Rules & Guidelines
Everything you need to know before your team submits its Big Idea, from eligibility to the application timeline.
Program overview
Student-led ideas, real funding to make them happen.
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 (2026/27)
Three grants, three tiers.
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.
01
1st place
$5,000 grant. The top award for the strongest overall Big Idea submission.
02
2nd place
$3,000 grant. A substantial award for a well-scoped, high-impact runner-up.
03
3rd place
$2,000 grant. Meaningful funding to launch a practical, student-led project.
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
- Need - addresses a clearly identified need (student-focused or broader community impact).
- Practical & student-led - designed to be run through the school with meaningful student leadership.
- Feasible & timebound - realistic plan, roles, and timeline to be completed by June 2027 (end of the 2026/27 school year).
- Right-sized budget - affordable within the grant amount; if additional funds are needed, identify source(s) and status.
- Equity & inclusion - thoughtful consideration of who benefits and how barriers are reduced.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Custom software/mobile app/website development that collects personal information (students, families, staff) or requires user accounts, data storage, or a privacy/security review.
- Projects that exceed school capacity to deliver within the school year (e.g., heavy reliance on specialized contractors, complex technical builds, or unclear ownership).
- 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
Key dates for 2026/27.
Staff sponsors submit through our Big Idea submission form.
01
Window opens
Oct 19, 2026. Applications open for submissions.
02
Window closes
Dec 18, 2026. Final deadline to submit your Big Idea.
03
Shortlist announced
January 8, 2027. Approximately 5 projects shortlisted.
04
Follow-ups (if requested)
January 15, 2027. Clarifications or documentation as needed.
05
Awards announced
January 29, 2027. Winning projects are announced.
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.
Big Idea Grant
Got a big idea? Put it forward.
Read the rules, scope your project, and have a staff sponsor submit your team's Big Idea before the window closes on Dec 18, 2026.