Williams Lake Community Forest Now Accepting Grant Applications

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The Williams Lake Community Forest’s 2024 Granting Application six-week window is currently open and accepting applications for 2025 projects until 4 pm on Friday, November 22, 2024.

Grant applicants must be living and/or working in the WLCF “local area” which is defined as the City of Williams Lake, and CRD Electoral Areas D, E, and F. This area extends west to the east side of the Fraser River, North to Marguerite and south to Dog Creek.  Along Highway 97 the eligible area extends south to include 141 Mile, then east to Bosk and Crooked Lakes and north  encompassing Quesnel Lake and Mitchell Lake.  A map is provided on the WLCF website under the “About/Location” section.  

Applications can come from registered charities, non-profit and/or community organizations such as Parent Advisory Councils, clubs including 4H clubs, and community associations.  Public, Private and Indigenous schools and educators are also invited to apply if they are within the “local area” described above. 

Funds are targeted toward:

• recreation and recreational structures including trails, signs and kiosks; 
• community-based culture and arts projects as they relate to nature; 
• capital improvements to facilities available for public use;
• Outdoor opportunities relating to sustainable forestry
• education and outreach projects for all age groups; 
• environmental stewardship; and
• other projects particularly related to forest resource values.

There is a pre-established set of evaluation criteria provided with the application form, along with a budget template. Five per cent of annual WLCF profits are set aside to be distributed to the community through this granting program.  

The Williams Lake Community Forest has increased its allocation for 2025 and expects to award a record $80,000 for 2025 projects. Previous WLCF grant distributions were $23,500 in 2019, $45,000 annually from 2020 – 2022, $65,000 in 2023, and $75,000 in 2024.     

Paper application forms are available at the Williams Lake Community Forest Office at 177 Yorston Street, or locate digital forms online at https://williamslakecommunityforest.com/community-granting/.