VICTORIA –  

Summary

• More than 2,500 organizations received more than $53 million through Community Gaming Grants in 2025
• Funding supports Parent Advisory Council (PAC) and District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) programs, youth and amateur sport, environmental stewardship and public safety services
• Grants help communities provide safe, inclusive and enriching programs for people of all ages

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Community Gaming Grants are empowering local organizations by supporting PAC and DPAC activities, youth and amateur sport programs, and environmental and public safety programming that benefits people of all ages throughout the province.

“Investing in programs that enhance safety, encourage sports participation, protect our environment and enrich students’ school experiences strengthen our communities and supports the well-being of British Columbians,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “These grants help ensure people of all ages can access opportunities that support learning, well-being and community connection.”  

In 2025, more than 2,500 not-for-profit organizations received more than $53 million to deliver programs that help build healthy, connected and thriving communities.

Support for PAC and DPAC programs

• To enhance student learning and strengthen school communities, nearly 1,400 PACs and DPACs received more than $12 million.
• Examples of funded activities include:
  • extracurricular clubs and student activities
  • school community events that bring families together
  • learning resources that improve the student experience

Support for sports programs

• To deliver youth and amateur sport programs that build skills, promote physical activity and create pathways to competition, nearly 850 sport organizations received more than $28 million.
• Examples of funded activities include:
  • youth sports programs, such as soccer, basketball, swimming, skating and hockey
  • adult instructional sports programs
  • participation in Special Olympics BC and BC Seniors Games

Support for environmental stewardship programs

• To protect natural spaces and promote sustainable practices, more than 150 environmental organizations received more than $5 million.
• Examples of funded activities include:
  • local conservation and restoration projects
  • community education on environmental awareness
  • volunteer‑driven stewardship initiatives

Support for public safety and emergency programs

• To strengthen emergency response and improve community safety, more than 140 public‑safety organizations received nearly $7 million.
• Examples of funded activities include:
  • search-and-rescue training and operations
  • volunteer fire departments and fire‑prevention work
  • community emergency‑preparedness education

The Community Gaming Grants program distributes as much as $140 million annually to not-for-profit organizations to support the delivery of ongoing programs that directly benefit communities throughout B.C. The program ensures funding reaches organizations that meet community needs and help build vibrant, inclusive and resilient communities.

Quotes:

Michelle McDonell, executive director, BC Wheelchair Sports Association –

“Children with disabilities often have limited access to sports designed for their age, abilities and development. With support from the Community Gaming Grant, BC Wheelchair Sports delivers junior sports camps that provide inclusive coaching, equipment and a welcoming environment. Children leave the program healthier, more confident and connected to peers, helping them feel they belong in sport and in their community.”

Eyal Lichtmann, CEO, Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS) –

“The B.C. Community Gaming Grant allows the RAPS to save and improve the lives of animals, many of whom would otherwise face euthanasia. As Canada’s largest cat sanctuary, the RAPS Cat Sanctuary is home to hundreds of unadoptable felines. As a provincewide organization, when animal welfare groups throughout British Columbia need help, we are here, providing a safe, compassionate and permanent home for feline rescues that have nowhere else to go.”

Trevor Lavender, president, Gibsons Marine Rescue Society –

“Our organization supports the all-volunteer Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 14 in Gibsons, whose remit is saving lives on the water. Operating in tough conditions means that our equipment needs to be continuously replaced and kept in tip-top condition, without which we cannot service the community we serve, some 700 square kilometres. The Community Gaming Grant contributes to achieving that goal.”

Quick Facts:

• Community Gaming Grants fund programs and activities in the arts and culture, sports, public safety and environmental conservation sectors, as well as capital projects and parent and district advisory councils in B.C. schools.
• Program funds are provided from general revenues via provincial commercial gambling revenue in partnership with the B.C. Lottery Corporation.

Learn More:

• To learn more about the Community Gaming Grants recipients, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gambling-fundraising/gaming-grants/cggreporting
• To learn more about the Community Gaming Grants program, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gambling-fundraising/gaming-grants
• To learn more about the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, visit: https://bclc.com
• For information about how to connect to services and help save money, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/BCBenefitsConnector