Last Updated June 22, 2020 (this FAQ will be updated periodically)In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Community Gaming Grants program reaffirms that our top priority remains the health and safety of British Columbians. We recognize the substantial and unprecedented impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on B.C.’s not-for-profit sector. We’re making changes to the Community Gaming Grants program to help not-for-profit organizations adapt and continue to provide vital services to British Columbians, including many vulnerable people who are particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are closely monitoring sector impacts and are working as quickly as possible to adjust our processes and policies in response to the rapidly evolving situation. We appreciate your patience during this challenging time.
The following FAQs are for past recipients and new applicants for Community Gaming Grants.
Is there a decrease in the annual $140 million budget available through the Community Gaming Grants program in 2020/21?
There is no change to the Community Gaming Grants program budget for 2020/21. Eligible organizations can continue to apply for grants with the confidence that funds are available as in prior years.
Given current events, should our organization continue to apply for Community Gaming Grant funding in 2020?
Yes. We are committed to supporting our applicants during these challenging times and encourage you to apply.
To address the urgent needs of organizations serving vulnerable British Columbians, the program opened applications for the Human and Social Services sector in mid-June, nearly two months earlier this year.
All other sector application periods remain unchanged.
Will the altered application period for the Human and Social Services sector affect other sectors?
To accommodate an increase in demand for supports for the Human and Social Services sector, notification deadlines for other sectors have been delayed. This will allow flexibility for the program to expedite support for organizations serving vulnerable British Columbians.
We’ve adjusted the Parent Advisory Council sector notification to October 31 and the Arts and Culture, Sports, Public Safety and Environment sector notification deadlines to February 28 to allow for flexibility to prioritize programs and services that require immediate action.
The program will continue to process applications as quickly as possible.
The notification deadline for my sector has been moved back to February 28, does this mean we will have to wait until 2021 to get a decision?
Not necessarily. While the Community Gaming Grants Branch will be expediting the assessment of applications for organizations serving vulnerable British Columbians, all other applications will continue to be assessed in the order in which they were received. Grant award decisions will be released on a rolling basis throughout the year. The Branch anticipates that the majority of applicants in the Sports, Arts and Culture, Environment and Public Safety sectors will receive a grant award decision prior to the end of the 2020 calendar year.
In light of COVID-19, our organization has changed how it delivers its programming, will this affect our eligibility for Community Gaming Grant funding?
No. The program supports organizations’ efforts to continue to deliver while ensuring physical distance. Acceptable examples include an arts organization delivering performances virtually or a food bank adding a home delivery component.
Our organization has launched a new program to support vulnerable British Columbians during the pandemic. Can we include this new programming on our application for 2020?
Yes. The Community Gaming Grants program will waive the 12-month previous delivery requirement for new programs that respond to COVID-19-related community needs and priorities.
Our organization has experienced a drop in donations and other revenues; will we be penalized if our program financials show that government funding makes up more than 75 per cent of prior year operating costs?
No. The Community Gaming Grants program understands that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the ability of not-for-profit organizations to generate revenues. The program will not penalize returning applicants whose program financials show government funding making up more than 75 per cent of prior year operating costs.
Has the Community Gaming Grants program changed its application process in light of COVID-19?
The program has added a new requirement on both the regular and renewed funding application forms for all applicants to include a description of how they plan to deliver programming in the context of COVID-19 and the associated public health directives for physical distancing.
If your organization is unable to provide required documentation with your application due to recent events (e.g. AGM meeting minutes, program budgets, etc.), please provide an explanation. We are working to be as flexible as possible.
Our organization has cancelled/postponed or wants to cancel/postpone our programming in light of B.C.’s requirements for physical distancing. What are our options?
The Community Gaming Grants program fully supports organizations’ need to cancel or postpone programming in order to meet B.C.’s requirements for physical distancing.
If an approved program is cancelled/postponed, organizations may redirect the funds to any other approved program or may retain the funds for future use.
The Community Gaming Grants program has extended the permissible timeframe to disburse grant funding from 12 to 24 months if your organization is unable to disburse funds due to COVID-19.
If you were unable to disburse your grant funds within 12 months, please note this in Section 9 of the Gaming Account Summary Report submitted to the Branch. Please include in this section: a description of any postponements or cancellations, the reason(s) for any funds being held beyond 12 months, the amount to be retained and the proposed purpose(s) and timeline for disbursement.
If programming is cancelled or postponed as a result of COVID-19, can we use our Community Gaming Grant funds for our organization’s core operating costs (i.e. wages, rent, utilities, insurance, etc.)?
No. Community Gaming Grant funds are intended to be used for the direct delivery of programming and therefore should not be used for your organization’s general operating expenses if programs cannot be delivered at this time.
If an approved program is cancelled/postponed, organizations may redirect the funds to any other approved program or may retain the funds for future use.
The program has extended the permissible timeframe to disburse Community Gaming Grant funds from 12 to 24 months if your organization is unable to disburse funds due to COVID-19.
If you were unable to disburse your grant funds within 12 months, please note this in Section 9 of the Gaming Account Summary Report (GASR) submitted to the Branch. Please include in this section: a description of any postponements or cancellations, the reason(s) for any funds being held beyond 12 months, the amount to be retained and the proposed purpose(s) and timeline for disbursement.
Our organization has spent Community Gaming Grant funding on programming which has now been cancelled and we cannot recover these expenses. Are we required to re-pay this money to the program?
No. You will NOT be required to pay back any ‘sunk’ expenses that you have already incurred on programming which has been cancelled. You must include information about these expenses on the next Gaming Account Summary Report.
What are the changes being made to the Capital Projects program in light of the COVID-19 pandemic?
This year’s funding will prioritize applications from organizations that are facing an increased demand for services due to the pandemic, and for modifications to facilities to support physical distancing.
The Province will also give priority to new applicants and increase the amount it covers from 50% to 80% of the total cost of eligible capital projects directly related to COVID-19.
How exactly will the changes to the Capital Projects program help not-for-profits with COVID-19 related impacts?
Some organizations need to make modifications to facilities to support physical distancing, such as installing protective shields and barriers, kitchen reconfigurations, renovations to expand hand washing and hygiene stations.
Due to the pandemic some organizations require changes in how a program is delivered, such as changing a senior’s lunch program to home meal delivery service, which may now require a delivery van; or delivering classes and workshops over Zoom or outdoors versus crowded indoor spaces where physical distancing requirements won’t work.
Can organizations still apply for a non-COVID-related capital project or acquisition?
Yes, all applications are encouraged. Additionally, given the requirements to follow the Provincial Health Officer’s orders, applicants should also clarify that their non-COVID-19 related projects or services fall within the Provincial Health Officer guidelines.
Will ministry staff be available for questions during this time?
Staff are available during regular business hours by phone and email.
If you have questions, please email the Branch at: CommunityGamingGrants@gov.bc.ca
If you’d like to speak to a representative over the phone, please call the Branch during business hours at: 250-356-1081 or toll-free at 1-800-663-7867
