Supports small-scale regional /community-based projects to research, explore, field-test, and share information about best management practices associated with bee health in British Columbia.
The Bee BC Program enhances bee health throughout the province of British Columbia. Bee health is important, not only to produce honey, but also for the contribution that bees make to the pollination of many crop species and to the wider environment.
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Program Objective
The provincial program supports small-scale regional/community-based projects to research, explore, field-test, and share information about best management practices associated with bee health in British Columbia.
Program Goal
The program aims to enhance bee health related activities and enhance information sharing amongst beekeepers.
Note: Beekeeping (having an apiary, owning, transporting bees or beehives) is a regulated activity under the Animal Health Act, and there are registration requirements. See here for the Bee Regulations in the Animal Health Act.

Approach
Eligibility Criteria
Applications
Application Process
Applicants will apply through the IAF Client Portal. The application process will consist of:
IAF staff are available to answer questions regarding eligible activities, costs and/or the application process. IAF may also contact applicants for additional information or clarification to assess or strengthen their application.
Applicants can contact bee(at)iafbc.ca with any questions about the program or to receive support in developing their application.
Applicants are encouraged to include only activities they are confident will be completed on time and within budget limits.
Review and Adjudication
All submitted applications will be assessed by a technical expert and industry specialist based on the following criteria:
- Eligibility and alignment to program purpose and objectives
- Strength of the project framework, including scientific and technical merit, and resulting project impact
- Resources to execute the project effectively
Funding will be awarded based on eligibility, alignment with program goal and objective, and scoring criteria, subject to available funds. This includes:
- Projects that clearly demonstrate alignment with the Bee BC Program objective
- Projects with clear and immediate benefits to bee health and/or the beekeeping industry
- Projects with clear community-based beekeeper involvement, including partnerships with local, regional, or First Nations governments, or projects which engage youth
- Projects that have a defined methodology and clear measurables outlined in their research approach
- Projects with a clear communications plan, that enhance information sharing of bee health best management practices amongst beekeepers in British Columbia.
Notifications & Obligations
Funding Notifications & Contracts
If the project is approved, IAF will inform the applicant of the details of the decision and any associated terms and conditions. The applicant then enters into an agreement with IAF which outlines the obligations of each party.
Funding is application and project-specific and must be used for the approved project and related expenses. Funds are non-transferable.
Project activities requiring financial resources cannot commence until the contribution agreement has been signed by both the applicant and IAF.
Communication materials being funded by the program need to be pre-approved by the IAF communications team. All communications materials must be submitted to the IAF Client Portal for review and approval in advance of sharing with the public.
Applications will be reviewed and adjudicated upon successful submission and successful applicants will be notified by April 12, 2024. Projects funded in the 2024-25 intake may begin on or after April 1, 2024, and must be completed by February 28, 2025. No extension to project terms beyond February 28, 2025, will be considered. If the project is not approved, the applicant will be notified by IAF.
Program Execution Changes
Once the agreement with IAF is in force, requests for changes to program activities must be made in writing to IAF. IAF must approve the changes for expenses to be deemed eligible.
The funding recipient may have opportunities or situations arise which make it difficult to proceed with a pre-approved project/activity. Should this happen, immediately contact your IAF program manager, or inform the IAF Team as soon as possible using the IAF Client Portal.
Project Reporting
Program participants are required to submit a final report to IAF. All reporting will be completed via the IAF Client Portal. When your reports are ready you will receive an email with directions.
Application Scoring Criteria
The following scoring factors will be used to review eligible application submissions; all applications must meet a minimum scoring threshold of 65% to be considered for funding.
Scoring Factors |
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Alignment with program goal and objective |
Community-based beekeeper involvement |
Strength of project framework |
Communications plan |
Scale of project impact and benefits |
Timeline of impact |
Technical/scientific merit |
Applicant experience/qualifications |
Maximum Points Available = 30 |
Ready to Apply?
Resources
Project Profiles & Successes
Funding provided by:

Please note: the Government of BC may, from time to time, give instructions to IAF in relation to the delivery and administration of this program. IAF must and will comply with those instructions.