ABOUT THE GRANT

The Infrastructure and Equipment Grants provided by HCBC (Horse Council BC) are designed to support clubs, branches, and affiliates in purchasing equipment or completing projects that foster growth and development in the equestrian community by improving equipment and facilities, fostering inclusivity and accessibility.

The grant is intended to help clubs get their projects started, and they should look for other funding opportunities to complete the project.

Projects must be open to all qualified participants in the area (not just club members) and should align with the goals of HCBC for sport development.

WHO CAN APPLY?

  • Eligible Applicants: Clubs, branches, and affiliates who are members in good standing with HCBC.
  • Membership Requirement: Organizations must be HCBC members for at least 2 years prior to applying.
  • Application Limit: Each organization can submit only one application per year.
  • Priority: Priority is given to organizations that have not received funding in the previous calendar year.
  • Financial Contribution: Clubs must demonstrate financial involvement in the project (e.g., existing club funds, other grants, fundraising, donations). In-kind contributions are not accepted. Clubs must cover 25% of the project cost.

Project Eligibility

  • Eligible Projects: The grant covers:
    • Equipment purchases (e.g., jump equipment, arena harrow, etc.)
    • Facility upgrades (e.g., arena improvements, fencing, etc.)
  • Funding Coverage: The grant covers up to 75% of the project cost, with a maximum of $5,000.  Clubs must cover a minimum of 25% of the project cost.
    • Example 1: A $1,000 project → HCBC provides $750, and the club covers $250 (25%).
    • Example 2: A $20,000 project → HCBC provides $5,000, and the club covers the remaining $15,000.

Ineligible Projects

  • Trail Projects: These should apply for the BC Equestrian Trail Grant.
  • Educational Events: Clinics and similar educational events are not eligible; they are covered under Education Grants.

APPLICATION PROCESS

  1. Application Form: Complete the Infrastructure and Equipment Grant Application and submit it to the HCBC finance department via email at [email protected].

Please include any of the following

    • Quotes for equipment purchases or facility upgrades.
    • Letters of support from property owners for facility upgrades.
    • Long-term lease or use agreements for facilities (if applicable).
    • Budget sheet showing the club’s financial contribution and reasonable registration fees for participants.
  2. Deadline: The application deadline is April 30th.
  3. Application Reviews: Applications will be reviewed in May with a notification sent to the applicants to inform them if their application was successful or not.
  4. Final Report:

Required Documents

Final IEG Report: You will need to fill out a final IEG report that summarizes the completed project. This report should detail the project’s outcomes, including any achievements, challenges, and how it benefited the community or participants. This ensures that the project aligns with the original goals.

Receipts for Expenses: You must submit all receipts for the expenses incurred during the project. These receipts provide proof of payment for purchases made with the grant funds.

  • Review Process & Grant Payment: Once the final report and receipts are submitted, HCBC will review the documents to ensure compliance with the grant terms and that the funds were spent appropriately. After HCBC reviews and approves the submitted documents, the final payment will be processed.

Make sure all documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays in the review process and final payment. This step is crucial for ensuring transparency and proper accountability for the grant funding.

FORMS

Infrastructure and Equipment Grant Application Fillable PDF

WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS DO NOT QUALIFY?

Infrastructure and Equipment grants are not open to ‘trail’ projects. These projects should apply for a HCBC BC Equestrian Trail Grant.

Clinics, and other educational events, will not be considered for Infrastructure and Equipment grant funding as they are eligible for Education Grants.