The Foundation is a type of registered charity known as a “public foundation”. Formed in 1990 by members of the Federation of BC Naturalists, its purpose was to build a strong capital base, the future income from which would provide a steady source of funds for conservation and nature education. The primary purpose set out in the Constitution is “to promote the preservation of the natural environment for future generations through conservation, education and research projects.”

What does the Foundation actually do?
The Foundation is required by law to disburse a prescribed portion of its income to other registered charities to achieve its purpose. It does not undertake programs of its own. Instead it concentrates its efforts on building a strong and flexible financial base for the future initiatives of BC’s naturalists and it presently makes annual grants to BC Nature for the conservation and education projects of naturalist clubs.

How is the Foundation managed?
According to the Foundation’s bylaws BC Nature appoints members to the Foundation for three year terms and nominates them to be its directors. The Board meets twice a year and also holds conference calls when required. The Board is principally concerned with soliciting gifts, managing the mutual fund portfolio and meeting the requirements of the Canada Revenue Agency.

What does the Foundation do for naturalists?
Prior to 2003 the Foundation provided grants to the FBCN to assist it with various operating expenses. Since 2003 the Foundation’s policy has been to make an annual grant to the FBCN, now BC Nature, for the conservation and nature education projects of its member naturalist clubs.

What kinds of projects are funded by grants from the Foundation?
Recent grants approved by BC Nature with Foundation funds include: Arrowsmith Naturalists for seasonal bird checklist, Chilliwack Field Naturalists for Camp River wildlife area planting, Comox Valley Naturalists for Wetland Restoration 2011, Friends of Semiahmoo Bay for Little Campbell Interpretive Signage and Restoration, North Okanagan Naturalists for Cools Pond Interpretive Signage Replacement, and South Okanagan Naturalists to showcase a Half Century of Conservation in the South Okanagan together with partners Penticton Museum Archives and Nature Conservancy of Canada. Read a list of projects funded (275KB) since the Foundation began providing grants in 1991.Clubs interested in applying for a grant should download and complete the Club Support Grant Application.

Where can I find out more about the Foundation and its work?
Review the 2010 Report (185 KB) issued in September 2011 to members of BC Nature. The Foundation has also published two useful brochures:
§ Naturalists, Their Legacies and Conservation gives helpful suggestions for persons planning to make a will or bequest
§ Planned Giving for Naturalists outlines various ways in which a person can plan to make a gift, bequest or donation to the Foundation either immediately or in the future.
Copies of these brochures are also available from the BC Nature office.

The Board of Directors elected at the Foundation AGM on May 15, 2009 is as follows:

You can contact the Foundation through the BC Nature office,

By e-mail: manager@bcnature.ca,
by phone: 604-985-3057
or by mail: 1620 Mount Seymour Road, North Vancouver, BC V7G 2R9

Show you really care about nature by supporting the BC NATURE, its clubs, and naturalists across BC. Give a charitable donation to the BC Naturalists' Foundation. Your legacy gift doesn't have to be large to be appreciated by the BC Naturalists' Foundation - every act of giving counts!