The Bee BC Program offers funding to enhance bee health throughout the province.
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.
The program will enhance bee health-related activities and enhance information sharing among beekeepers. The Program is providing up to $7,000 of grant funding per project, and it is expected that participants will contribute a minimum of 20 percent toward the total cost of the project; in-kind contributions are eligible.
Upcoming application intake: Winter 2023/24
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Program Overview
The Bee BC Program will enhance bee health throughout the province of British Columbia. Bee health is important not only for the production of honey but also for the contribution that bees make to the pollination of many crop species and to the wider environment.
The six-year $300,000 provincial program will support 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 program will enhance bee health-related activities and enhance information sharing among beekeepers.
The program provides up to $7,000 of grant funding per project. Project activities outside this time frame will not be considered. It is expected that participants will contribute a minimum of 20 percent toward the total cost of the project; in-kind contributions are eligible.
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.

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.
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. GST is not eligible for reimbursement.
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. Items not pre-approved by IAF Communications will not be funded.
Projects funded in the 2023-24 intake may begin on or after July 15, 2022 and must be completed by February 29, 2024. No extension to project terms beyond February 29, 2024 will be considered. If the project is not approved, the applicant will receive a response from IAF.
Changes to Contracted Projects
Once the contract 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.
Reporting Requirements
Program participants are required to submit a final report to IAF.All reporting will be completed via the IAF Client Portal.
Evaluation
Application Evaluation Process
Selection Criteria
- 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 applicant cash contributions
Application Evaluation
All submitted applications will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Eligibility and alignment to program purpose and objectives
- Strength of the project framework
- Resources to execute the project effectively
Ready to Apply?
Resources
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.