The Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund (EDRF) provides grants to British Columbians who have organized to protect their communities and their environment – but who need some legal help. Funds from the EDRF allow Indigenous peoples, community groups and individuals to hire lawyers and experts at reduced rates, and work collaboratively with them to resolve disputes in negotiations, mediation, in court or before government tribunals.

Every year the EDRF distributes $150,000 in grants to individuals, community groups, non-profit organizations and First Nations across British Columbia.

If you would like to talk to a lawyer about a BC-focused environmental law problem, and you’re not sure if you are ready to apply to the EDRF, please contact our Access to Justice team at:

legalaid@wcel.org
604-684-7378 ext. 229
(toll-free: 1-800-330-9235 ext. 229)

See Apply to the EDRF for more information about the application process.

West Coast acknowledges that racialized and Indigenous communities and other marginalized groups are disproportionately impacted by environmental harms, and we strongly encourage applications from these communities.

The EDRF is a program of the West Coast Environmental Law Association. Funding for the EDRF comes from the Law Foundation of British Columbia.