Convening the Region to Learn, Connect, and Strengthen the Coastal Economy
Funding for regional events that build economic development capacity and strengthen partnerships across coastal communities.
At a glance:
- Up to $5,000
- For events held in, or serving, the Trust’s region
VIEA Summit, 2025. Image by Island Coastal Economic Trust.
Our Program Goals
This program is a good fit if your project will:
- Deliver a clear regional benefit, reaching an audience across the Trust’s region who will learn, connect, or advance their work as a result
- Strengthen community economic development practice through skills, tools, peer learning, and partnerships
- Connect people across communities, sectors, and governments to exchange knowledge and build lasting relationships
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do we fund?
We welcome applications led by:
- Registered not-for-profit organizations and registered charities, including:
- regional and sectoral organizations
- industry associations
- educational organizations and institutions
economic development organizations, and - community-based organizations
- First Nations, including governments, bands, corporations controlled by First Nations, and First Nations not-for-profit organizations
- Local and regional governments, including municipalities, regional districts, and incorporated areas
We encourage proposals that foster economic reconciliation with First Nations and Indigenous people. Often, great projects create meaningful partnerships and mutually beneficial opportunities based on holistic, values-driven approaches to attaining community economic prosperity.
We don’t fund individuals, community-benefitting companies, or businesses operating for private profit.
Where can projects be located?
Sponsored events must be held in, or serve, the Trust’s defined service region. See Our Region for a map.
What do we fund?
We sponsor events focused on one or more of our eight Investment Priorities.
How much can we fund?
We sponsor up to $5,000 per event. Our investment is always one part of a larger event budget that includes other sponsors.
When is the application deadline?
The Trust’s board of directors reviews and approves all event sponsorship applications and meets three times per year. We recommend reaching out six months or more before your event. Once we begin working together, we focus on preparing a complete application for one of these board meetings.
To learn more about our process, see How We Fund – Our Funding Process for Knowledge and Leadership.
How do I apply for funding?
To learn more about our process for sponsorships, see How We Fund – Our Funding Process for Knowledge and Leadership.
As you build your proposal, we also encourage you to read our Application Form.
Start the Conversation
We welcome every chance to work alongside you as your event takes shape. Reach out before you start a sponsorship application, while the event plan is still forming. When you reach out to us, please have reviewed the Application Form.
We’re available by phone or online, and we’re glad to meet in person, welcoming the opportunity to meet in your community.
