No changes to the April 30, 2020 deadline...but important info on Gaming's response to the effects of Covid-19 on planned Program planning & changes...
April 3, 2020 - COVID-19 FAQs for Community Gaming Grant Recipients & Applicants
Last Updated April 2, 2020 (this FAQ will be updated periodically)
Connect to BC Gaming FAQs page here
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Community Gaming Grants program reaffirms that our top priority remains the health and safety of British Columbians. We recognize the substantial and unprecedented impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on B.C.’s not-for-profit sector. We are closely monitoring sector impacts and are working as quickly as possible to adjust our processes and policies in response to the rapidly evolving situation. We appreciate your patience during this challenging time.
The following FAQs are for past recipients and new applicants for Community Gaming Grants.
Given current events, should our organization continue to apply for Community Gaming Grant funding in 2020? Yes. We are committed to supporting our applicants during these challenging times and will work with you to help you plan for the year ahead as this pandemic may have impact on your program revenues, expenses and in-kind support. If your organization is unable to provide required documentation due to recent events (e.g. AGM meeting minutes, program budgets, etc.), or has been/will be forced to alter the delivery of its previously approved programming, please provide an explanation with your application.
Upcoming sector deadlines are currently being reviewed and may be subject to change. Please visit this website regularly to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
Our organization has cancelled/postponed or wants to cancel/postpone our programming in light of B.C.’s requirements for social and physical distancing. What are our options? The Community Gaming Grant branch will NOT ask you to repay funding for previously approved programming, which is cancelled/postponed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
If an approved program is cancelled/postponed, organizations may redirect the funds to any other approved program or may retain the funds to be used for future eligible programming (please see section 4 of the 2020 Guidelines). Please continue to submit next Gaming Account Summary Report to the branch as soon as possible following the organization’s fiscal year end.
PLEASE NOTE: You must include information about any cancellations/postponements and/or any re-direction of funding in section 9 of the report, as well as with any subsequent applications for Community Gaming Grant funding.
Our organization has spent Community Gaming Grant funding on programming which has now been cancelled and we cannot recover these expenses. Are we required to re-pay this money to the program? No. You will NOT be required to pay back any expenses that you have already incurred as part of your approved application. You must include information about these expenses on the next Gaming Account Summary Report.
Will ministry staff be available for questions during this time? Staff are available during regular business hours by phone and email.
If you have questions, please email the Branch at: CommunityGamingGrants@gov.bc.ca
If you’d like to speak to a representative over the phone, please call the Branch during business hours at: 250-356-1081 or toll-free at 1-800-663-7867