CBT Granting Update and Equity Pathway

We continue to reflect on key learnings from our UNESCO periodic review, our Vital Signs research, and the pandemic. We’ve committed to work with volunteers, First Nations, communities, and partners on making CBT a more equity-driven organization: in our granting program, in our organizational culture, and beyond.

Last Fall, staff, board, volunteers, and partners participated in Decolonize First alongside facilitators Kelly Foxcroft-Poirier of White Raven Consulting and Amanda Fenton of Amanda Fenton Consulting to grow our capacity to consider the differences and nuances of what colonized and decolonized processes look like in our lives, in our work, and in our community. This growing definition of equity emerged from our learning:

Equity is deep and complex. It works alongside justice, diversity & inclusion. Equity is about each of us getting what we need to survive or succeed—access to opportunity, networks, resources, and supports—based on where we are and where we want to go. Equity is about centering the needs & voices of those pushed out to the margins ensuring that each of us is supported in reaching our full potential.

This broad definition leaves space for us to continue to understand what equity means in different realms and to continue to learn in the context of CBT grantmaking. The grant update below explains how CBT grants are starting to change in 2022.

Granting Update

1) CBT staff will work with advisory committees to review the grant criteria and develop equity approaches for granting that are unique to each committee stream. Examples could be oral presentations vs written reports, re-imagining timelines, and reporting that serves, not burdens, the grantee. We will test and experiment with different approaches through the 2022 granting cycle.

We anticipate changes to all of our application processes and/or timelines from previous years. The application windows will be later, likely in mid-late spring. Stay tuned for updates!

2) Vital Grants will be changing. Vital Grants were a test of high-impact, transformational grants with a focus on sustainability and partnerships. Staff will review this grant stream by following up with Vital grantees 2018-2021. We are allocating the 2022 Vital Grant budget to reach out to past grantees in reciprocity to see what work they still need to do and allocate it in that spirit. The goal will be to continue supporting existing projects, while learning from project leaders about how our granting process worked for them and how to make it more equitable.

3) You are encouraged to join us on our equity pathway. We want to support further learning about the impacts of colonization in our lives, in our work, and in our community. We are seeking opportunities to offer further learning and training to our volunteers and grantees. Being in this learning and unlearning together will help to build a common collaborative language and community of practice amongst CBT staff, volunteers, and community partners. The CBT has allocated $20,000 to fund these workshops this year as we continue our steps on our equity pathway. Stay tuned for your invitation to learning events!

Grant Writing Workshop

January 26, 2024
Join this half-day workshop hosted in partnership with the West Coast N.E.S.T. (CBT's regional education tourism initiative) to learn effective grant writing and fundraising strategies.

Good News for the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre Project!

January 17, 2024
In a remarkable display of commitment to community and environmental stewardship, the Wickaninnish Inn has pledged an astounding $150,000 over the course of five years to support the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre. In a generous gesture, they have already contributed $40,000 as their inaugural installment.

Announcing the fall 2023 Culture Neighbourhood Small Grants!

December 6, 2023
We are excited to share this list of grass-roots community projects that received Culture Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) this past fall cycle. This has been our most successful cycle to date, with a total of 33 projects in the region, 15 projects for Clayoquot Sound NGS and 18 for Ahousaht NSG!

Holiday Giving Unites Communities

December 4, 2023
As the holiday season draws near, the timeless tradition of holiday giving beckons, transcending cultures and religions, and embodying the spirit of generosity and compassion. In the heart of this global tradition lies an opportunity to make a positive impact on local organizations that sustain our region to help advance their mission far beyond the holiday season.

Truth, Honour & the Way Forward

November 20, 2023
In partnership with Ucluelet Secondary School (USS), the Legacy of Hope Foundation, and Canadian Heritage, the CBT hosted an exhibit to honor the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Take a look at the video to learn more about the event.

CBT's Youth Intern, Reflects on her Beach Cleanup Experience

August 28, 2023
This summer, CBT's Youth Intern, Janessa, has been supporting us in a wide range of projects across the organization and also participated in initiatives hosted by other local non-profits. One of our goals was to offer her the opportunity to experience diverse types of work as well as acquire skills and knowledge in many different fields. Learn about her time with Surfrider Pacific Rim where she helped remove debris from a local beach.

Join our team as Administrative Assistant

August 18, 2023
PLEASE NOTE: Applications are now closed for this position.  The Administrative Assistant will support the CBT across all program areas. The successful candidate will coordinate the day-to-day administration and operations of the CBT office, creating a welcoming space, updating administrative practices, and maintaining records. They will work closely with the Executive Director to support the Board of Directors, as well as work closely with the Finance Coordinator to assist with bookkeeping processes. The Administrative Assistant will work across the CBT to support our programs and events.

Announcing the Spring 2023 Neighbourhood Small Grants!

June 27, 2023
We are excited to share this list of grass-roots community projects that received Neighbourhood Small Grants this past spring cycle. NSG makes empowering, accessible opportunities for residents from all demographics to make their communities more inclusive, and vibrant places to live. Check out the projects below and reach out to marianne@clayoquotbiosphere.org if you want to connect to a project leader and participate.

National Truth and Reconciliation Exhibit

June 13, 2023
Here is a video that was created last year in partnership with the Ucluelet Secondary School, the Legacy of Hope Foundation, and Canadian Heritage to honor the second annual day for Truth and Reconciliation. We have partnered again this year to bring this impactful youth-led learning opportunity for our third annual exhibit.

Hišinq – “All Together”

June 12, 2023
Have you heard that the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) is building a Biosphere Center? You might have read about it online or in local print media, maybe you heard it on the radio, or perhaps you joined us for the open house that took place at the current CBT office. However, you might not be aware that the CBT has been working on this project for over a decade and has taken many steps to create a space that will serve and reflect the values held by each community in the region.

We're looking for a new team member! (PDF) 221.42 KB

April 21, 2023
PLEASE NOTE: This position has been filled. The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust is seeking an intern to provide support for a range of projects across the organization. This position will provide opportunities to work alongside and be mentored by different team members, learning about and providing administrative support for projects aligned with the candidate's skills and interests.

Vital Grants - Looking Back & Looking Forward

January 18, 2023
Five years ago, CBT launched Vital Grants: a stream of partnership funding to address regional priorities and complex challenges that influence sustainability in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. Vital Grants were launched in response to grantee feedback that small grants (e.g. $5000) and short timelines make it difficult to address larger issues

Join our team as Director of Partnerships for Conservation

January 9, 2023
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Partnerships for Conservation will build out a new role collaborating with partners on conservation projects, as well as leading research, planning, and engagement activities linked to the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere designation and Canada Target 1. The individual participates in relevant networks and committees aligned with key projects and contributes to the objectives of the Canada Fund Agreement, the MAB Statutory Framework and the MAB Lima Action Plan.