Department of Community Services

FireSmart Fundraising

INFORMATION FOR NON-PROFIT SOCIETY FUND RAISING PROJECTS

What does this program offer?

The Departments of Community Services and Energy Mines and Resources have approved a policy allowing funding for non-profit societies to clear ground fuels left behind in previously FireSmart-treated areas. Eligible project areas may not be located in some communities at this time. Depending on the success of this pilot program, areas may be ready for future years.

Is this similar to the Highway clean-up program?

In a way it is, but with a twist. The highway project is a cleaning exercise with removal of trash along the sides of the highway. The FireSmart pilot project for fund raising involves picking up and piling left over tree limbs and woody debris in designated areas at the site.

Who can apply?

Any non-profit organization in good standing: a certificate from Corporate Affairs must accompany the application.

What is the application deadline?

There is no set deadline in this particular program but work must be done in snow-free conditions.

General application and acceptance criteria:

  1. Registered non-profit organizations must be in good standing with any loans they may have from the Yukon government.
  2. Consideration will be given only to expenses directly related to the project.
  3. Projects are only eligible within the fiscal year of application.
  4. Applications may exceed the funding for this program; therefore, selection will be on a first come, first served basis.
  5. Organizations that do not get a project in the first year will move up the list for next year.
  6. Applications for the following year will be added at the bottom of the list from the previous year and so on pending funding approval in each fiscal year.
  7. Applicants that meet the criteria under the regular FireSmart program may be considered for funding.
  8. This program is available to any qualifying non-profit organization based in the Yukon. A maximum of one application will be accepted from each organization for up to $5,000, based on $500 per hectare.
  9. The non-profit society should have adequate liability insurance.
  10. Societies must be responsible for the activities of the volunteers and save the land owners  harmless from any and all liability that may arise from the project.
  11. Where designated treated areas have not been cleared properly, the organization will be required to rectify the problem.  Funds may be withheld if work is not performed to the satisfaction of the FireSmart Manager or designate.
  12. All groups must be supervised by a competent adult and abide by the rules as set out in the contribution agreement.
  13. All groups must follow the prescription plan and, upon completion, submit a report that describes any positive or negative aspects that can be used to support and improve the program.
  14. The local Zone Protection Manager or designate will complete a pre- and post-inspection of the designated site and submit a report to the FireSmart Manager for review.
  15. Based upon the post-inspection report, the Manager will either hold back 30% of the funding until the site is properly cleaned or allow final payment if the report is favorable.
  16. All funding for each project will be authorized by the FireSmart Manager and/or the Director of Protective Services. 

General FireSmart funding and operational criteria:

  • An initial 10% of projected cost on the number of hectares to be treated will be provided in order to cover fuel and any initial ancillary costs for the project.
  • Ongoing funding will be provided on each hectare treated ($500 per hectare) if requested by the organization.
  • Groups will be asked to meet FireSmart officials at a pre-determined place to pick up equipment.
  • A FireSmart official will meet with the group at the location for instructions on the project.
  • The maximum group size will consist of three teams of five youths and one supervisor for each team for a total of 18 persons (e.g athletic groups) or up to 20 persons total (e.g. a church congregation). This is to comply with the OH&S Act and regulations.
  • FireSmart or the Zone Protection Office may provide the following:
  • One Stretcher
  • One Standard First Aid Kit
  • Gloves (all youth workers to wear light gloves under the ones provided by the FireSmart office or Zone.)
  • The Non-profit Organization shall provide the following:
  • One qualified first aider
  • One Pick-up truck or van capable of transporting one stretcher patient to the nearest hospital or nursing station (if the project location is more than 20 minutes from a medical facility)
  • A signed indemnity form saving the Yukon Government and/or  the Land owner harmless from any liability (provided by the FireSmart office)

    • To reach the FireSmart Coordinator:

    Call toll-free 1-800-661-0408 ext. 3013.
    In Whitehorse, call 667-3013.
    To reach your Zone Protection Manager please call:
    Carmacks 863-5271
    Dawson City 993-5468
    Haines Junction 634-7061
    Mayo 996-2343
    Watson Lake 536-2005
    Whitehorse/
    Southern Lakes
    456-3901
    In person: FireSmart, 2nd floor Combined Services Building, 60 Norseman Rd, Airport, Whitehorse
    By mail: FireSmart, Box 2703, Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6
    By fax: (867) 393-6266
    By e-mail: FireSmart@gov.yk.ca

    Project Cover Sheet:

    All applicants must complete the Cover Sheet  [85KB ] and sign the declaration.