The results are in for Golden’s 2026 Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) Resident Directed (ReDi) Grants, with 16 local projects approved for funding following a competitive application process.
According to a report presented to Council, a total of 20 applications were received this year, requesting $352,849, with $314,649 ultimately awarded to successful applicants.
The program had $392,747 available in 2026, bolstered by more than $83,000 in unused funds carried forward from 2025. After approvals and denials, approximately $78,098 will carry forward into the 2027 grant cycle.
Strong local demand, majority approved
This year saw a relatively high success rate, with 16 projects approved, three denied, and one withdrawn.
Successful projects span a wide range of community needs, including recreation, food security, youth programming, environmental initiatives, and infrastructure upgrades.
Some of the larger approved grants include:
• Golden Light Horse Club – $62,804 for its “Rodeo Ready” project
• Golden Cycling Club – $44,790 for gazebos in Golden and Area A
• Wildsight Golden – $36,800 for Reflection Lake ecological restoration (Phase 1)
• Golden Snowmobile Club – $25,500 for a bridge replacement at Quartz Creek
• Little Mittens Animal Rescue – $20,000 for a flight recovery pen
Other funded initiatives include upgrades for minor hockey and basketball programs, food literacy workshops through the Golden Food Bank, and a family support project from Northern BC Friends of Children. See other funded projects below.
• Golden & Region Senior Society – $20,712 for replacing the range and freezer at the Senior Centre
• Golden District Minor Hockey Association – $9,000 for GDMHA Jersey and Equipment Upgrades
• Golden Dolphins Summer Swim Club – $5,662 for Golden Dolphins Uniforms
• Golden Food Bank – $7,021 for food literacy workshop series
• Golden Minor Soccer Association – $16,000 for supporting youth soccer in Golden
• Golden Rams Minor Baseball Association – $22,000 for new shed project
• Golden Senior Youth Basketball Association – $11,600 for uniforms for GSS Bantam, Junior and Senior player uniforms for Volleyball and Basketball
• Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise – $5,000 for ReHUB mobile repair tour
• Living Lakes Canada – $12,760 for water resource mapping to support wildfire response
• Students Commission of Canada – $10,000 for their “community conversations” program
• Northern BC Friends of Children: East Kootenay Branch – $5,000 Golden and area family support project
A competitive process
The ReDi Grants are adjudicated by a local selection committee using criteria that consider community benefit, organizational capacity, and alignment with broader goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and local “Vital Pulse” metrics.
This year’s process included a public input forum on March 4, followed by a four-hour adjudication meeting on March 11, where final funding decisions were made by majority vote.
What didn’t make the cut
Not all projects received funding. Among those denied were:
• A family support initiative from Diverse Family Roots
• Community engagement work tied to the River Walk Phase 2 project
• Equipment funding for the Golden Nordic Ski Club
One application, from Local Food Matters Society, was withdrawn prior to final decisions.
Final decisions
Under the Town’s Delegation of Authority Bylaw, the committee’s decisions are final, with individual funding agreements now being prepared for successful applicants.
The ReDi Grants program continues to be a key source of funding for grassroots projects in Golden, supporting everything from youth sports to environmental stewardship, and helping local organizations bring community-driven ideas to life.
