The Quesnel Community Foundation funds projects through our Grant Cycle in the categories of Arts, Education, Environment, Health, Recreation and Social Programs.
Grants from the Foundation are intended to support projects that benefit our local area and residents, provide a service to our community, or take a new, innovative approach in responding to a need or concern within the Quesnel, Lhtako Dene, and North Cariboo regions.
In addition to our general Grant Application, there are currently two Field of Interest Grants established by donors in our community. Please submit an application during our 2025 Grant Cycle if you feel you qualify for either one:
West Fraser Community Fund - a grant established for the purpose of supporting mental health and related community support services.
Holger Bauer Forest Safety Award - a grant established for the purpose of aiding in forest safety, outdoor recreation, forest stewardship, and forest conservation.
David Gibb Memorial Art Award - a grant established for the purpose of supporting the practice of the arts by both groups and individuals in the Quesnel area.
Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games Endowment Fund - a grant established for the purpose of supporting community organizations that promote and provide access to, sport and recreation.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
All successful grant recipients are expected to submit a Final Report, project invoices and photos to QCF.
How To Receive Grants
To apply for a grant:
Documents to download:
For information on alternative Grant sources, click here.
For more information on the Foundation and our Grants process, please read the Frequently Asked Questions.
For examples of previous initiatives that the Foundation has funded since our Endowment Fund was initiated in 2001, please visit our websites’ Archived Projects.
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The Quesnel Technics Gymnastics Club received funding to replace a set of uneven bars that were 40 years old, for reasons of safety and quality of training for the 50 competitive athletes and nearly 400 recreational athletes that use the equipment yearly. Appropriate equipment is important when trying to prepare athletes for provincial-level competitions, and to host high-level events at the club.
The new bars from Spieth are in use and club athletes have had excellent results in subsequent competitions!
The funding for this project, in cooperation with the City of Quesnel, was used to acquire grooming equipment in order to ease the burden on volunteers and to improve the timeliness and grooming quality in the West Fraser Timer Park trail system and beyond. This helped enable the trails to be open for fatbiking and snowshoeing through the winter months.
Funds from the grant will purchase equipment needed to offer our training and events, including equipment that is flexible, portable and easily broken down for alternate uses. Proprietary equipment reduces the need to rent or borrow equipment and allows us the flexibility and portability to provide services and events anywhere.
We met our goal of already holding our first trial using our own equipment for sheep-handling. Not only was it more convenient and timely to not have to borrow panels from other user groups/neighbours; we also saved over $400 in rental fees for panels (compared to our last event ).
Troll Freestyle Club applied for Quesnel Community Foundation funding to purchase safety equipment to enhance the participant's experiences and ensure the safety of coaches, athletes, ski patrol and all ski hill patrons. They purchased Freestyle bibs, radios and had the appropriate radio channels installed.
Freestyle bibs allowed for a looser fit, provided more comfort and flexibility while performing freestyle skiing and snowboarding. The bright colours made their athletes and coaches more visible, which will be an added advertising bonus for the club and Quesnel Community Foundation.
The radios and programmed channels enabled better communication and quicker response time in an emergency. By having specific channels installed, they eliminated the concern of losing contact with Troll Ski Patrol.
The project brought 24 classes (8-9 from the Quesnel area) to camp for three days of camping and outdoor education. All teaching staff, cook staff, support staff, accomodation, bussing, and food are provided free of charge to schools. A combination of forest ecology lessons, outdoor recreation, and multiple free-time activities make this trip a highlight of the school year!
This project helped fund much-needed kitchen equipment upgrades to replace used, borrowed equipment. The goal was to eliminate as much food spoilage as possible
Funding for this project went torwards the purchase of a Smart Board for Spirit Centre meeting room. This equipment will allow groups to provide presentations at their meetings, and allow for virtual connections so people can join from elsewhere if they are not able to attend in person.
The goal of this project was to produce props and set pieces of the 2024 Theatre Royal show to increase popularity for the show amongst children and non-English speaking visitors. This was the first season that Barkerville was able to open the theatre to visitors on June 1st with other programming, allowing the historic site to increase its visiting school group population.
One long lasting benefit to the project is that the props and set pieces created for the show should last for several seasons, giving us ample material for future shows, or the re-introduction of previous acts that contain the built items.
This project acquited the necessary equipment designed for lost pet recovery operations. The purchase of specialized equipment is essential to enhance the organization's ability to recover lost pets efficiently as part of a dedicated Lost Pet Recovery Team.
This project will to fund the the shipping costs of getting a 10 person dragon boat to Quesnel, that was purchased with other grants. The smaller 10-person boat should increase the number of outings (less cancellations due to required minimum number of paddlers). Just as importantly, however, it will increase diversity access because a smaller environment will be provided for new paddlers who are possibly intimidated by a larger group and/or a larger boat, or when smaller groups are keen to trial the sport (for example, Community Living, and our ongoing partnership with School District 28). The boat will be available for the 2025 paddling season!
This funded project supported the purchase of a new commercial-grade refrigerator for the Quesnel Senior's Centre. This equipment supports events that rent the space and its equipment, including conferences, business meetings, wedding and various seniors' activities.
The project, purchasing tablets for cadet training and education, has been a resounding success, fully achieving our objectives. The new tablets and casessignificantly enhanced our cadet group's training sessions by providing interactive learning opportunities, access to educational resources, and improved communication among cadets and instructors.
An unexpected benefit has been the increased engagement and enthusiasm among cadets. The availability of modern technology has sparked greater interest in digital skills and teamwork, fostering a more dynamic and collaborative environment.
Overall, the project has exceeded our expectations, providing both the intended benefits and additional positive outcomes for our cadet group.
The purchase of two-way radios was intended to enhance communication among volunteers who orchestrate parking and handle multiple duties at Quesnel Prospectors Car Club events. This will enhance safety, security and the overall experience for those participating in events. After several uses of the new equipment, all would judge the project a big success!
Funding from the Quesnel Community Foundation was used to purchase bolts of fabric backing and rolls of batting used to complete quilts which are then given to both children who face medical or emotional trauma and other vulnerable members of the community.
Using these materials the Quilters Guild reached their goal of completing over 100 quilts!
A Quesnel Community Foundation grant was used to purchase batting helmets, infielder masks, and gloves to serve as 'loner' equipment. This will help remove the barrier of equipment costs for new entrants into the sport. Last year all equipment needs were met but Quesnel Youth Slo Pitch anticipated the need of more loner equipment going into their second season.
Additionally funds were used to purchase several sport-specific pieces of equipment to improve their practice and game programs. This includes adaptable batting tees for both practice and game play, and a rebounder for use in throwing and catching drills, as well as a portable batting training station and a variety of adapted, different-weighted balls (for those children unable to throw a standard softball, or those afraid to catch one).
The items we purchased this year were extremely helpful to the league, as membership tripled in size from last year. Previously there was one age division running on one field, this year there were three age divisions running on all three fields!
This project was able to fund an office upgrade in the Spirit Square building. NCSC is currently sharing space with the Quesnel Downton Assoc. These upgrades- laptop, portable monitor and office chair, were required to keep up with increasing demands on the office space and its equipment.
Funding from the Quesnel Community Foundation provided a projector, an AV cart, and various cords and connectors. Together these p[rovide the capacity to film videos and make presentations within our community. We wish to grow the performing arts and build new deeper relationships with the community businesses, sponsors potential members, and the public, by showing them wonderful performances by and interviews with our talented youth. In addition, we would accomplish this by providing interactive training options for teachers, We would also promote an awareness of how important the Arts are within the community and how much the Arts can impact the lives of people and the bottom line of busnesses.
With support from the Foundation, Special Olympics sought to purchase new uniforms for their rhythmic gymnastics team. Rhythmic gymnastics has been a long-standing program with Special Olympics since 2005, and in 2024 had nine athletes participating. The team trains and competes weekly from October to March, and this year, will competed for the first time since 2016. The athletes are required to wear form-fitting uniforms, and the previous uniforms which were purchased around 2010, are in need of replacement.
Special Olympics BC- Quesnel purchased 5 custom made uniforms for Level 1 and C athletes. They also bought shirts and vinyl for the shirts for one male and 3 wheelchair athletes. The uniforms were praised by the judges because of the fit and how comfortable the athletes looked. The ability to buy these custom uniforms brought a professionalism to the team and they excelled in competition. One of our athletes took top overall for Level 1 competition!
This project funded the purchase of a comprehensive set of Canine Hoopers equipment, ensuring a safe, engaging, and accessible activity for club members and their canine companions.
The acquisition will include hoops, durable tunnels that can withstand all weather conditions, gates, and lightweight barrels for creating versatile courses. By investing in high-quality, competition-standard equipment, the club will be able to host training sessions, workshops, and competitive events, fostering a deeper bond between dogs and their owners, promoting physical exercise, and enhancing our community’s spirit through this inclusive sport.
This initiative o broadens our offering of dog sports, making the King Dog Sports Club a central hub for canine activities in the area.
A multi-faceted project including a mobile food market, offering healthy food to all community members with a focus on those facing food insecurity, free educational workshops for community groups including Mental Health First Aid and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, the ability to set up a branded booth at the Quesnel Farmer's Market and other community events to promote the programs and services offered and to create awareness around the social issues impacting our community.
The installation of a Double-Decker Cone Spinner and a rubber fall surface in the Kersley Community Park.
To supply and install concrete picnic tables and firepits at the Telegraph Lake horse campground and, two Telegraph Lake trail signs on the COTT.
To provide virtual programming for school groups unable to travel to Barkerville. This grant from the QCF assisted us in providing a significant percentage of the necessary wages that were needed to be able to execute this program. Through our online portal, teachers were able to book the date and time of their program and were automatically provided with a Zoom link to their private session. In total, we were able to connect with 31 classrooms across BC and even as far away as Ontario. We were unable able to secure additional funding for the program, so the remaining $12K that was needed came from Barkerville’s operating budget. The project created 670 hours of work for our interpretation staff.
To the purchase of banners and creation of murals to create awareness of the group's 50th Anniversary. "By supporting local performers and artists, and by bringing in a variety of performers, the Arts Council provides opportunities for everyone to participate and be enriched by the experience."
To assets and buildings upgrades required in implementing a studio space conversion, a necessary second floor egress and updated emergency infrastructure accommodating hearing-impaired residents on the second floor of the Artist-in-Residence Building at 4234 Sanders Avenue.
To the set up of competition level equipment for hosting the Gold Pan City Invitational and Zone 8 competitions.
To update and improve two large billboard signs along Hwy 97 and the kiosk in LeBourdais Park. These items are used by FARMED in their overall project focused on "Connecting Producers to Consumers and increasing both Food Security and Food Sovereignty in the North Cariboo".
Purchase and installation of a new secure storage container (aka sea-can).
1. Improve the 2.5 km and the 5 km race courses so that they meet technical race requirements and are suitable for competition. This will include some course widening, and the removal of trees and brush in constricted locations as well as installation of a few culverts.
2. Widen and improve the visibility of the Sprint Course. The sport of cross country skiing has evolved to make extensive use of sprint courses which are quite short and need to be very open for optimal spectator viewing.
3. Widen all of the ski trails at the venue. The trails have become narrower since they were built 25 years ago. Large deciduous brush has closed in on the trails despite annual maintenance.
4. The adventure park, where much learning takes place needs some modification. We wish to add a kids trail with some new terrain features.
To the purchase a new mattress that is specialized for comfort care. This mattress is specially designed to ease the comfort of patients who are in bed for most of the time. It helps to distribute their weight better which helps to prevent bed sores or make them less severe.
To assist in providing group counselling sessions supporting adults who have experienced violence, substance abuse and mental health concerns
plus 2,272.00 from the Hauger Bauer Fund. To assist in bringing approximately 24 classes to the outdoor education centre for 3 days/2 nights of camping and outdoor education. All teaching staff, cook and support staff as well as bussing and food services will be free to the schools and students. Students will be involved in a combination of Forest Ecology lessons, outdoor skills lessons, chore activities and multiple outdoor free time activities.
To upgrade classrooms with printers, shredders, projectors, screens and tables.
Purchase of ten Purple Air monitors for measuring air quality in neighbourhoods.
The main objectives of this project are:
a) to collect neighbourhood specific data about air quality in the Quesnel area.
b) to increase public awareness of air quality and it's impact on human health.
c) to under understand how local sources such as forest fires influence air quality over time.
d) to aid in policy decisions related to air quality within the region.
To the purchase of six target butts for shooting arrows in the indoor facility.
To expand the number of safe space activities for our youth and their allies and provide new educational opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community via a website and calling options for youth and adult support groups.
On August 25/2023, the Amata Transition House presented a social community event for the first time, the “Wrap Up the Summer Family Event” at the Lebourdais Park. Community partners and members were invited. Approx 250 people attended this fun event. There were grand prize and small prizes for different games. Face painting, crafts, refreshments and BBQ were provided.
To the purchase of freezers/refrigerators and shelving to safely store and secure food. The group provides a healthy and nutritious hamper to those in need in the community. The primary focus was on seniors but have now expanded to include families on disability income and emergency cases.
To the purchase of a commercial tent with logo and a vertical standing banner. These items give the society an opportunity to promote their services at Farmer's Markets, Indigenous People's Day, job fairs, the Quesnel Trade show, the West Quesnel Night Market and the Children's Festival. "We believe more exposure and recognition will lead to more community members being served."
Assistance with hosting the 40th Annual Festival:
1. Successfully renewed the software required to run our up and coming festival. The
software system, DanceComp Genie, streamlines registration, scoring, data analysis,
photos, video, adjudication and fees among all of the 5 festival disciplines - vocal/choral,
band/instrumental, dance, speech/dramatic arts and piano.
2. Successfully purchased two point of sale square terminals and supplies needed to facilitate credit cards and monetary transactions from patrons.
3. Successfully purchased 2 tablets for point of sale purchases, board training,
documentation and volunteer coordination.
Purchase of a large collapsible shelter, useful in sheltering athletes, volunteers and equipment from sun and rain.
To the purchase of microwavable and freezable containers used in their delivery of home-cooked meals to seniors in the Quesnel community.
Gold Dust Mall stage refurbishments and equipment for kid's entertainment. The Gold Dust Mall during Billy Barker Days is a huge boost to downtown merchants and, local and out of town vendors who set up for the four day festival on Reid Street.
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