Applications are now open for the 2026 Climate Action grant program, which seeks to encourage residents, nonprofits and charities to participate in community-based climate action projects. The grant will give up to $2,000 to each applicant to support their climate ideas and/or projects.
Under a changing climate, Kamloops finds itself increasingly exposed to extreme weather events like wildfires and flooding. The City became a signatory of the B.C. Climate Action Charter in 2007, and has since led several efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its jurisdiction. In 2021, they published their Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP), focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving community resilience to climate change, and enhancing the urban ecosystem.
With a pledge outlined in the CCAP, the City announced its plan to reduce emissions by 80 per cent (compared to 2007) by 2050. Since then, they have been dedicated to promoting environmentally friendly solutions to key emission drivers, including transportation, land use, waste, and construction.
The Climate Action Grant is yet another step towards Kamloops’ sustainability goals. With a total of $20,000 in funding available annually from its Climate Action Reserve, the City will be on the hunt for creative, effective and critical projects that bring the community closer to its objectives as listed in the CCAP.
The grant has supported various initiatives in recent years. In 2023, it funded 10 projects, in whole or in part, and in 2024, it funded 14. Several of those projects involved things like bike repair and safety initiatives, sustainability programs and workshops in schools and community spaces, and awareness campaigns.
Some highlights over the years include the setup of irrigation systems and composting programs in local secondary schools, an annual Repair Café pop-up to help residents troubleshoot and fix household items (which prevents them from ending up in landfills), educational and pollination gardens, as well as several programs that have improved the efficiency and sustainability of waste disposal.
Per Jaimi Garbutt, the City’s sustainability educator, the goal of these grants is to “empower citizens and community groups with resources to deliver projects that foster a climate-friendly community.”
To be eligible for funding, applications must not only align with the priorities of the CCAP but also prove directly beneficial to the community as a whole. They must improve resilience towards climate change and/or reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They must also foster neighbourhood pride and/or community wellness, while remaining respectful of the principles of equity and climate justice.
Applications opened on Nov. 17 and will stay open until Jan. 16, 2026, after which they will be closed for review by City staff. Applicants may receive anything from $500 to a maximum of $2,000. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early, while ensuring they meet all necessary criteria.
Visit the Climate Action Grant page here to send in your application, read the guidelines, or learn more about the initiative.