Applications open for Heritage Conservation Grants (Canada)

Deadline: 14-Oct-2026

The Vancouver Heritage Foundation Heritage Conservation Grants Program provides financial support to owners and stewards of heritage sites in Vancouver for planning and conservation work that protects the city’s historic places. Grants support heritage research, documentation, conservation planning, maintenance, repair, restoration, and rehabilitation, with Conservation Project Grants ranging from $7,500 to $25,000 depending on ownership and heritage status. Vancouver Heritage Conservation Grants Program – Overview The Vancouver Heritage Foundation (VHF) offers the Heritage Conservation Grants Program to help protect, maintain, and sustain historic places within the City of Vancouver. The program supports two distinct types of work: Planning Project Grants – support research, documentation, and conservation planning carried out with the assistance of qualified heritage professionals. Conservation Project Grants – support physical conservation work, including maintenance, repair, restoration, and rehabilitation of exterior elements and character-defining features. Both grant categories aim to encourage high-quality heritage conservation and extend the long-term life of Vancouver’s historic resources. Key Grant Details

Funder: Vancouver Heritage Foundation

Program: Heritage Conservation Grants Program

Grant categories: Planning Projects and Conservation Projects

Planning grant – private ownership: $2,000

Planning grant – non-profit/First Nation ownership: $3,000

Conservation grant: $7,500–$25,000

Maximum funding over 5 years: Approximately $20,000–$70,000 depending on ownership and heritage protection

Eligible applicants: Private owners, non-profits, charities, authorized agents, and First Nations

Property requirement: The heritage site must be located within the City of Vancouver and meet the program’s heritage eligibility criteria

What Are Planning Project Grants? Planning Project Grants support the work needed to understand and plan for the conservation of a heritage property. Planning projects should involve appropriate heritage professionals and provide information that can guide the responsible conservation of the historic site. What Are Conservation Project Grants? Conservation Project Grants provide funding for physical work that protects a heritage property’s historic character and condition.

Supported work can include:

Maintenance Repairs Restoration Rehabilitation Conservation of exterior elements Conservation of character-defining features The objective is not simply to improve the appearance of a building. Conservation work should follow recognised heritage conservation principles and protect the features that contribute to the site’s historical and cultural value. How Much Funding Is Available? Funding varies according to the ownership type, heritage designation, and type of project. Planning Projects

Planning grants provide:

$2,000 for privately owned properties. $3,000 for properties owned by non-profit organizations or First Nations. Conservation Projects Conservation grants range from $7,500 to $25,000. Properties with stronger forms of heritage protection may qualify for higher levels of funding. Five-Year Site Funding Limits The program also applies a five-year maximum per site. Depending on ownership and heritage designation, the maximum can range from approximately: $20,000 for privately owned properties. Up to $70,000 for non-profit or First Nation properties with heritage designation. Sites with legal heritage protection may qualify for higher funding amounts than properties without that level of protection. Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants can include:

Private owners, including individuals and strata corporations. Registered non-profit societies. Federally registered charities. Non-profits or charities with long-term leases in municipally owned buildings. First Nations. Authorized agents acting on behalf of a property owner, provided they have written permission. The property itself must satisfy the program’s heritage and geographic requirements. Which Properties Are Eligible? The heritage site must be located within the City of Vancouver and meet at least one of the program’s applicable heritage criteria. Eligible properties may include sites that are: Listed on the Vancouver Heritage Register. In the process of being added to the Vancouver Heritage Register. Applying for documentation to be added to the Register. Recognized as a site of Indigenous cultural significance. Properties with legal heritage designation are eligible for higher funding levels under the program. Why the Heritage Conservation Grants Matter Heritage buildings and cultural sites preserve important connections to Vancouver’s history, architecture, communities, and cultural identity. Conservation funding can help property owners address necessary repairs before deterioration becomes more serious and expensive. The program also encourages a planned approach to heritage conservation by supporting research, documentation, professional advice, and long-term conservation planning. For Indigenous cultural sites, the eligibility framework also recognises the importance of protecting places with Indigenous cultural significance. How the Grant Program Works

Step 1: Confirm the Property’s Location

The site must be located within the City of Vancouver.

Step 2: Determine Heritage Eligibility

Check whether the property:

Is listed on the Vancouver Heritage Register. Is being considered for addition to the Register. Is seeking the documentation required for Register consideration. Is recognised as a site of Indigenous cultural significance.

Step 3: Identify the Type of Project

Determine whether the proposed work is primarily a: Planning Project, such as research, documentation, or conservation planning, or a Conservation Project, such as repair, restoration, maintenance, or rehabilitation.

Step 4: Engage Appropriate Heritage Profe