How to Win an Outdoor Recreation Fund Grant Webinar

Webinar Summary

Image credit: qathet Parks and Wilderness Society

In just two intakes the Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC has granted more than $500,000 to 62 projects. The grants are managed by the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC and the 2026 application window just opened on December 8. Applications can be submitted until January 20, 2026. In its third cycle the grant will distribute $300,000. 

On Tuesday, December 9, ORCBC hosted a webinar focused on best practices for applying to the Outdoor Recreation Fund, including frequently asked questions, examples of successful applications, and advice on writing great grant applications.

The panellists:

Tomke Augustin, the Grant Program Manager for ORCBC and the Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC. grants@orcbc.ca

Kathleen Ayre, the founder of Kootenay Connex, a consultancy that specializes in helping not-for-profits, small businesses and community associations find innovative and creative ways of raising money for high value projects. Kathleen is available for free grant consultations with members of the ORCBC, that includes members of our provincial organizations. 

***Kathleen is available for free grant writing consultations for members of the ORCBC and for organizations that are members of our 19 provincial affiliate organizations, like the BC Snowmobile Federation, BC Marine Trails and Federation of Mountain Clubs. Find a full list at our membership directory and book your free consultation early, as spots are limited.

6 Key Takeaways

Review the fund criteria 

The Outdoor Recreation Fund can fund many different types of proposals, but it still has strict boundaries.

  • Understand the criteria and what kinds of projects qualify before starting an application.

  • Reading about the projects that won grants in the past is a helpful way to better understand what the review committee is looking for.

  • The Grant Application Guide answers many common questions. 

  • If you missed the webinar, it is full of helpful slides and advice. You can watch a recording here.

  • If you still have questions contact Tomke, grants@orcbc.ca

Start with a budget 

The budget is the starting place for the narrative of your grant proposal.

  • The fund will only support up to half of the cost of a proposed project, to a maximum of $10,000. 

  • New this year, the application includes a budget spreadsheet that must be completed.

  • The review committee will be looking to see that the costs are accurate and the scope of the project is within your organization’s experience and capacity.

Real people are reading your grant

That means you need to keep their interest: be clear, concise and interesting.

  • Clearly label all attachments and documentation.

  • People connect best with stories about people: think context, history, people impacted.

  • Convince the reviewers that this project is impactful and that your organization is uniquely positioned to deliver it.

Alignment is key

By law, the ORCBC can only give grants to projects that are an extension of the mission of the ORCBC. Funders look for alignment with the purpose of their granting programs.

  • Ensure the proposed project aligns with one or more of the priorities: outdoor enhancement, stewardship and education, inclusive participation.

  • Communicate those alignments throughout the grant proposal.

  • Look for opportunities to enhance the alignment by bringing on supporting partners.

  • If your proposal doesn’t meet the requirements is there a way to collaborate with a partner so that it does?

Go beyond numbers to show impact

Showing the impact your proposal will have is an important part of your application.

  • Weave the story and numbers throughout the proposal.

  • Include tangible numbers of the impact the project will have. 

  • Including letters of support shows collaboration and relationship building.

  • Use a template letter to make your collaborator’s job easier.

Don’t apply in silos

Working in a team to create a proposal makes sense, but for reviewing ease make sure the final product feels cohesive.

  • The application software allows collaboration – multiple people can work on an application independently.

  • But before submitting, make sure the narrative of the entire proposal feels consistent, like it comes from the same voice.

Watch the webinar
Download handouts

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Questions, comments, or webinar topics you would like to see? Email us at info@orcbc.ca

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