The 2025 Community Gaming Grants process brings several important changes for Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) and District Parent Advisory Councils (DPACs). The most significant update is the move to a new online grant application system. Along with this transition, all related resources and links have been updated, and new procedures have been introduced for Out-of-Province Travel and application reconsiderations. The process for updating direct deposit information has also changed.
For those attending the BCCPAC Conference, the travel reimbursement amounts have been revised. PACs and DPACs located within 400 km of the conference site are eligible for up to $500 in travel expenses, while those located further away may claim up to $1,000.
PAC-DPAC Program Overview
PACs receive funding based on enrollment, with $20 allocated per student each year. Schools with fewer than 100 students are guaranteed a minimum grant of $2,000. DPACs receive a flat grant of $2,500 annually. This funding is intended to enrich the extracurricular experiences of K–12 students and support greater family and community involvement in schools.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Community Gaming Grant, a PAC or DPAC must be a parent-led, not-for-profit group associated with a public school, First Nation band school, or a Group 1 or 2 independent school. Membership must be open to all parents or guardians of students enrolled at the school, and the executive must be democratically elected volunteers. The group must be independent of school administration and have been operating for at least 12 months. The programming provided must be inclusive and accessible to all students.
How to Apply for the 2025 Grant
Gaming Grant - How to Apply
Before applying, PACs and DPACs must ensure they are up to date on their financial reporting, specifically the Gaming Account Summary Report (GASR). Groups will need a BCeID (available online) to access the application system, and they should have their L&G number, current executive contact information, and documentation such as constitution, bylaws, and AGM minutes ready.
The application intake period opens on April 1 and closes on June 30. New PACs must upload founding documents, while returning applicants should ensure their information is current. The application process includes an option to save progress and print a copy for records.
To support applicants, Community Gaming Grants provides tutorials, help lines, and a checklist. It is strongly recommended that PACs subscribe to the program’s “News & Updates” page to receive reminders. Submitting the application on time is crucial, as late submissions are rarely funded.
How Grant Funds Can Be Used
PAC grants are meant to benefit students directly by supporting extracurricular programming. Eligible expenses include field trips, performances, family engagement events, student clubs, competitions, and equipment used for extracurricular purposes. Graduation events, student publications, playground equipment, and participation in the BCCPAC conference are also covered.
DPAC funds can be used to improve communication with parents, offer parent education sessions, and support the operation of the DPAC. This may include website hosting, newsletters, workshop costs, and travel to DPAC meetings or the BCCPAC conference.
However, certain expenses are ineligible. These include anything related to the school’s core educational responsibilities, curriculum-based items, teacher wages, fundraising efforts, or personal rewards like gift cards or scholarships. PACs must avoid covering staff costs, structural repairs, or any purchases primarily benefiting adults.
PACs have 24 months to spend their grant, while DPACs must use their funds within 12 months. Expenses may be backdated within the same fiscal year, but not used to pay old debts or prepay future costs.
Financial Reporting Responsibilities
All grant funds must be deposited into a dedicated “Gaming Account,” and all eligible expenses should be paid directly from this account. Transfers to a general account are allowed for reimbursement, provided there is appropriate board approval. Detailed financial records must be kept, including receipts and invoices, for at least five years.
Every PAC and DPAC that receives funding—or still holds unspent grant funds—must submit a Gaming Account Summary Report (GASR) within 90 days of the fiscal year end. This report outlines account activity, grants received, disbursements made, and how the funds benefited students.
Resources
For support, the Community Gaming Grants Branch offers a comprehensive website with detailed information and application tools:
Website: gov.bc.ca/gaminggrants
Email: communitygaminggrants@gov.bc.ca
Phone: 250-356-1081
Other helpful organizations include:
BCCPAC: bccpac.bc.ca | info@bccpac.bc.ca
BC Association for Charitable Gaming (BCACG): bcacg.com | gamingquestions@bcacg.com
Local Community Charitable Gaming Associations (CCGAs) can also assist with regional support and guidance.