The George Ross Legacy Stewardship Program is a funding program created to help support hands‐on citizen stewardship activities by park partners in Metro Vancouver regional parks and greenways. The Program is funded by the interest from an endowment created from the generous $2.8 million bequest from Mr. George Ross, who loved trees and parks. This program is administered by the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Foundation.
Eligible applicants include registered non-profit organizations, educational institutions, Indigenous groups, Metro Vancouver regional park partners with current agreements, and non-profit societies or community groups (incorporated or unincorporated) active in Metro Vancouver regional parks and greenways.
Small projects must be completed within one year of receiving the award, with a Final Report due upon completion. All small project proposals must undergo pre-screening by Metro Vancouver Regional Parks staff before submitting an application.
For incorporated and unincorporated regional park partners and park associations, medium projects must be completed within one year of receiving the award, with a Final Report due upon completion. All medium project proposals must undergo pre-screening by Metro Vancouver Regional Parks staff before submitting an application.
Incorporated regional park partners and park associations are now eligible to apply for up to three years of funding, with a maximum of $10,000 per year and a total project funding limit of $30,000. Large projects must be completed within three years of receiving the award, unless otherwise agreed upon. Annual reports to the Foundation are required. All large project proposals must undergo pre-screening by Metro Vancouver Regional Parks staff before submitting an application.
What Projects are Eligible?
- Location: Projects must take place within a Metro Vancouver regional park or greenway.
- Type of Activity: Projects must focus on stewardship activities, such as wildlife monitoring, invasive species management, habitat restoration, citizen research, trail and access improvements, water quality improvements, climate resilience initiatives, stewardship education (as part of a stewardship project), or other efforts that protect, enhance, or restore natural resources, thereby benefiting the ecological health of the regional park or greenway.
- Duration: Projects can be one-time activities with a defined start and end date, or they may involve ongoing activities. Events must be stewardship-focused and can be part of a larger project.
- Volunteer Involvement: Applicants must contribute volunteers to the project.
- Funding: Applicants are not required to have additional funding sources for the project.
- Application Frequency: Each group may apply for a George Ross Legacy Stewardship Program project only once per calendar year.
- Contracted Services: Service fees or honorariums for specialized expertise or contracted equipment needed in the field (e.g., biologist, restoration specialist, equipment operator).
- Event Supplies: Specialized equipment, refreshments, gloves, eye protection, ponchos, and other supplies needed for stewardship-related events.
- Planting and Landscaping: Purchase of native plants, mulch, and soil.
- Project Materials: Materials for specific stewardship projects, such as wire for beaver control, birdhouses or nesting platforms, and bat boxes.
- Waste Management: Rental of bins for invasive species disposal and hauling of woody debris.
- Follow-Up Monitoring: Materials required for monitoring the project after completion.
- Administration and Project Management (for large and medium projects): A portion of awarded funds may cover administrative and project management expenses, including staff wages. A detailed breakdown of hours and specific hourly rates for each role is required.
- Compensation for applicants’ or volunteers’ time or personal expenses
- Retroactive funding for projects already completed
- Planning studies
- For small projects only: administration or project management expenses, including staff wages
How to Apply
Contact the Community Development Coordinator in your area with a brief letter of inquiry that includes:
- Your organization’s name
- Funding category you’re applying for and the requested amount
- The regional park or greenway where the project will take place, including the specific location
- A description of the project’s nature, scope, and how it will benefit the site
Community Development Coordinators are available to answer questions or provide additional information. To identify the area for your project, please refer to the PDF titled Metro Vancouver Area Distribution of Sites below.
Jennifer Swanston
Email Jennifer
Tel: 604.224.5739
Trina Sakata
Email Trina
Tel: 604.520.6442
Jeff Rotin
Email Jeff
Tel: 604.530.4983
Project Deadlines
There will be two application cycles each year: one in the spring and one in the fall.
- Small and Medium Projects: Must be completed within one year of receiving the award, with a final report due upon completion.
- Large Projects: Must be completed within three years of receiving the award, unless otherwise agreed upon. Annual reports to the Foundation are required.
Friday March 7, 2025: Deadline for letters of inquiry
Friday April 11, 2025: Deadline for applications
End of May/Early June 2025: Applicants will be notified
Friday, September 5, 2025: Deadline for letters of inquiry
Friday, October 10, 2025: Deadline for applications
Mid-December 2025: Applicants will be notified
Accountability
Successful applicants must submit a final report, including an expense report with receipts documenting the use of all awarded funds. The report template is available below.
All advertising, communication, and promotional materials for your project should acknowledge the contributions of the MVRP Foundation and Metro Vancouver Regional Parks.
Feedback
We welcome your feedback on the project program or application process. Please contact Jeff Rotin with any comments.
