British Columbia continues to be a leader in advancing 2SLGBTQ+ rights and inclusion across Canada. In 2026, a wide range of funding opportunities exists for foundations, nonprofits, and community organizations working to support sexual and gender diversity throughout the province.
From international philanthropic grants to provincial government anti-hate initiatives, Vancouver Foundation grants, and specialized scholarships for 2SLGBTQ+ students, there are numerous avenues for organizations and individuals to secure financial support.
Whether you’re looking to fund community safety projects, capacity-building initiatives, newcomer resettlement services, or educational programs, this comprehensive list covers the most relevant grants available for LGBT foundations and organizations in British Columbia in 2026.
1. Buffett LGBT Grant
The Buffett LGBT Grant is a grant from the Foundation for a Just Society (FJS) and the NoVo Foundation, founded by Jennifer and Peter Buffett, son of billionaire investor Warren Buffett.
While these foundations work on a global scale, they are deeply committed to furthering the rights of LGBTQI people around the world, particularly in Canada and British Columbia.
The Foundation for a Just Society supports gender and racial justice and promotes the rights of women, girls and LGBTQI persons by ensuring that those most affected by injustice have the resources necessary to develop leadership and solutions that transform communities.
Who can apply: LGBTQI groups and foundations worldwide, individual owned businesses, community support groups, including those in British Columbia and Canada.
Priority areas: LGBTQI rights, gender and racial justice, grassroots initiatives, intersectional approaches, long-term structural change.
Application: Apply through the official portal:
2. Anti-Hate Community Support Fund – Province of British Columbia
The Anti-Hate Community Support Fund provides financial support to organizations that have experienced or are at risk of experiencing hate-motivated crimes. This fund is specifically designed to support at-risk groups, including 2SLGBTQ+ organizations, places of worship, and cultural community centres.
Funding amount: Up to $10,000 per organization.
Eligible expenses: Security equipment, graffiti removal, repairs to damaged property, and other measures to respond to hate-motivated incidents.
Total fund: $500,000
Eligibility: Identifiable groups in B.C. that have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing, hate-motivated crimes or incidents.
Application: Applications remain open through the BC Government website.
3. Civil Forfeiture Grant Program – Anti-Hate Stream (Province of BC)
The Civil Forfeiture Grant Program redirects seized proceeds from unlawful activity back into communities to make them safer. In 2026, the program is providing $8.23 million supporting 173 community-led projects across the province.
Anti-hate stream: This new funding stream specifically supports organizations and meeting places for groups that may be at higher risk of hate-motivated crimes, including LGBTQ2S+ organizations, faith-based groups, and minority cultural groups.
Funding purpose: Security enhancements, repairs, and crime prevention projects.
Application: The intake for 2026-27 grants is expected to open in fall 2026.
Learn more: Visit the BC Government’s Civil Forfeiture Grant Program page.
4. Vancouver Foundation – LEVEL BIPOC Grants
The Vancouver Foundation’s LEVEL BIPOC Grants Program invests in the leadership capacity of BIPOC-led and BIPOC youth-led organizations operating in British Columbia. This program is particularly relevant for 2SLGBTQ+ organizations that are BIPOC-led.
Funding amount: $50,000 each year for three years of flexible operating funding.
Eligible uses: Operating costs, capacity building, staffing costs, employee assistance programs, service delivery costs, and technology investments.
Eligibility: Registered charities and registered nonprofit societies in B.C.
2026 key dates:
- February 9, 2026: Stage 1 applications closed
- End of April 2026: Stage 2 invitations sent
- June 12, 2026: Stage 2 applications close
- End of July 2026: Final decisions communicated
Application: Via Vancouver Foundation’s online grant management system.
5. Vancouver Foundation – Transforming Systems Grants (TSG)
The Transforming Systems Grants program provides funding for charities and nonprofits in B.C. that are driving systemic change by addressing the root causes of inequality.
Funding amount: Up to $100,000 per year, for up to three years
Eligibility: Charities and non-profits in British Columbia
2026 timeline: Applications open in June 2026
Application: Via Vancouver Foundation.
6. Rainbow Foundation of Hope (RFOH) – Vancouver
The Rainbow Foundation of Hope is a volunteer-run Canadian charitable foundation based in Vancouver that provides essential funding and support so that 2SLGBTQIA+ asylum seekers, refugees, and newcomers can relocate to Canada, resettle safely, and build inclusive communities.
Programs offered:
- Community Services Grants: Funding for newcomer resettlement services (varies by project)
- Education Scholarship Fund: Education funding for 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers (varies by project)
- Sponsorship Support Program: Supports refugee sponsorship projects (up to $7,500)
- Rainbow Foundation of Hope Education Entrance Scholarship: $12,500 scholarship for 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers at Langara College
- Jonathon D Fischer Foundation Grants: Funding for selected nonprofit programs
Application deadline (Education Entrance Scholarship): June 26, 2026
Website: foundationofhope.net
7. Boxx-Barr Bursary Fund – Dogwood Monarchist Society
The Dogwood Monarchist Society, a non-profit in British Columbia since 1972, raises funds for 2SLGBTQIA+ charities and supports Vancouver’s queer community through social initiatives. The Boxx-Barr Bursary provides financial assistance to students pursuing post-secondary studies.
Bursaries offered:
- Future Leaders Bursary: $2,000 – For students active in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community supporting fundraising efforts for non-profits
- Rainbow Pathways Bursary: $1,000 – For students involved in community programs such as drag performers, queer sports teams, or other community groups
- Two-Spirit Resilience Bursary: $1,000 – For students who identify as Two-Spirit, First Nations, or Métis and are active in community fundraising or activism
- POC Excellence Bursary: $1,000 – For students who identify as a person of colour and are active members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community
Priority: Indigenous, Black, women, and gender-diverse communities
Application deadline: June 15, 2026
8. Pride Education Network Scholarship
This scholarship supports 2SLGBTQ+ secondary school students in British Columbia who are preparing to attend a university or college in Canada.
Eligibility: 2SLGBTQ+ secondary school students in British Columbia
Application: Via the Pride Education Network or Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada
9. Ames Family Foundation Bursary
The Ames Family Foundation provides a $5,000 bursary for youth from government care in British Columbia pursuing post-secondary education.
Priority: Equity-deserving applicants including Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+ identified individuals, and persons with disabilities.
Eligibility: Youth from government care in British Columbia
10. 2SLGBTQ+ Hospitality Scholarship – BC Hospitality Foundation
This scholarship celebrates and supports emerging talent in the hospitality industry.
Funding amount: $1,000 awarded annually
Eligibility: One student from the 2SLGBTQ+ community pursuing culinary arts, hotel management, restaurant management, or other hospitality programs—full-time or part-time.
11. BCPA Diversity Student Bursary
This bursary supports students who self-identify as Indigenous, a person with a disability, and/or a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ or a racialized community.
2026 timeline:
- Applications Open: April 1, 2026
- Applications Close: May 17, 2026
- Award Announcement: July 2026
Application: Via the BC Psychological Association (psychologists.bc.ca)
12. Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada
Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada empowers 2SLGBTQIA+ and QTBIPOC individuals through education and research by funding scholarships, awards, and bursaries across Canada.
Programs include:
- Start Proud Scholarships: Two student leadership scholarships for 2SLGBTQ+ students enrolled in Canadian post-secondary programs
- Pride Education Network Scholarship: For 2SLGBTQ+ students in British Columbia
Eligibility: Canadian citizens or residents enrolled in Canadian post-secondary institutions
Website: lambdafoundation.org
13. Kindred Foundation – Youth Mental Health Grant
The Kindred Foundation provides financial support to Canadian organizations offering mental health services to Black and/or 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
Total funding: $150,000 CAD
Grant structure:
- $60,000 CAD: One grant available
- Up to $30,000 CAD: Approximately three grants available
Eligibility: Canadian organizations providing direct support to Black and/or 2SLGBTQ+ youth through physical activity-based or arts-based initiatives that promote mental health. Preference is given to Black-led and/or 2SLGBTQ+-led organizations.
2026 awardees: Organizations have been selected for 2026
Website: kindredfoundation.ca
14. ARC Foundation
The ARC Foundation is the registered charity behind SOGI 123, an inclusive education initiative that equips educators with tools and resources for supporting 2SLGBTQ+ students and creating safer, more inclusive school environments for all students.
Funding status: The foundation is facing a $150,000 funding reduction in 2026, making donor support essential to sustaining these resources.
Eligible organizations: Schools and organizations working on 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion in K-12 education
Website: arcfoundation.ca
15. Interactive Fund – Creative BC
Creative BC’s Interactive Fund provides grants for interactive digital media projects, with coaching sessions available for new lead applicants from systemically excluded groups and regions of B.C.
2026 timeline:
- Applications Open: May 4, 2026
- Applications Close: June 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM PDT
Eligibility: Interactive digital media projects; priority for systemically excluded groups
Website: creativebc.com
16. Spark Grants – BC Parks
Spark Grants support access to BC’s provincial parks for equity-deserving communities.
Total funding: Over $600,000 granted to equity-deserving communities
Impact: Supported more than 33,000 participants and enabled over 155,000 hours outdoors in BC’s parks
Eligibility: Community groups across British Columbia seeking support to access BC’s provincial parks
Support: Funding comes from the BC Parks Licence Plate Program and contributes to BC Parks’ Commitment to Inclusion
Key Tips for Applying
- Know your acronyms – Canadian funders commonly use “2SLGBTQIA+” (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, plus) to recognize Two-Spirit Indigenous identities first.
- Check eligibility carefully – Many grants require organizations to be registered charities or nonprofit societies in British Columbia.
- Monitor government portals – The BC Government website (gov.bc.ca) and Vancouver Foundation are primary sources for grant announcements.
- Plan your project timeline – Most grants fund projects executed within specific timeframes in 2026. Note key deadlines like June 15 and June 26, 2026.
- Prepare documentation in advance – Registration certificates, statutes, project budgets, and letters of support are typically required.
- Consider both organizational and individual funding – Many opportunities exist for both foundations/organizations and individual students/community members.
- Prioritize community-led initiatives – Funders increasingly prioritize organizations that are led by and for the communities they serve.
Conclusion
2026 offers a robust landscape of funding opportunities for LGBT foundations and organizations across British Columbia.
From the internationally recognized Buffett LGBT Grant through the Foundation for a Just Society and NoVo Foundation to the provincial government’s Anti-Hate Community Support Fund, Civil Forfeiture Grant Program, Vancouver Foundation grants, and numerous scholarship opportunities, there are many avenues to secure financial support for your projects.
Whether you’re a community organization, a research institution, a youth program, or an individual student, these grants can help you advance equality, safety, visibility, and support for 2SLGBTQ+ communities across British Columbia.
Start preparing your applications early, ensure your organization meets the eligibility requirements, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the relevant authorities for guidance.
