Civil Forfeiture Grant: Application FAQs

This page answers common questions about applying for a Civil Forfeiture Grant. Check back during the intake period, as new questions and answers may be added.

On this page

1. Why did you switch to online application forms?

Online forms help us review applications more efficiently. They also reduce errors that can delay your application. Overall, they help shorten the time between submitting your application and receiving a funding decision.

2. Can I submit a PDF application form instead?

Please apply using the online application. If you need help using the online application, contact CFOgrants@gov.bc.ca. If the online form does not work for you, let us know. We will work with you to find another way to submit your application.

3. Can I submit a faxed or scanned application?

No. Faxed or scanned applications are not accepted. If you need help using the online application, contact CFOgrants@gov.bc.ca.

4. Can I edit the budget template if I do not have Excel on my computer?

Yes. You can edit the Budget Template (XLSX, 36KB) using Microsoft Excel for the web. For support, contact CFOgrants@gov.bc.ca.  

5. The budget template is asking me for a password. What do I do?

You can only edit the blank green cells in the “Budget Template” tab. The “Sample Budget” and “Instructions” tabs are for information only and cannot be edited.

6. What are administrative expenses?

Administrative expenses are indirect costs for staff and overhead that are not project specific, but are still used as resources for delivering the project.

These expenses are necessary for the overall running of the organization but are not easily attributable to the project itself. This may include a portion of the overall rent, utilities, office supplies, and administration.

You can use up to 15 percent of the grant amount for administrative expenses. You do not need to provide a cost breakdown. Do not include the same expenses elsewhere in your budget. For example, if you are requesting 15 percent of your grant total for administrative expenses, do not include office supplies, administration, or both as a separate lines in your budget.

If you are hiring someone specifically for your project, the cost is not considered an administrative expense. List it as a separate line in your budget.

7. What are participant demographics?

Participant demographics refer to the key characteristics of the people taking part in your project. Examples include age, gender, or other characteristics of identifiable groups, such as people at risk of homelessness. Your answer helps us understand who your project is designed to support.

8. How do I know that my application was submitted?

You will receive a confirmation email within one business day of submitting your application. The email will be sent to the email addresses you provide in the application form.

If you do not receive a confirmation email within one business day, contact CFOgrants@gov.bc.ca immediately.

Applications are due by December 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM PST. If you do not receive a confirmation email, contact us by the morning of December 17, 2025. Applications that are not confirmed by this time will not be considered.

9. Who will the application confirmation email go to?

We will send a confirmation email to the primary contact listed on your application. 

10. Can I edit my application after I submit it?

No. You cannot edit your application after you submit it.

11. Do I need to use the application worksheet?

No. The application worksheet is optional. If you want, use it to draft your answers before completing the online application form. If another method works better for you, use that instead.

12. Can someone review my draft application?

No. We cannot review draft applications or meet one-on-one with applicants. Carefully review this page, the program guide, and the application form before contacting us. If you have a specific question, contact CFOgrants@gov.bc.ca.

13. When will organizations hear the results?

We aim to notify organizations of the results in the final week of May 2026. We will notify the primary and secondary contacts listed on your application by email.

During the review process, we may contact you for more information.

If your application is successful, we will send details about payment, reporting, and any conditions you need to meet.

14. Can I apply for funding for a previously-funded project?

Yes. Previously funded projects may be eligible if they meet the current eligibility criteria and program objectives.

Review the program guide and online application before you apply, as criteria may have changed from previous years.

Grant funding is time limited, so projects are not guaranteed funding from year to year.

15. What are the chances of receiving funding? 

The program is highly competitive. Each year, we receive more applications than we can fund. Meeting the program criteria does not guarantee funding.

To help strengthen your application, review the Program Guide and Application Guide before you apply.

Strong applications usually:

• Show a clear connection to the program criteria
• Explain project outcomes clearly
• Include a realistic plan to achieve those outcomes
• Identify appropriate participants
• Show good value for money
• Are trauma-informed and culturally safe

16. Can a funding decision be appealed? 

Funding decisions cannot be appealed, but you can request a feedback and apply again in a future intake.

17. What are the reporting requirements for grant recipients? 

Grant recipients will be required to submit an interim report and a final report within one month of project completion. The reports must be submitted with form we provide.

Reports should include:

• A financial report showing actual project expenses
• Project outcomes
• Lessons learned
• Copies of any resources or reports produced by grant funding

We may also ask for proof that the project was completed, such as invoices, receipts, photographs or testimonials.

Not meeting reporting requirements, or using grant funds for unapproved expenses, may affect eligibility for future program grants.

18. How will organizations with approved projects receive funds?

Organizations that have signed up for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) before they are notified of the funding decision will receive payment by EFT.

Organizations that have not signed up for EFT will receive payment by cheque.

Make sure the mailing address on your application is correct. If your organization moves after submitting the application, send proof of the new address to CFOgrants@gov.bc.ca.

19. How does my organization sign up for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)?

Complete the Direct Deposit Application (PDF, 437KB) and submit it by:

• Uploading it with your online application
• Emailing it to CFOgrants@gov.bc.ca with your organization name in the subject line

You can sign up for EFT at any time, but signing up when you apply is recommended.

Signing up for EFT does not affect the funding decision.

20. Who can I contact for help or more information?

Contact the Civil Forfeiture Grants team at CFOgrants@gov.bc.ca.

To help us respond, include your organization name and relevant funding stream in the email subject line.