the Columbia Basin region with a cumulative maximum of $150,000 total per applicant to improve energy efficiency, generate renewable energy, adapt to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Eligible projects include electric vehicles and charging stations, solar photovoltaic arrays, and building improvements.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Social Services
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Purchase of a new electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle for use in Basin communities
- Purchase and installation of up to two EV charging stations located at non-profit or First Nation community sites for fleet vehicle use
- Purchase and installation of solar photovoltaic arrays on buildings, structures or properties owned or leased for the long-term by the non-profit or First Nation
- Energy efficiency retrofits or other building improvements to structures or property owned or leased on a long-term basis by the non-profit or First Nation
Documents Needed
- Quotes including applicable fees, taxes, and shipping for electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle applications
- Quotes including supply and installation for EV charging stations, solar photovoltaic arrays, and building-related improvements
- For building or property related improvements and renewable solar energy generation projects, ownership of the property or a long-term use/lease agreement with a minimum term of five years and a letter of support from the building owner
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered non-profits with broad community impact
- First Nation in the Columbia Basin region
- Eligible non-profit organizations include social service agencies, organizations or societies, BC Métis societies, associations and Chartered Communities, food banks or food recovery initiatives, libraries or reading centres, seniors societies or associations, community halls, visitor centres, arts, culture and heritage venues, and non-profit societies that operate childcare facilities
Eligible expenses
- Purchase and installation of solar photovoltaic arrays on buildings, structures or properties owned or leased for the long-term by the non-profit or First Nation
- Improvements to buildings, structures, or property owned or leased on a long-term basis by the non-profit or First Nation that improve the energy efficiency, result in a measurable reduction of GHG emissions produced by your organization, and/or increase resiliency and reduce vulnerability to the impacts of a changing climate
- Purchase of a new electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle for use in Basin communities
- Purchase and installation of up to two EV charging stations located at non-profit or First Nation community sites for fleet vehicle use
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects focused on research, planning, communications, advocacy, or lobbying
- Buildings or properties containing personal residences, used for commercial enterprises, rented out to individuals or commercial enterprises to generate income, used as a sports facility with a financial barrier to access, or used as a place of worship
- Projects involving the adoption of technologies that are not market-ready
- Projects that relieve any level of government of its obligations
- Maintenance and administration costs; GST amounts that are subject to rebates; costs incurred before funding approval; enhancements that would result in the displacement of any current employee(s); personal use of staff or volunteers; uses that do not tie directly to operational requirements and demonstrated need; use outside of the Basin; renting out to generate revenue; and rideshare
Eligible geographic areas
- Columbia Basin region
- Basin communities
Selection criteria
- Significant and measurable project impacts that align with the program intent
- Readiness to move forward in the stated timelines
- Planning for ongoing and scheduled asset management, maintenance, and repairs
- Confirmed financial commitments and local economic benefit
- The Trust strives to distribute Program funds across communities, organizations and project types and will consider this as part of the adjudication of all applications
How to apply
- Stream 1: Apply by May 13, 2026, at 2:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm MT
- Stream 1: Start your application
- Stream 1: Complete the online application before the deadline
- Stream 2: Submit an expression of interest (EOI) application by May 13, 2026, at 2:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm MT
- Stream 2: Start your EOI application
- Stream 2: Complete the online EOI application before the deadline; if selected to move forward, the full application deadline is October 14, 2026, at 2:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm MT
Processing and Agreement
- If selected to move forward, you will hear from us by June 24, 2026, and will be connected with the Trust’s program advisor
- The Advisor will assess your needs in detail and produce a report with a project scope, cost estimates, and a return on investment calculation that will form part of your final application
- Successful applicants will receive a Contribution Agreement for signature, and funding will be provided after both parties have signed
- Funds can only be used for approved project expenses that occur after a Contribution Agreement has been signed
- Depending on the nature of the project, applicants may have to obtain specific permits and approvals prior to receiving Trust funds
Additional information
- This program has two funding streams
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Non-profit SMART Grants Program
What is the Non-profit SMART Grants?
Non-Profit SMART Grants support Basin non-profits and First Nations in the Columbia Basin region with a cumulative maximum of $150,000 total per applicant to improve energy efficiency, generate renewable energy, adapt to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Eligible projects include electric vehicles and charging stations, solar photovoltaic arrays, and building improvements.
How much funding can be received?
Non-profit SMART Grants Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $150,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Non-profit SMART Grants program?
To be eligible for the Non-profit SMART Grants program, you must:
Registered non-profit with broad community impact or First Nation in the Columbia Basin region
What expenses are eligible under Non-profit SMART Grants?
Purchase of a new electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle for use in Basin communities
Purchase and installation of up to two EV charging stations located at non-profit or First Nation community sites for fleet vehicle use
Purchase and installation of solar photovoltaic arrays on buildings, structures or properties owned or leased for the long-term by the non-profit or First Nation
Energy efficiency retrofits or other building improvements to structures or property owned or leased on a long-term basis by the non-profit or First Nation
Who can I contact for more information about the Non-profit SMART Grants?
You can contact Columbia Basin Trust by email at nonprofitSMART@ourtrust.org or by phone at 1.800.505.8998.
Where is the Non-profit SMART Grants available?
The Non-profit SMART Grants program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the Non-profit SMART Grants a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Non-profit SMART Grants is a Grant and Funding