Funding Allocation Process

An important component of Together for Wildlife implementation is transparency around the process for allocating funding to various wildlife and habitat projects across B.C.

On this page:

• Together for wildlife: Project funding cycle 
• Funding allocation FAQ

Together for wildlife: Project funding cycle

Identifying Together for Wildlife priorities is a collaborative process with First Nations and interested parties, and recognizes the diversity of Indigenous Peoples, partners, wildlife and ecosystems across the province.

Annual funding allocation process:

Funding allocation FAQ

These frequently asked questions describe the Together for Wildlife (T4W) funding allocation process for 2020-21 and 2021-22, the first two years of T4W implementation. The government of B.C. is committed to continuing to review and improve the process over time and updates will reflect these changes.

Answers to frequently asked questions

• How much provincial government funding was allocated to the T4W strategy when it was launched in 2020
• How high-level budget targets were established for T4W
• How T4W projects were prioritized across the province 
• The role of the Minister’s Wildlife Advisory Council in allocating funds for T4W implementation
• How individual projects were chosen for funding
• How to access T4W funding for First Nations, non-governmental organizations and other partners
• Where to find out more about projects funded through T4W  
• How the B.C. government will evaluate the success of T4W implementation, including funding investments
• How the B.C. government is ensuring transparency for funding and budget allocation decisions
• How much money is generated annually by hunting and trapping licenses and fees in B.C.

Appendices

• Appendix 1. Project proposal form for Together for Wildlife funding: 2021-22

How much provincial government funding was allocated to the T4W strategy when it was launched in 2020

The B.C. government committed up to $10 million to support implementation of the T4W Strategy. Another important source of funding was the Indigenous Funding Program which provided $120,000 in 2020-21. Previous pre-existing funding for wildlife and habitat, such as the Land Based Investment Strategy, capital and base program funds were also used.

To see current spending under T4W you can visit the project dashboard. 

How high-level budget targets were established for T4W

Budget targets for administration (including staffing) and the 24 actions in the strategy were developed along with a long-term staffing strategy to ensure sufficient capacity for T4W implementation. This was by the Wildlife and Habitat Branch in collaboration with Regional Operations and Executive, as part of an extensive planning process.

Funding needs for each action in T4W were estimated through implementation planning and the creation of multi-year budgets, also informed by input from First Nations, interested parties and the public during engagement on the T4W strategy. For example, we heard it is critical to allocate significant investments in on-the-ground stewardship activities at a meaningful scale for wildlife. Hence a significant portion of the budget was allocated to on-the-ground projects which meant relatively smaller budgets for other components of the strategy, such as research or monitoring.

How T4W projects were prioritized across the province 

Provincially 

• Alignment with T4W principles and commitments
• Tangible benefits for wildlife and habitat and program improvements
• Partnerships with First Nations and other interested parties

Regionally

• The priorities of First Nations, as identified through collaborative stewardship forums, government to government agreements, or individual engagements with Nations
• Stakeholder input, as determined through discussions at advisory tables, or with individual partners
• Alignment with government commitments, including government to government agreements or other priority initiatives, such as Modernized Land Use Planning

The role of the Minister’s Wildlife Advisory Council in allocating funds for T4W implementation

The Minister’s Wildlife Advisory Council provided early input on principles for allocating funding, and on draft high-level budget targets at their January 13, 2021, March 10, 2021, and April 14, 2021 meetings. The council was not involved in decisions for specific projects. The Council recommended important criteria to consider when allocating funds, including partnerships with First Nations and interested parties, and tangible benefits for wildlife. This level of advisement aligns with their Terms of Reference, which includes responsibility to “provide advice, insights, ideas, and recommendations on strategic priorities provincially for wildlife stewardship and conservation, including ecological, social, or economic research priorities and other wildlife and wildlife habitat matters."

How individual projects were chosen for funding

In 2020-21 and 2021-22, funding was administered primarily through provincial government staff to ensure that the collective priorities of First Nations, interested parties and staff at a regional scale are the focus of regional delivery. Given the diversity of Indigenous Peoples, partners, wildlife, and ecosystems across the province, it is important that local priorities are determined by local people, all while contributing to the T4W vision.

Provincial government proponents completed a simple request for funding form for proposed T4W projects (see Appendix 1). These funding requests were reviewed by provincial government subject matter experts to ensure:

• Proper standards are followed (e.g., inventory standards)
• Projects are aligned (e.g., across regions), and
• Any potential risks to wildlife or people are minimized

Individual projects were prioritized by management teams in each region or branch to facilitate funding allocation decisions, given requests far exceeded available funding. Final funding allocation decisions were made by the Director, Wildlife and Habitat Branch, based on reviews by staff, regional/branch priorities and provincial-level criteria.

How to access T4W funding for First Nations, non-governmental organizations and other partners

Funds are primarily allocated to provincial government regions or branches (see Question 6 above). Many First Nations, non-governmental organizations and other partners then receive funding through a contract or contribution agreement with the province.

In 2020-21, $1.7 million was transferred to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) to provide an avenue for Indigenous Nations, non-governmental organizations and other interested parties to directly apply for and receive T4W funding. These funds are being administered over 2 years through the regular granting programs under HCTF that align with the T4W strategy, including Enhancement and Restoration Grants, Habitat Acquisition Grants, and Conservation Lands Operations and Management.

First Nations were also able to access T4W funding through the work of the First Nation-B.C. Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Forum. The First Nation Forum developed work plans and identified budget needs for priority actions under Goal 5 of the strategy (Collaborative wildlife stewardship advances reconciliation with Indigenous governments), and these funds were transferred to Nations to support delivery of these actions.

In addition, funding to support T4W implementation was made available through the Indigenous Funding Program for First Nations.

Where to find out more about projects funded through T4W 

Detailed information on projects funded through T4W is available by downloading the project lists:

• 2020-21 project list (Excel 54KB)
• 2021-22 project list (Excel 53KB)

How the B.C. government will evaluate the success of T4W implementation, including funding investments

For every project funded by T4W, proponents were required to report out on:

• Finances (including leveraged funds)
• Project achievements (deliverables and outcomes)
• Jobs created (including jobs for Indigenous People specifically)
• Partnerships with First Nations, and
• Partnerships with interested parties

Proponents for projects that involved the collection of wildlife or habitat data were required to submit those data to provincial systems, such as the Wildlife Species Inventory.

Projects that involved the conservation, restoration or enhancement of wildlife habitat were required to submit data to support the Ministry’s performance measure for these activities, as committed to in the 2020/2021 – 2022/23 Service Plan (page 10).

In addition, the B.C. government is currently seeking advice from the Minister’s Wildlife Advisory Council on measures of success for T4W implementation. Additional performance measures will be developed and reported out over the coming years.  

How the B.C. government is ensuring transparency for funding and budget allocation decisions

Transparency around funding and budget allocation decisions is a high priority for the B.C. government. To support this, the province provided detailed financial information in the annual Together for Wildlife Director’s Report. The province also shared information on the funding allocation process with provincial advisory bodies (e.g., Minister’s Wildlife Advisory Council, First Nation-BC Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Forum, and Provincial Hunting and Trapping Advisory Team), regional advisory bodies, and discussions with individual First Nations and interested parties.

In the future, regions will be developing Regional Action Plans for T4W implementation with First Nations and interested parties to collectively identify priorities for regional projects over multiple years. This strategic, collaborative approach will support future budget allocation decisions and strategic coordination of funding from multiple sources. The vision is to holistically report on the full investment for wildlife and habitat stewardship as well as identify funding needs proactively.

• Appendix 1. Project proposal form for Together for Wildlife funding: 2021-22  

How much money is generated annually by hunting and trapping licenses and fees in B.C.

The amount of money generated by hunting and trapping licenses and fees is typically around $9-10 million per year but was $8 million in 2020-21 primarily due to COVID-19 travel restrictions resulting in fewer non-resident hunters.