BIG IDEA GRANT

Guidelines

Program Overview

Big O Tires is offering three tiered grants to VSB schools for student-led, community-benefit projects. The program seeks practical, affordable, and feasible initiatives that can be launched within the current school year and show clear benefit to students and/or the broader community.

Awards (2025/26): Three grants at different amounts: 1st place :$5,000,  2nd place: $3,000,  3rd place: $2,000.

Projects should be scoped so that a base version can succeed with a smaller award, with a clear scale-up plan if a higher tier is awarded.

Who Can Apply

  • Eligible applicants: Any school within the Vancouver School Board (VSB).
  • Team structure: Applications must be submitted by a team with at least 3 student ambassadors and one staff member (sponsor/lead).
  • Multiple entries: A team may submit more than one idea (separate form per idea). Only one school can be the beneficiary per submission.

What We’re Looking For

  1. Need – Addresses a clearly identified need (student-focused or broader community impact).
  2. Practical & Student-Led – Designed to be run through the school with meaningful student leadership.
  3. Feasible & Timebound – Realistic plan, roles, and timeline to be completed by June 2026 (end of 2025/26 school year).
  4. Right-sized Budget – Affordable within the grant amount; if additional funds are needed, identify source(s) and status.
  5. Equity & Inclusion – Thoughtful consideration of who benefits and how barriers are reduced.
  6. Sustainability – If ongoing, outline a simple plan to keep it going without heavy additional costs or complex approvals.

Not Eligible

To keep timelines realistic, reduce risk, and ensure deliverability, the following projects will not be considered:

  1. Projects requiring third-party property approvals (e.g., use/alteration of parks, boulevards, roads, or other non-VSB property) unless all required permits/approvals are already granted at the time of application and attached.
  2. Facility upgrades/alterations to VSB property (construction, electrical, plumbing, structural, signage requiring permits) without a written approval letter from VSB Facilities attached to the application.
  3. Custom software/mobile app/website development that collects personal information (students, families, staff) or requires user accounts, data storage, or a privacy/security review.
  4. Projects that exceed school capacity to deliver within the school year (e.g., heavy reliance on specialized contractors, complex technical builds, or unclear ownership).
  5. Political, religious or commercial advertising initiatives.

Tip: If your idea includes any space changes or public-realm components, redesign it to a version that does not require permits/approvals—or secure those approvals before applying and include them.

Permits, Privacy & Compliance

  • Permits/Approvals: Before submitting, please confirm that your project does not require City or third-party permissions. Either (a) secure approvals first and attach them, or (b) choose a no-permit version.
  • Privacy/Data: No new tools that collect personal information or create accounts. If using tech, stick to existing, District-approved platforms.
  • Procurement: All purchasing must follow VSB procurement policies. Obtain quotes where sensible and use approved vendors.
  • Safety & Supervision: Activities must align with school safety protocols and insurance coverage.

Budget Guidance

  • Provide a clear, line-item budget (what, why, unit cost, qty, total).
  • Identify in-kind or additional funding (if any) and whether it’s confirmed/pending.
  • Show a base scope that fits a smaller award and an optional scale-up plan.
  • Funds are held and disbursed through VSB processes; unspent funds must be returned.

Application & Timeline

  • Application window: Opens – Nov 3, 2025, Closes – Dec 19, 2025
  • Shortlist announced: January 9th, 2026 (approx. 5 projects)
  • Follow-ups (if requested): January 16th, 2026
  • Awards announced: January 30th, 2026
  • How to apply: Staff sponsors submit via a password protected form at https://www.bigotires.ca/big-idea-submission. Please do not share the password with students.

Review & Awards

  • Applications are jointly reviewed by Big O Tires and VSB representatives.
  • Three tiered grants will be awarded to three different winning project submissions:

Tier 1 : $5,000 Award

Tier 2 : $3,000 Award

Tier 3 : $2,000 Award

  • Judges may request clarifications, documentation (e.g., approvals), or brief presentations prior to final decisions.

Reporting & Recognition

  • Awarded schools agree to:
    • Share brief updates and a short outcomes summary (template provided).
    • Participate in reasonable storytelling/recognition (photos, quotes, short video) coordinated with school admin.
  • Big O Tires may share project summaries and progress via its marketing channels, along with school name and team details.

Terms & Conditions

Big O Tires reserves the right to decline applications or discontinue funding at its discretion if eligibility, compliance, or feasibility concerns arise. Submission constitutes agreement to these Rules & Guidelines.

Quick Eligibility Check

Yes: student-led, practical, within-year launch, modest supplies/services, no permits needed, no personal data collection.

No: construction/renos without VSB Facilities approval; City/public-space projects without permits; custom apps or data-collecting tools that store any personal information.