How we're staying positive and adapting to COVID-19

March 18, 2020

This is an unprecedented time for all of us — but challenging times have a way of bringing out the best in West Coasters. We’re proud to work alongside community partners like you as we rise to this new challenge to serve our region safely and effectively.

Here’s what we’re doing to “flatten the curve”

Our office is closed to the public for the time being
Staff are working remotely: contact individual staff members by phone and email
Voicemails on the office line will still be checked (remotely) and responded to
All meetings will be conducted as a video- or audio-conferences. Our staff will be in touch with details.

Remember that social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation. :) Reach out to us with any questions, comments, concerns, or just to let us know how you’re doing! With the increasingly nice weather, it’s also a great time to get out into nature and enjoy the biosphere while maintaining social distancing.

For current grantees
If you currently have a grant from CBT, we appreciate this is an unusual time and that you may not be able to meet the objectives you’ve committed to. We know it is difficult to cancel the programs and events people rely on and you have worked hard to provide. We trust you to rework your project’s budget to shift or rethink your community engagement activities as you see fit – no need to check in with us first. We’ll be flexible with all reporting timelines and will work with you to reschedule activities as needed.

CBT Spring 2020 grants
We’ve recently accepted applications to the following grant streams: Arts & Culture, Research & Environment, Community Development, Youth & Education, Biosphere Research Award, and Vital Grants. We’ll continue to review those applications and meet with advisory committees remotely with the goal of maintaining our granting timelines. We understand that COVID-19 is bringing about big changes for your organizations and projects plans. We want to support your changing circumstances. If it is necessary to revise your application, please connect with CBT staff to discuss further.

What comes next for Neighbourhood Small Grants?
NSG can become a catalyst for exploring and trying out new ways to build community and local social support networks in order to foster inclusion and mental wellbeing. We’re connecting with project leaders and partners to rethink our spring call for NSG. Please let Brooke know if you have ideas and suggestions. We know that the need to tackle social isolation and build stronger and resilient communities is more important than ever.