At the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, we work proactively to be a good neighbour, inspiring community connections, fostering relationships with First Nations, and upholding safety and security. One of the ways we work to create strong, vibrant port communities is through our community investment program. Through this program, we support, sponsor, and donate to important initiatives in our surrounding communities.
Our community investment program dedicates up to 1% of our net income to fund important initiatives in our surrounding communities. Funding opportunities include:
- Community grants
- Indigenous community fund
- Community event sponsorship
Our community investment program will launch in early 2025. Please check here for updates. Application is expected to open in the Spring.
Community grants
We are investing $375,000 this year in our neighbouring communities to support local organizations, programs, and initiatives that enrich the lives of the people who live and work there
We are offering 15 grants of $25,000 each towards these five categories (three grants per category):
- Food security: enabling access to basic needs
- Employment readiness: training opportunities for employment
- Safety and shelter: creating safe neighbourhoods
- Gender equity: advancing gender equity
- Environment: supporting conservation efforts in the lands and waters of the port’s jurisdiction
The port authority will consider funding for:
- Organizations that are registered charities or non-profit organizations, a municipality, a public institution, an unregistered community organization, or an Indigenous group
- Projects and initiatives that serve the communities within the port authority’s jurisdiction and align with one of our five categories above
- Organizations with a sustained record of achievement
- Programs that have clear and measurable goals
- Applications that are completed in full, including description of the project, expected outcomes, budget, and recognition plan
Please note:
- We do not provide multi-year funding.
- Additionally, organizations that have been funded by this same program in the preceding year (e.g. if you were a successful applicant in 2025, you would not be eligible in 2026, and the earliest you can apply for this grant again would be in 2027).
We do not fund the following items through community grants:
• Capital projects and campaigns
• Sports teams, athletes, tournaments, equipment or travel costs
• Parent advisory councils (PACs)
• Political, lobbyist or religious organizations
• Fundraising events (golf tournaments, galas, etc.)
• Conferences
• Private events
• Neighbourhood block parties
• Camps
• Individual fundraising efforts
• Requests for 100% of a project’s budget
• Exclusive organizations that limit or bar participation based on race, religion, culture
• Applications are reviewed once per year. To be considered, your application must be received by 11:59 p.m. on the application deadline.
• Please allow up to four weeks following the application deadline to receive a response regarding your application status.
We receive numerous requests for funding each year. Unfortunately, we are not able to support every request. To ensure an equitable decision process, we do not accept phone calls or meet with applicants to discuss the application.
Applications for 2025 will open in the Spring. Please check back here for updates.
Indigenous community fund
Reconciliation is a journey of education and action to improve relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Respecting and considering the rights, culture, and history of Indigenous peoples is essential to building strong and productive relationships and to mitigating negative effects that port-related activities may have on Indigenous groups. Fostering an understanding of reconciliation and the importance of renewed relationships with Indigenous peoples is a priority for the port authority. Funding is available for Indigenous projects and events within the port authority’s jurisdiction.
The port authority will consider funding for:
- First Nations communities and Indigenous-led organizations
- Organizations that are registered charities or non-profit organizations, a municipality, or a public institution
- Projects and events that serve the communities within the port authority’s jurisdiction
- Communities and organizations with a sustained record of achievement
- Programs that have clear and measurable goals
- Applications that are completed in full, including description of the project, expected outcomes, budget, and recognition plan
Please note:
- For applications submitted by organizations working with Indigenous Knowledge on the land, we request a letter of support from one or more local Nations, as the work will occur within their traditional territories.
- We do not provide multi-year funding.
We do not fund the following items through the Indigenous community fund:
• Capital projects and campaigns
• Sports teams, athletes, tournaments, equipment or travel costs
• Parent advisory councils (PACs)
• Political, lobbyist or religious organizations
• Fundraising events (golf tournaments, galas, etc.)
• Conferences
• Private events
• Neighbourhood block parties
• Camps
• Individual fundraising efforts
• Requests for 100% of a project’s budget
• Exclusive organizations that limit or bar participation based on race, religion, culture
Applications are reviewed monthly. Please allow up to four weeks following the application submission to receive a response regarding your application status.
We receive numerous requests for funding each year. We thank all applicants for their interest but are unfortunately not able to support every request.
Applications for 2025 will open in the Spring. Please check back here for updates.
Community event sponsorship
Sponsoring community events allows us to connect with our neighbours and share the work we do as the port authority. Through the community investment program, priority is given to events that focus on:
• Strengthening the local community (within close proximity to port operations)
• Providing opportunities for people of all ages to connect with one another
• Providing free or low-cost ways to participate or attend
• Providing onsite engagement opportunities for the port community team
Applications are by invitation only and reviewed monthly. If your organization has been selected to apply, you will be contacted directly.
If you have not been invited to apply for community event sponsorship but are interested in inviting the port community team to set up a booth at your event, please email [email protected]. We are always looking for opportunities to attend community events with our interactive booth, fun and educational giveaways, and our mascot, Salty.
Scholarships and bursaries
We partner with educational institutions to provide scholarships and bursaries to students furthering a career in port-related disciplines. Please contact the institutions directly for application information.
- Capilano University Foundation – Scholarship Endowment (International Business and Logistics)
- BCIT Foundation – Port of Vancouver Scholarship in Memory of Christopher T. Brown
- BCIT Foundation – Port of Vancouver Entrance Award in Memory of Richard. C. Pearce
- BCIT Foundation - Vancouver Fraser Port Authority Bursary for women-identifying students in marine engineering and nautical sciences programs
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University – Vancouver Fraser Port Authority Bursary for a First Nations student from: Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, Katzie, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo or Tsawwassen First Nation
Leadership program
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority leadership program provides grade 10 and 11 secondary school students from across the Lower Mainland with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, develop leadership and communication skills, and make new friends. This is a volunteer program where students are required to complete a minimum of 80 hours through training and volunteer work experience, both at community events and at Canada Place. Upon completion, students are eligible to receive a $1,000 honorarium.
Teachers interested in learning more about our leadership program are encouraged to contact [email protected].
Light for a cause
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority offers local charities and non-profit events the opportunity to build awareness for their cause or organization by illuminating the Canada Place sails in colours themed to the specific cause on select days. Please visit the Canada Place website to learn more about the Sails of Light program.