Submissions open for Civil Forfeiture Grant Program – Canada

Deadline: 15-Dec-2025

The Civil Forfeiture Grant Program in British Columbia offers annual, one-time funding to community-based organizations for projects focused on crime prevention, gender-based violence, Indigenous healing, and restorative justice. Grants cover up to 100% of project costs to a maximum of $40,000 per funding stream. Applications are due by December 15, 2025, with notifications in May 2026, and all projects must conclude by June 30, 2027.

Overview

The Civil Forfeiture Grant Program supports initiatives that prevent and remediate crime while promoting safety, inclusion, and healing in communities across British Columbia. The program funds community-based organizations to deliver targeted, time-limited interventions addressing societal vulnerabilities.

Key Funding Streams and Objectives

1. Crime Prevention Stream

   • Supports trauma-informed and culturally safe interventions for at-risk individuals

   • Targets youth with multiple risk factors and prolific offenders

   • Focuses on preventing engagement in criminal activity

2. Gender-Based Violence Stream

   • Funds culturally safe projects addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, exploitation, elder abuse, and sex work safety

   • Supports underserved populations and organizations with existing mandates in the sector

   • Encourages consent education and legal system navigation

3. Indigenous Healing Stream

   • Funds Indigenous-led or co-led initiatives

   • Promotes healing from intergenerational trauma, crime, or victimization

   • Projects must reflect Indigenous culture and worldviews

4. Restorative Justice Stream

   • Strengthens restorative justice service delivery

   • Prioritizes victims’ services and program capacity expansion

   • Requires existing Ministry contracts to qualify

Eligible Costs

• Administrative costs up to 15% of total budget

• Essential employment or contractor costs

• Honoraria, materials, supplies, minor participant incentives

• Travel within British Columbia

• Minor capital items and one-time operational investments to enhance sustainability

Ineligible Costs

• Major capital purchases or medical services

• Partisan activities or cash gifts

• Research projects or general awareness campaigns not tied to a service

• Expenditures incurred before funding approval

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Local governments and Indigenous governments

• Registered non-profits and charities in good standing

• Schools and school districts

• Health authorities and academic institutions

• Police departments and other law enforcement agencies

Eligibility Requirements:

• Projects must serve beneficiaries beyond the applying organization

• Funding requests must align with a single funding stream

• Projects must be time-limited and demonstrate measurable outcomes

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Prepare Application:

   • Select one funding stream relevant to your project

   • Develop a project proposal detailing objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and timeline

   • Prepare a detailed budget showing requested funding and any additional resources

2. Submit Application:

   • Deadline: December 15, 2025

   • Submit according to guidelines provided by the Civil Forfeiture Grant Program

3. Assessment Process:

   • Applications are evaluated on alignment with program objectives, community need, readiness, cost-effectiveness, and likelihood of success

4. Funding Notification:

   • Successful applicants will be notified in May 2026

5. Project Completion and Reporting:

   • All projects must be completed by June 30, 2027

   • Interim and final reports detailing expenditures, outcomes, and lessons learned are mandatory

   • Unspent or ineligible funds must be returned

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Do not submit projects under multiple streams; choose one relevant stream only

• Avoid including ineligible costs such as salaries for general staff, major capital items, or pre-approved expenditures

• Clearly demonstrate measurable outcomes and community impact

• Ensure proper financial record-keeping and adherence to reporting requirements

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the Civil Forfeiture Grant Program?
Local governments, registered non-profits and charities, schools, health authorities, police departments, and Indigenous governments/organizations in British Columbia.

2. What is the maximum funding per project?
Up to $40,000 per funding stream, covering 100% of eligible project costs.

3. When is the application deadline?
December 15, 2025.

4. Can a project fall under multiple streams?
No, each project must clearly fit into a single stream.

5. What expenses are eligible for funding?
Administrative costs up to 15%, employment/contractor costs, honoraria, materials, minor capital items, travel, and one-time operational investments.

6. Are medical services or research projects eligible?
No, these are ineligible costs.

7. When must projects be completed?
By June 30, 2027, with interim and final reporting required.

Why It Matters

The Civil Forfeiture Grant Program strengthens community safety and resilience by funding targeted interventions that prevent crime, address gender-based violence, support Indigenous healing, and expand restorative justice. By prioritizing culturally safe, trauma-informed, and measurable outcomes, the program empowers organizations to create lasting, positive change across British Columbia communities.

For more information, visit British Columbia.