Deadline: 15-Oct-2026
The Columbia Basin Trust GATHER Grants program supports local governments and First Nation communities in the Columbia Basin region to revitalize and enhance outdoor community gathering spaces. The initiative focuses on strengthening community connection by improving shared public environments such as downtown areas, town squares, and outdoor event spaces.
The program is designed to help communities create vibrant, inclusive, and resilient public spaces that encourage social interaction and long-term community wellbeing.
Programme Overview
The GATHER Grants program supports projects that improve outdoor civic and communal spaces. It emphasizes placemaking and community revitalization through both planning and physical development.
Key objectives include:
- Revitalizing downtown and town centre areas
- Enhancing outdoor public gathering spaces
- Strengthening community connection and engagement
- Supporting vibrant and resilient local communities
- Improving livability and public space usability
Funding Structure
The program provides funding across two stages:
Planning and design stage:
- Supports early-stage project development
- Includes concept design, feasibility studies, and planning activities
Implementation stage:
- Supports physical construction and outdoor improvements
- Covers infrastructure upgrades and space enhancements
This dual-stage model allows communities to move from initial planning through to full project delivery.
Eligible Projects
Projects may include:
- Upgrading town squares and public plazas
- Improving downtown public spaces
- Enhancing outdoor event and gathering areas
- Creating or restoring community-centric outdoor infrastructure
- Designing inclusive and accessible public environments
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include:
- Local governments
- First Nation communities
Geographic requirement:
- Applicants must be located within the Columbia Basin Trust region
Additional expectations:
- Applicants are encouraged to review the program guide and worksheet before applying
- Applications must be submitted through the official online portal
Application Process
- Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis
- Funding is allocated as applications are assessed
- The program closes once funds are fully committed
- Early application is strongly encouraged
Programme Objectives
The GATHER Grants program aims to:
- Strengthen community identity and pride
- Improve accessibility and usability of public spaces
- Support long-term community vitality
- Encourage social interaction and cohesion
- Enhance outdoor infrastructure in town centres
- Promote sustainable and resilient community design
Expected Outcomes
- Improved quality of outdoor public spaces
- Increased community engagement and social connection
- Revitalized downtown and civic areas
- Stronger local identity and sense of place
- Enhanced livability across Basin communities
- More inclusive and accessible gathering environments
Why the Programme Matters
- Supports long-term community revitalization
- Strengthens social cohesion through shared spaces
- Encourages sustainable urban and rural design
- Enhances public wellbeing and civic participation
- Provides flexible funding from planning to execution
- Helps communities adapt and thrive over time
Conclusion
The Columbia Basin Trust GATHER Grants program provides targeted support to improve outdoor community spaces across the Columbia Basin region. By funding both planning and implementation stages, the program enables local governments and First Nations to create vibrant, inclusive, and resilient public gathering places that strengthen community life.
For more information, visit Columbia Basin Trust.