ALLOCATING donations recently raised through its United for BC Wildfire Recovery Fund, United Way BC has opened its immediate response grants to support communities affected by the 2026 wildfire season. As communities begin the long road to recovery, this first phase of funding will help address their urgent needs while ensuring support remains available for future recovery and resilience grants.

Non-profits supporting those affected by this year’s devastating wildfire season can apply for immediate response grants of up to $15,000 each at uwbc.ca/grants. Funds will support community-serving organizations addressing urgent and emerging needs, including food security, transportation assistance, mental health support, outreach services, and other local response efforts.

United Way BC has already provided resources to local organizations helping communities respond to the impacts of the 2026 wildfire season, including Shxwhá:y Village First Nation, which welcomed evacuees displaced by wildfire activity.

“United Way BC stepped up at a time when our community truly needed support. Their funding has allowed us to provide hot meals, essential supplies, cultural activities, and a welcoming place for evacuees while they are displaced from their homes,” said Tyrell Williams, Shxwhá:y Village First Nation. “This funding has eased some of the financial pressure and allowed us to focus on what matters most, making sure people feel cared for, supported, and treated with dignity. We are deeply grateful for the difference it has made for both the evacuees and our community. Ts’it te mekw wat (thank you all).”

United Way BC said that thanks to the generosity of individual donors, corporate partners, and other supporters since this year’s harrowing wildfire season began, it is moving quickly to direct funding to wildfire-affected communities through the United for BC Wildfire Recovery Fund.

Experience shows that recovery needs remain long after the smoke has cleared. United Way BC’s wildfire funding strategy supports both immediate response and long-term recovery. Drawing on years of experience supporting communities through emergencies and disasters across British Columbia, United Way BC is taking a phased approach to funding. Additional grant opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks to support recovery, resilience, and community well-being as wildfire-affected regions continue to rebuild.

Donate at uwbc.ca/wildfires.