Imagine running a local food bank, a youth sports league, or an arts program for seniors. You see the incredible impact it has every single day, the smiles, the connections, the support. But you also know the constant, nagging worry that comes with keeping the lights on. Securing stable funding can feel like a relentless uphill battle.
What if there was a source of funding designed specifically to channel the province’s gaming proceeds directly back into the hands of organizations like yours?
That’s precisely the idea behind the British Columbia Community Gaming Grants (CGG) program. Since 2010, this program has served as a vital lifeline, distributing millions of dollars to non-profit organizations that deliver essential services and enrich communities across the province.
But navigating any grant application process can feel intimidating. The guidelines can be dense, the requirements specific, and the stakes high. This guide is here to change that. We’re going to break down the Program Grants stream—the main funding option—into clear, understandable steps. We’ll explore who is eligible, how much funding is available, and how to put together a strong application.
The Community Gaming Grants program is built on a simple but powerful principle: when people play, communities win. A portion of the revenue generated from gaming activities in B.C. is set aside to Program Grants are designed to provide stable, ongoing support for the delivery of existing programs and services. This isn’t “seed money” for a brand-new idea; it’s fuel for proven programs that are already making a difference.
If your organization has a program that consistently meets a community need—be it after-school care, environmental clean-up, or cultural workshops—the Program Grant is designed to help you maintain and deliver that service year after year.
Is Your Organization a Good Fit?
You Must Be a Not-for-Profit
You’ll need to prove that your programs provide a direct and tangible benefit to the broader community you serve.
- Open Membership: Anyone from the community you serve should have a way to become a member.
- Democratic Governance: Your board members must be selected through a fair, democratic process. This ensures that the organization is guided by the community it represents.
To demonstrate that the grant funding is necessary for the delivery of your programs, you’ll need to open your books and show that without this financial support, your ability to serve the community would be diminished.
Your program or service must be fully operational and delivering services to the community at the time you apply. The government wants to fund programs with a proven track record of success and community engagement.
Think of the Program Grants Guidelines as your rulebook.
Funding is awarded based on a holistic review of your application, focusing on the demonstrated size, scope, and direct community benefit of each program you include in your submission. It’s crucial to understand that funding is not guaranteed, and grant amounts can change from year to year.
The final award depends on the total provincial budget available and the number of successful applicants in any given intake period. Here are the maximum amounts an organization can receive per year:
- Local Organizations: Up to a maximum of $125,000 per year.
- Regional/Provincial Organizations: Up to a maximum of $250,000 per year.
It’s important to note that being recognized as a regional or provincial organization does not automatically guarantee a certain level of funding. The amount is always tied back to the impact and scope of the programs you deliver
