At a Glance
- Applications Open (6 weeks before deadline)
- Ready to apply? You’ll need a clear plan for your project, an estimate of your costs, and any other sources of funding you have.
- Submit Your Application (Deadlines: February 1, 2026 or September 1, 2026 by 11:59 p.m.)
- Once you have everything you need, submit your application online through the Gwaii Trust portal. Make sure you include all required documents.
- Review and Decision (Approximately 2 Months)
- The Gwaii Trust Board of Directors will review your application and make the funding decisions. You can expect to hear back within approximately two months. Please be flexible with your start date, as decisions can occasionally be delayed due to meeting schedules.
- Approval and Next Steps
- If your project is approved, review the terms, track your expenses, and wait until at least two months after the application deadline to start your project.
- Complete Your Project
- Once you’ve completed your project, submit your final budget, receipts, photos, and a brief summary of what you achieved. We’d love to see the difference your project makes for the people of Haida Gwaii.
Tando Dwyer
Community Grant SpecialistOffice: G̲aw Tlagée Old Massett
Ph: 250-626-7985
dii jaasga Kway yas
Michelle Prouty
Community Grant SpecialistOffice: HlG̲aagilda Skidegate
Ph: 250-637-1050
FAQs
Yes, there are a few simple requirements to keep in mind:
- Your organization must be a local non-profit or local government.
- If you’ve received a grant before, make sure you’ve submitted all required reports—organizations with overdue reports can’t apply.
- We want to help as many artists as we can! Here’s what we prioritize when deciding:
- First-time applicants and those who haven’t received a grant in the past 3 years.
- Projects that support emerging or established artists.
- Projects with a cultural impact that benefit communities on Haida Gwaii.
- Mentorship projects, where experienced artists share skills and traditional knowledge with others.
- We’re excited to support projects that make a positive difference in the community!
There are a few things the Community Innovation Grant won’t cover. You can’t use grant money for:
- Core funding
- Expenses made before Board approval
- Applications for temporary jobs supporting existing or previously filled positions
- Applications for temporary jobs that reduce responsibilities for government or government-funded organizations
- Other items mentioned in the general grant guidelines
If you’re unsure about an expense, feel free to ask!