Community investment 

Investing in our port communities

At the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, our vision is to make the Port of Vancouver the world’s most sustainable port. We work proactively to be a good neighbour, inspiring community connections, fostering relationships with Indigenous communities, and upholding safety and security.

We believe that in order for a community to truly thrive, those living there need to be able to access what the community has to offer.

One of the ways we work to create strong, vibrant port communities is with our broad-ranging community investment program. Through this program, we support projects and initiatives that align with our vision.

Our program investments support three key pillars:

  • Thriving Communities
  • Healthy Environment
  • Education

Thriving communities

Being a good neighbour and building community connections is the key to a thriving community. This is why we are always looking for opportunities to support local organizations, programs, and initiatives in our neighbouring communities that enrich the lives of the people who live and work there.

Being a good neighbour

We believe in taking care of our neighbours. Through our community investment program, funding consideration is given to programs that endeavour to enhance the quality of life of people in our neighbouring communities, including:

  • Enabling access to basic needs, such as food and shelter
  • Creating safe neighbourhoods
  • Training opportunities for employment

Fostering community connections

Sponsoring community events allows us to connect with our neighbours and share the work we do as the port authority with the community. Through the community investment program, priority is given to large public events and arts and culture initiatives that focus on

  • Strengthening the local community
  • Providing opportunities for people to connect with one another
  • Providing free or low-cost ways to participate or attend

Healthy environment

As a Canada Port Authority, we are responsible for the stewardship of water, land, habitat, and biodiversity within our jurisdiction. To do this, we regularly collaborate with community groups and environmental organizations to support conservation efforts and address environmental risks of port-related activity.

Through the community investment program, funding consideration will be given to organizations or programs that operate within one or more of the following areas:

  • Air and climate action: air quality, greenhouse gas reduction, energy conservation and the use of alternative energy sources
  • Water: water quality, sediment quality and the protection of marine and freshwater ecosystems
  • Land: remediation, restoration and enhancement
  • Biodiversity: enhancing and protecting aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity, including species at risk and their habitat

Applying for funding

We receive numerous requests for funding each year. Unfortunately, we are not able to support every request. Priority is given to projects and initiatives that serve the communities within close proximity to port operations in our jurisdiction and align with our three key pillars.

Before applying, please review the funding guidelines below to ensure your project or initiative is eligible. Applications are prioritized based on program criteria and other factors, and therefore it is not possible to fund all applications received.

Application tip

Given the number of requests we receive each year and the number of communities which we serve, applications up to $15,000 have a greater chance of approval.

In specific cases, we fund existing partnerships that fall outside this criteria.

Ineligible funding requests

The following organizations and/or activities are not eligible to receive funding through our community investment program:

  • Major 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 and galas)
  • Conferences
  • Private events
  • Neighbourhood block parties
  • Camps
  • Healthcare
  • Individual fundraising efforts
  • Requests for 100% of a project’s budget
  • Exclusive organizations that limit or bar participation on the basis of race, religion, culture, gender or sexual orientation

How to apply

There are two funding application intakes each year.

February: for projects and initiatives that require funding between March and August 2024.

August: for projects and initiatives that require funding between September and January of the following year.

To be considered, your application must be received by the appropriate deadlines outlined below. We do not review applications outside of these dates.

Application deadline by 4:00 p.m. PST Notified by

February 15, 2024

March 15, 2024

July 18, 2024

August 15, 2024

The community investment program is now closed. We will begin accepting applications for 2025 in December.

If you have questions specific to the online application form, contact [email protected]

For all other questions, contact [email protected]. Due to high volume of applications, the committee does not accept phone calls or meet with applicants to discuss the application..

Other ways we are investing in our communities

Education

Port activities sustain thousands of jobs across the Lower Mainland. We partner with educational institutions to provide scholarships and bursaries to students furthering a career in port-related disciplines.

At this time, we support six different awards at local educational institutions. Please contact the institutions directly for application information.

Vancouver Fraser Port Authority Leadership Program

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority Leadership Program started in 2004 with just four students. Since then, more than 150 students have participated in the program.

Over the course of the program, students gain valuable work experience and the opportunity to develop their leadership skills. After completing a minimum of 80 volunteer hours through training and event participation both at Canada Place and at community events throughout the year, students are eligible to receive a $1,000 honorarium.

Teachers interested in learning more about our secondary school leadership program are encouraged to contact [email protected].

Light for a cause

The Canada Place Sails of Light are illuminated each evening from dusk to dawn with vibrant colours. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is pleased to offer local charities and non-profit events the opportunity to build awareness for their cause or organization by illuminating the Canada Place Sails of Light in colours themed to the specific cause on select days. This past year, the Sails of Light were lit in recognition of over 65 charities. To learn more, visit Canada Place Sails of Light.

Canada place events

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is pleased to host free community events at Canada Place throughout the year.

Our annual events include:

  • Canada Together
  • Zumba
  • Waterfront Cinema
  • World Maritime Day at the Port of Vancouver
  • Christmas at Canada Place