Open
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
$ 150,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
This program supports Basin non-profits and First Nations with energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate adaptation projects. Maximum funding reaches $150,000 per applicant across both streams, with support for electric vehicles, charging stations, solar 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
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
- Transportation and warehousing
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Other Recreation and Social Clubs
- Social Services
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Children and Youth Organizations
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 an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle for Basin community use
- Installation of EV charging stations for fleet vehicle use
- Installation of solar photovoltaic arrays
- Energy efficiency and building improvement projects
Documents Needed
- Program Guide
- Application worksheet, if using offline preparation
- Quotes for equipment and installation
- Supporting documents such as letters of support, approvals, maps, or lease agreements
- Dealership quote for an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, if applicable
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered non-profits with broad community impact
- First Nations in the Columbia Basin region
- Community organizations such as social service agencies, food banks, libraries, seniors groups, and community halls
- Arts, culture, and heritage venues
- Non-profit childcare operators
Who is not eligible
- Organizations outside the Columbia Basin region
- Projects for personal use
- Projects for commercial rental or carshare use
- Projects that are not tied to operational needs
Eligible expenses
- Purchase and installation of one electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle
- Purchase and installation of up to two EV charging stations
- Solar photovoltaic arrays and related installation
- Energy efficiency retrofits and building or property improvements
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Maintenance and administration costs
- GST amounts that are subject to rebates
- Costs incurred before funding approval
- Projects focused on research, planning, communications, advocacy, or lobbying
- Projects that replace employees or relieve government obligations
Eligible geographic areas
- Columbia Basin region
- Basin communities
Selection criteria
- Fit with program eligibility
- Measurable project impacts aligned with the program purpose
- Readiness to move forward on the stated timeline
- Planning for ongoing maintenance and repairs
- Confirmed financial commitments and local economic benefit
How to apply
- Step 1
- Read the Program Guide
- Download the worksheet if you want to prepare offline
- Step 2
- Complete the online expression of interest or application form
- For Stream 2, submit the expression of interest first
- Step 3
- If selected for Stream 2, work with the program advisor on the full application
- Submit the final application by the stated deadline
Processing and Agreement
- Stream 2 follows a two-stage process, starting with an expression of interest
- Selected applicants are contacted and connected with a program advisor for the full application
- The advisor helps define the project scope, cost estimates, and return on investment for certain projects
- Successful applicants receive a Contribution Agreement before funding is paid
Additional information
- Stream 2 uses a two-stage application process.
- Successful applicants receive support from a program advisor for the final application.
- Applications may be declined even if they meet the eligibility rules.
- Funding depends on approval and a signed Contribution Agreement.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Non-profit SMART Grants Program
What is the Non-profit SMART Grants?
This program supports Basin non-profits and First Nations with energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate adaptation projects. Maximum funding reaches $150,000 per applicant across both streams, with support for electric vehicles, charging stations, solar 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 or First Nation
Located in the Columbia Basin
Project fits an eligible stream
What expenses are eligible under Non-profit SMART Grants?
Purchase of an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle for Basin community use
Installation of EV charging stations for fleet vehicle use
Installation of solar photovoltaic arrays
Energy efficiency and building improvement projects
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