INVESTING IN BC CONSERVATION SINCE 1981

The Habitat Acquisition Grant is now open for application.
The deadline to apply is April 15, 2024, at 4:30pm (PDT).

Each spring, HCTF accepts grant applications from land trust organizations looking to purchase properties to protect important habitat for BC’s fish and wildlife. Proposed acquisitions are evaluated on criteria such as species richness, connectivity, conservation planning priority, habitats, and impending threats to these values. Financial factors such as partnership funding, stability of the proponent organization, cost per hectare and level of community support are also carefully considered. Because Habitat Acquisition grants are funded with licence surcharge money, properties that also include public fishing and hunting opportunities are generally given priority consideration.

See our Land Acquisitions For Habitat Conservation page for more information on what the program has accomplished thus far.

The Habitat Acquisition Grant is now open for application.
The deadline to apply is April 15, 2024, at 4:30pm (PDT).

Please review our Habitat Acquisition Proposal Guidelines if you are interested in submitting a proposal.

2024-2025 Habitat Acquisition Proposal Guidelines

 

To apply for funding, download the Habitat Acquisition Proposal Worksheet (Word document) and HCTF Habitat Acquisition Proposal Budget (spreadsheet).

2024-2025 Acquisition Proposal Worksheet 2024-2025 Acquisition Budget Spreadsheet

 

How to Apply

Submission of Habitat Acquisition Grant Applications is through the HCTF Survey Apply system. Please note that all applications must be submitted using Survey Apply. HCTF cannot accept applications by email.

Survey Apply Application System

Apply Online

 

Habitat Acquisitions – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Habitat Acquisitions FAQ Page

 

If you have any questions, please contact Barb von Sacken at bvonsacken@hctf.ca or 250-940-3013.

Congratulations on your successful application for habitat acquisition funding!

Your funding notification included several funding conditions. These funding conditions must be satisfied prior to HCTF issuing a conditional grant agreement. Once funding conditions are satisfied, you will receive the conditional grant agreement in the mail and an accompanying checklist. Please read your grant agreement carefully, and complete all requirements on the checklist before returning to HCTF. Questions? Please contact our Financial Officer.

  • Conditional Grant Agreement

    Please note that your project final approval is subject to entering into a Conditional Grant Agreement with HCTF. You have received two copies of a conditional grant agreement and an accompanying checklist. Please read your grant agreement carefully, and complete all requirements on the checklist before returning to HCTF.

    View a sample of the Conditional Grant Agreement here.

  • Standard Funding Conditions

    Standard Funding Conditions Applied to all HCTF Habitat Acquisition Grants
    Provide HCTF with:
    1. A copy of the completed property appraisal.
    2. The signed purchase agreement between the proponent and the vendor for HCTF to review.
    3. Written confirmation from all other funding partners regarding their funding commitment, consistent with the original proposal.
    4. Written agreement that non-mechanized public access will be allowed on the subject property for recreational activities including, but not limited to, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing, unless those activities are precluded by provincial legislation, regulation or local bylaw.
    5. A 1-2 page communication plan for HCTF review and approval.
    6. Written agreement that the property will not be leased to the province, or other party without the permission of HCTF.
    7. A listing of water licences associated with the property and a description of your plan to manage those licences for conservation benefit once you purchase the lands.

    Note that some funding conditions may not apply depending on the situation:
    •#1 or #2 may not apply if they were included as part of the proposal.
    •#4 may not apply if the proposal is clear that hunting and fishing will not be permitted and the BOD decides to approve (e.g. Regional Park, no firearms discharge area).
    •#7 only applies if there are existing water licences on the property.

  • Insurance

    Please note the insurance requirements in Section 9 of your Conditional Grant Agreement. You will require a Certificate of Insurance for General Liability: your insurer can assist in completing this certificate.

  • HCTF Acknowledgement

    The support provided by HCTF must be acknowledged in any publicity issued, printed or distributed, including signs, displays, reports, announcements, articles, press releases, or media interviews. Further information on communications guidelines and copies of the HCTF logo are available here.

  • Contract Extensions

    Contract Extensions Request form can be found at the links below:

    Contract Extension Request – Letter

    Contract Extension Request – Form

    HCTF habitat acquisition projects funding approval expires by March 31st of the year noted in the Conditional Grant Agreement (CGA). If your acquisition is going to take longer to complete, you may apply for a contract extension. This is due in early February each year: contact the Financial Officer for more information.

A Habitat Acquisition Report Form needs to be completed and submitted to HCTF on completion of the purchase, in order to receive the 10% holdback. Please download the form here. Typically report forms are due by April 15th of the grant deadline year. Please note: if you are able to submit your report prior to the April 15th deadline, we highly encourage you to do so! This will allow us to get you your final payment sooner, by cheque or electronic fund transfer.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Barb von Sacken at bvonsacken@hctf.ca or 250-940-3013.

Habitat Acquisition Project Profiles