Community Innovation Grant

The purpose of this grant is to fund innovative small projects that will contribute to enhancing the overall wellbeing of islanders, our communities, and Haida Gwaii. While a wide variety of projects are eligible for funding, key priorities for this grant are job creation, health and wellness, and education and training.

Who can apply?

Organizations or individuals with overdue grant reporting where an extension has not been approved are not eligible to apply until reporting is complete.

How much money is available?
  • Maximum funding for an organization is $10,000 per year
  • Equity requirement:
    • Nonprofit organizations: 25%
    • Local governments: 50%
Application deadline 
  • Applications must be received by February 1, April 1, June 1, September 1, November 1 at 11:59pm.
  • Applications must be received a minimum of two months before the project is planned to start.
  • Funding is available until the annual budget is exhausted.
Eligible uses of the grant
  • Priority will be given to projects that support health and wellness, job creation and education and training.
  • Other eligible uses include support for projects that focus on language, the environment, infrastructure needs, emergency preparedness or technology.
  • Temporary jobs that create internships, mentorships, summer student positions, and work experience leading to future employment or professional development for Haida Gwaii Residents. Organizations that apply for temporary jobs may apply year after year to Community Innovation.
  • Other innovative ideas are welcome.
Ineligible uses of the grant
  • Core funding.
  • Expenses incurred prior to approval.
  • Applications for temporary jobs that seek to support previously staffed positions, existing positions, or that relieve government or primarily government funded organizations of their responsibilities.
  • Other items as outlined in the General Grant Guidelines.
How to apply

Applications must be submitted online through our grant management system. You will need to create an account to access application forms, save drafts, and submit your application. If you don’t have access to a computer or need assistance with your application, please call or visit our offices. 

Organizations or individuals with overdue grant reporting where an extension has not been approved are not eligible to apply until reporting is complete.

Approval process

The Gwaii Trust Board of Directors will review complete applications to make funding decisions by consensus. Funding decisions usually take two months after any scheduled intake deadline.