Founded in 2018, we are the official charitable partner of BC Parks. Our mission is to create the greatest parks system in the world by protecting beautiful places, restoring ecosystems, increasing access to nature, and inspiring people to connect with parks in meaningful ways.
FAQ
BC Parks Foundation is a non-profit charity, separate from the provincial government agency BC Parks. We work alongside BC Parks and other partners to support and expand the parks and protected areas system through philanthropy, community engagement, and conservation projects.
When we acquire a property, it is permanently protected. Our goal is to safeguard its ecological values while, when appropriate, finding a balance with recreation. We create a site-specific management plan in collaboration with local groups, including First Nations, conservation organizations, community partners, and on-the-ground stewards. These plans outline restoration priorities, access guidelines, ongoing monitoring, and—where suitable—lease agreements that ensure long-term care. We approach this work thoughtfully, and good planning takes time. Updates are shared with donors and in our newsletter as they become available.
A central way we support reconciliation is through the BC Conservation Fund, which provides resources for Indigenous-led conservation and restoration projects across the province.
When private land with ecological or cultural importance comes up for sale, we often need to act quickly to purchase it and prevent development. Once secured, we work to involve local Nations in developing the site-specific management plans that guide its care. Wherever possible, we seek to support Indigenous stewardship and leadership in conservation.
We believe everyone should have the chance to experience the health, joy, and inspiration of nature. Our programs help remove barriers and open doors:
Discover Parks brings Ambassadors into provincial parks to host guided walks, interactive activities, and youth programs like Jerry’s Rangers—helping visitors feel welcome, informed, and inspired.
Healthy By Nature includes initiatives like PaRx, Canada’s first national nature prescription program, as well as Learning by Nature, which creates Nature Parks at schools in BC so kids can learn outside.
The Spark Fund provides small grants to community groups with big ideas for increasing access to nature—supporting projects that are local, inclusive, and tailored to community needs.
Together, these efforts make it easier for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with BC’s parks and protected areas.
Every donation goes directly toward conservation, restoration, education, and access projects. This includes acquiring and protecting land, restoring habitats, and creating opportunities for people to experience the health and joy of nature.
Donating land helps ensure that ecologically and culturally important places are permanently protected. Land donors leave a lasting legacy by turning private property into a natural treasure, cared for and enjoyed by generations to come.
Volunteers support projects like invasive species removal, trail stewardship, and monitoring ecosystems. You can also take part in community science projects, such as identifying wildlife on remote camera footage or sharing nature observations that contribute to conservation research. Visit our Volunteer page to learn more.
The Spark Fund provides small grants to community groups with creative, local projects that help people connect to nature. Learn more and apply for funding here.
The BC Conservation Fund supports larger-scale conservation and restoration initiatives, with a focus on Indigenous-led projects. Learn more and apply for funding here.
Funding opportunities are not always open, but when they are, you’ll find details and application guidelines posted on our Parks for Everyone page.
You can sign up for our newsletter to receive inspiring stories and updates straight to your inbox. You can also follow us on social media to see the latest news, photos, and opportunities to get involved.