The Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia (REFBC) is offering General Grants to fund initiatives promoting sustainable, equitable, and socially just land use and real estate practices across the province. The program, with an annual funding average of $8 million, prioritizes Indigenous-led projects and addresses critical issues like the housing crisis, climate change, and reconciliation.
Key Takeaways
- Grants support sustainable, equitable, and socially just land use and real estate practices in British Columbia.
- Prioritizes Indigenous-led projects and focuses on five key areas: Land Use, Fresh Water, Built Environments, Food Sovereignty, and the Real Estate Profession.
- Annual funding averages $8 million, supporting law reform, research, and community engagement.
- Eligible applicants include First Nations, registered charities, non-profits, post-secondary institutions, local governments, trade associations, and Community Contribution Companies.
- The deadline for applications is February 5, 2026.
Addressing Pressing Challenges
Land use and real estate practices are at the forefront of significant challenges in British Columbia, including the ongoing housing crisis, the impacts of climate change, and the crucial process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The REFBC's General Grants program aims to foster transformative approaches to land management.
The program strategically targets five interconnected pillars:
- Land Use: Encouraging strategic planning and policy development for both urban and rural areas.
- Fresh Water: Supporting the protection, restoration, and management of vital freshwater ecosystems and watersheds.
- Built Environments: Improving housing, transportation, and infrastructure with a focus on equity and accessibility.
- Food Sovereignty: Bolstering local food systems and promoting sustainable agricultural land use.
- Real Estate Profession: Advancing professional education and standards to integrate sustainability and social justice principles.
Who Can Apply?
The REFBC maintains a broad eligibility list to encourage diverse participation in developing land-use solutions. Eligible entities include:
- First Nations and Indigenous-led organizations.
- Registered Charities and non-profit societies.
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
- Post-Secondary Institutions (Universities and Colleges).
- Local and Regional Governments within British Columbia.
- Trade Associations related to real estate and land use.
- Community Contribution Companies (C3s).
Funding and Application Process
Funding for the REFBC General Grants is primarily generated from the interest on pooled real estate trust deposits. While there is no strict maximum grant amount, most grants range from tens of thousands to low hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Foundation typically hosts two intake cycles per year, with the next deadline on February 5, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to focus on systemic change, such as law/policy reform, applied research, community engagement, or education, rather than direct service delivery or capital costs. A significant portion of the budget is intentionally directed towards Indigenous-led initiatives to support reconciliation efforts.
