THE COMMUNITY SOCIAL SERVICES TRAINING FUND
Purpose and Intention
The intention of the Community Social Services Training Fund (CSSTF) is to disburse grants to organizations delivering community-based social services in British Columbia. This funding will support broad and inclusive training and development efforts that address foundational knowledge and core skill needs—including leadership and management—throughout the community social services sector.
A guiding principle of this training fund is that organizations are empowered and supported to assess for themselves the training and development they most need. The CSSTF Advisory Committee have balanced this goal with the reality of managing a large scale training fund in an organized and timely way in the middle of a global pandemic.
We are excited to announce that there are two funding streams with applications open now: the Support for Certification/Education Individual Grant (with funding of up to $1,500) and the Organizational Training Grant (with funding of up to $10,000). Organizations can only apply for one of the two funding streams and must choose which they will be applying for.
Les Dames d’Escoffier Grant
Feb. 11 2021, Vancouver, BC – Recognizing the onerous challenges that charities and community programs in British Columbia are confronting during the global pandemic, Les Dames d’Escoffier, BC Chapter has created a COVID relief fund to provide much-needed aid. The $40,000 fund was established in response to the COVID-19 crisis and the significant fiscal impact faced by many organizations and programs supporting women and their families through food security, education, and training.
DOWNLOAD RELIEF FUND GUIDE
DOWNLOAD RELIEF FUND APPLICATION
“We developed these grants to assist established programs that empower women and encourage positive change within the food industry,” explains Cassandra Anderton, Chapter Co-President. “A number of the charitable events and promotions we normally support had to be cancelled or postponed last year, and this is our way of continuing to give back to our local communities.”
Les Dames d’Escoffier, BC Chapter (LDBC) hosts food-and-beverage-related events that raise money to facilitate outreach programs as well as a scholarship program that empowers women in the industry by supporting their educational goals and advancement in their fields. The LDBC completed another successful scholarship application campaign this year but, unfortunately, countless charitable events and promotions that would have benefitted a variety of organizations were cancelled in 2020. Thanks to generous donors and successful fundraising activities in 2019 along with a significant $20,000 contribution from British Columbia’s Snow Cap Enterprises Ltd., (owned by LDBC member, Linda Seifert) earmarked specifically for this fund, LDBC can reimagine and continue its philanthropic efforts.
With grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, many recognized non-profits, charities, and social enterprises can find assistance through the LDBC Relief Fund. Eligible organizations and programs that fit the criteria of delivering successful experiences and support to women and their families through food access or mentorship are encouraged to review the guidelines and complete an application at Les Dames BC Relief Fund. Application deadline is March 31, 2021.
Les Dames d’Escoffier British Columbia Chapter is a not-for-profit organization of women leaders in food, beverage, and hospitality whose mission is education, scholarship, philanthropy and to advance women in their industry.
Indigenous Climate Health Action Program (FNHA)
Indigenous Climate Health Action Program (FNHA). <https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/environmental-health/climate-health-action-program> ICHAP funds climate action projects that are community-driven and focus on health and wellness outcomes. Projects can have community, sub- regional or regional reach. These projects aim to strengthen First Nations climate leadership in BC. Projects can focus on climate health in general or on developing a strategy or action plan to reduce climate change impacts on community health. Some examples of focus areas include: Food Security and Food Sovereignty, Access to the Land, Mental Health, Traditional Medicine, Traditional Harvesting, Water Quality and Quantity. Applicants are encouraged to seek supplementary sources of funding, including in-kind or donations from community members or project partners. Up to $100,000 is available per year per project from ICHAP, but a higher amount can be considered for larger sub-regional partnerships. Funding is currently available for up to 18 months. The funded project components have to be completed by March 31, 2022. The FNHA’s Environmental Public Health Services team is hosting upcoming Webinars, Indigenous Climate Health Action: How to Adapt, Plan and Inspire
Neighbourhood Small Grants
The Responsive Neighbourhood Small Grants (RNSG) program is funded by the Vancouver Foundation and administered by Strathcona Community Centre for the DTES / Britannia catchment area. The RNSG program was created to help build community and strengthen connections right where people live – in their neighbourhoods. This program supports project leaders who have small but powerful ideas to bring people together and make neighbourhoods vibrant. Both the Responsive Neighbourhood Small Grants (RNSG) and Greenest City Grants (GCG) offer grant opportunities to local residents for amounts between $50 and $500. Grants applications are reviewed and adjudicated by a Neighbourhood Grants Committee (NGC) during an ongoing process and until the application deadline closes. If you are interested in sitting on the grant review committee, please contact me. Grants are awarded to project leaders for projects that meet the criteria to connect and engage residents, share residents’ skills and knowledge within the community, build a sense of ownership and pride, or respect and celebrate diversity. Please visit and read the criteria for the RESPONSIVE Neighbourhood Small Grants website to review the complete guidelines and criteria for both of these programs. The criteria may change depending on the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) guidelines. Please check back often to see if there has been any changes.
Application Dates 2021 grant applications opens February 23, 2021
Grant Amounts – $50 – $500
Information click HERE
Healthy Communities Initiative
is a $31 million investment from the Government of Canada to support a broad range of organizations, including Indigenous governing bodies, local governments, charities, community groups, and nonprofits, to deliver projects, programming, and services that help communities create safe and vibrant public spaces, improve mobility options, and provide innovative digital solutions to connect people and improve health.
Across the country, communities are seeking ways to build more equitable, resilient, inclusive and livable spaces for the future. Today, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister and Member of Parliament for Halifax, joined Andrea Dicks, President of Community Foundations of Canada, and Mary W. Rowe, President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Institute, to announce that applications are now open.
Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots Sustainable Food Project Stream
A project that facilitates sustainable food choices in your community.
What are sustainable food choices? They can be anything from choosing local and seasonal foods, eating a more plant-based diet, choosing organics, choosing whole foods over processed ones, being aware of where your food comes from, growing your own food and reducing food waste.
Apply
Examples of possible projects:
- Plant a community vegetable garden available to those in need
- Create a pollinator sanctuary for local butterflies and bees
- Create an awareness campaign to encourage sustainable food alternatives
CLICK : Contributing to the Lives of Inner City Kids
CLICK’s next scheduled grant application deadline is October 31.
You can find the application form here.
CLICK understands that planning for programs is continuing to be difficult, and we will work with our applicants to ensure that the children and youth they support are not forgotten. A big thank you from the CLICK team for carrying on your important work in these very challenging times.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch at contact@clicktokids.ca
Neighbourhood Matching Fund
We are now accepting applications for fall 2020 intake. Some changes have been made to the program criteria.Note The Neighborhood Matching Fund is not a grant.
Community groups are awarded funds for project expenses based on a matching value of volunteer labour, in-kind donations, or cash support.
The Neighbourhood Matching Fund supports neighbourhood-based groups who want to creatively enhance parks or other public lands through community art, environmental stewardship, or garden projects.
Applications are accepted twice annually in the spring and fall.
The Vancouver Park Board can provide funds up to $10,000 to match volunteer time and donated contributions from the community.
Projects must actively involve the local community and build neighborhood connections.
Interested groups must contact Neighbourhood Matching Fund staff by email: nmf@vancouver.ca or phone: 604-713-1869 to discuss their project eligibility before applying. For more information about eligibility read the application guidelines PDF file (396 KB)
https://vancouver.ca/people-programs/neighbourhood-matching-fund.aspx
New criteria in response to COVID-19
For the fall 2020 applications, Neighbourhood Matching Fund will support:
- Upgrades and revitalizations to existing land-based projects in Vancouver Parks only (No new project sites will be considered.)
- Community art, culture, environmental stewardship, and knowledge shared at a community centre or through a digital platform (for example community centre webpage, public notice board)
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What creative ideas do you and neighbours have? Please contact Neighbourhood Matching Fund staff to discuss your project for eligibility. Email: nmf@vancouver.ca or phone: 604-713-1869.
Fall 2020
Note For the fall 2020 call for applications, we will only be able to support projects taking place in Vancouver parks or virtual projects that have a strong community focus.
| Application deadline | November 3, 2020, at 4pm PST |
| Decision made | Early December 2020 |
| Project start | Early 2021 (once agreements are signed) |
Responsive Neighbourhood Small Grants (R-NSG)
The Responsive Neighbourhood Small Grants (R-NSG) is a new grant stream created to support small scale community projects from across the province that adhere to the new social/physical distancing guidelines in response to COVID-19 global pandemic. The purposes of R-NSG are to support creative projects by individuals that build community resilience, foster inclusion and wellbeing and address social isolation. Our grants range from $50 to $500. A grant is money we give you to help you bring your project to life. You must apply for the grant, but you do not need to pay the money back.
Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) is guided by the following principles:
- Everyone has gifts:Anyone can offer their ideas, talents, skills, experiences and contacts to build a strong community
- Small is powerful:Small amounts of money have a potential to bring powerful changes in community in forms of new relationships, increased self-confidence, leadership development, stronger sense of place and creation of local traditions
- Local decisions are best:Community members from diverse backgrounds and experiences get an opportunity to make decisions on who should get the grants in their community
- Where we live matters:the grants enable anyone to team up with their neighbour and come up with a project that they can carry out within an area of where they live and based on what they think works best in their community
- We learn together:There is no single right way to build community so anyone involved in the program will have many opportunities to learn, share, reflect, exchange and capture knowledge, skills and information that they can use within and beyond the program
- Everyone is invited:The program is accessible and inclusive to anyone living in an NSG area no matter their age, ethnicity, income, cultural background, gender, ability and sexual orientation
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF THE
RESPONSIVE NEIGHBOURHOOD SMALL GRANT PROGRAM
Who can apply?
- Grants of up to $500 will be available to anyone from across the province to carry out small community building projects that adhere to the public health requirements of social/physical distancing.
- Projects can ONLY be carried out by individuals and/or family members from one household
- Projects must take place from or close to your own home in order to accommodate the self-isolation requirements
- Registered charity organizations and businesses are not eligible to apply.
- Service delivery and emergency relief programs supporting low-income and other vulnerable people are out of the scope of NSG.
What are eligible projects?
- Projects that can ease social isolation of vulnerable people with physical distancing in mind are eligible
Example: Dropping off care packages to elderly or other vulnerable people from safe distance
- Projects that use, share and exchange local assets/gifts using online platforms are eligible.
Example: Arts and culture workshops, cooking demonstrations, storytelling or yoga and meditation sessions
- Projects about health and wellness in general are eligible.
- Projects involving psychotherapy and counseling support are not eligible.
- Projects that take place at public parks or spaces are not eligible due to health restrictions.
What additional information do you need to know about the Responsive Neighbourhood Small Grants?
- Your project must be free to attend and participate in. We encourage applications for projects that are accessible to people with disabilities and inclusive of all people.
- You may not fundraise for other projects and/or organizations during your event. However, we encourage you to seek donations or gifts in kind from local businesses to help support your project.
- You can apply for oneNSG project at a time and as soon as you complete your project and upon the submission of your project story to your local Coordinator, you can reapply for another grant.
- You must begin your project after the grant decision is made. Projects are not supported retroactively.
- While some projects may continue year-round, it is expected that your R-NSG grant money is spent by November 30, 2020.
What do you need to think about when you are estimating your project costs?
- Grant requests for projects are expected to be under $500. However, applications that offer unique and creative ways of meeting the Responsive NSG purposes may be considered for additional funding.
- Grant money may be used to pay people for services (also called honorariums) to help with the project. An honorarium is a small fee paid to someone for their in-kind skills or knowledge contributions. Examples: an artist sharing skills and talent.
- Applicants are eligible to receive an honorarium for sharing their skills and talents through online workshop formats.
- Total honorarium(s) may not be more than $350 per project. The final honorarium amount for the project is at the discretion of the Neighbourhood Grants Committee (NGC) that reviews grant applications.
- You are responsible for keeping expense receipts to account for all project costs.
- Projects that take place at public parks are not eligible for R-NSG due to health restrictions.
What do you do after you receive the grant money?
- To inspire other people to do similar projects, please document your project with photos, videos or by writing a short summary and share them with your local NSG Coordinator as soon as you are done with your project.
- Once you submit your project story, you are eligible to apply for another grant.
- Vancouver Foundation and/or your community organization should be acknowledged by displaying appropriate logos on your project promotional materials. Please visit our website for Vancouver Foundation guidelines.
Centerm Community Fund
Organizations located in Downtown Eastside (including Chinatown, Gastown, Railtown), Strathcona, Hastings-Sunrise, or Grandview-Woodland are invited to submit proposals to receive funding as part of the Centerm Community Fund. The first round of funding opened September 3, 2019 and will close on November 29, 2019.
Applications must be received during the intake period. All applicants will be advised of the status of their applications within one week after the review meeting.
The Centerm Community Fund will contribute $500,000 over three years to local community organizations in the neighbourhoods listed above. Funding comes from the port authority in collaboration with DP World (the operator of Centerm terminal). This fund is one way we’re supporting thriving communities and saying “thank you” to the community for your patience while significant construction is completed on the Centerm terminal and along the south shore of Burrard Inlet. Learn more about the project here.
When can I apply?
There will be three intake periods over the next three years. Please return during an application period to submit your application.
Application periods
| 2019 | Tuesday, September 3 – Friday, November 29 (now open) |
| 2020 | Tuesday, January 7 – Friday, April 3 |
| 2021 | Tuesday, January 5 – Friday, April 2 |
Applications must be received during the intake period. All applicants will be advised of the status of their applications within one week after the review meeting.
How to apply?
What kind of projects can receive funding?
The Centerm Community Fund will invest in projects that support our vision of a sustainable port. Investment categories include:
- Community enrichment
We embrace inclusion, diversity, cultural and community activity, and convening local residents to participate in experiences that are authentic to a port city and that enhance our quality of life. Organization and program applicants must support activities that strengthen their local community and provide opportunities for people to connect with one another.
- Education and training
We encourage education, awareness and training dedicated to improving access to and quality of educational resources and training opportunities for students in our operating areas. Priority consideration will be given to disciplines that support the operation of the port or related activities, or that are in areas facing skills shortages.
- Environmental leadership
We take a holistic approach to protecting and improving air, land and water quality to promote biodiversity and human health through the advancement of knowledge and programs to protect habitat and species in our operating areas.
Organization and program applicants must operate within one or more of the following areas to be considered for funding:
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- Air: Air quality and greenhouse gases
- Water and sediment: Water quality, sediment quality and the protection of ocean and river ecosystems
- Land: Brownfield restoration and environmental remediation
- Habitat: Habitat restoration and enhancement
- Climate Action: Energy conservation and alternative energy to minimize greenhouse gas emissions
With rare exceptions, the following types of requests are NOT eligible:
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- Arts programs or initiatives
- Capital campaigns
- Requests to support activities outside of Canada
- Travel for organizations, service and/or students clubs, sports teams, etc.
- 100 per cent of a project’s budget
The following types of organizations are NOT eligible to apply:
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- Political organizations or parties
- Lobbyist organizations
- Religious organizations (unless a program is open to and benefits people of all faiths)
- Individual projects
- Organizations already funded by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority through our United Way campaign
- Exclusive organizations that bar participation on the basis of race, religion, culture, gender or sexual orientation
- Professional athletes, sports teams and recreation programs
- Organizations not registered with the government as charitable or not-for-profit
For questions on the Centerm Community Fund, please contact us at centerm.communityfund@portvancouver.com
Agriculture and Agri-food Canada Local Food Infrastructure Fund
The Local Food Infrastructure Fund aims to strengthen food systems to be resilient, integrated and sustainable, and to facilitate access to safe and nutritious food, primarily for the less privileged.
The fund consists of two streams.
The first, entitled Infrastructure and Equipment Improvement Projects, aims to enable small community-based organizations to improve their infrastructure and purchase equipment that is directly related to the accessibility of healthy, nutritious, and ideally local foods within their community.
The second stream, entitled Projects to Strengthen Local Food Systems, targets groups of community, municipal, private, academic and other organizations that collectively have the mission to reduce food insecurity in a sustainable manner by strengthening or establishing a local food system.
Stream 1: Infrastructure and Equipment Improvement Projects
Under Stream 1, three calls for proposals will be launched over a period of five years. The first projects may be submitted to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada between August 15, 2019 and November 1, 2019.
Eligible Applicants
The eligible applicants are:
- community or charitable organizations, not-for-profit
- Indigenous organizations
- municipal and regional governments in areas where there are no not-for-profit organizations that provide food services
To be eligible, an organization must:
- have been in operation for at least two years
- demonstrate the viability and sustainability of the services to be supported by the project
- be a legal entity capable of entering into a legally binding agreement
Eligible projects and costs
- Capital assets and equipment for the collective production of food such as community kitchens, community gardens, urban farms, etc.
- Equipment needed for the preparation, refrigeration, distribution and storage of food, etc.
- Vehicles and transport equipment such as refrigerated trucks, trailers, etc.
- Technology systems including digital, production or distribution platforms, etc.
- Energy systems such as greenhouses, solar panels, etc.
- Water infrastructure including irrigation systems, rainwater capture, etc.
- Labour associated with the completion of the project (excluding normal operations of the organization)
Cost Sharing
Applicants are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in non-repayable funding. Only one proposal can be submitted.
As a general rule, applicants must demonstrate that they and their local partners contribute up to 50% in cash, materials and time associated with the project.
The department’s contribution could exceed 50% for projects that specifically target the most vulnerable populations.
Assessment Process
Proposals will be evaluated based on merit and the following criteria and the availability of the funding envelope:
- Impact in the community (fills an actual food-related need, number of beneficiaries, etc.)
- Relevance of the project to the local context (food security, access to traditional foods for Indigenous communities, etc.)
- Mobilization of the community (concrete participation of various partners, financial or in-kind contributions, etc.)
- Long-term sustainability of the project (technical, financial and management capacity of the organization)
Stream 2: Projects to Strengthen Local Food Systems
The second stream, entitled Projects to Strengthen Local Food Systems, targets groups of community, municipal, private, academic and other organizations that collectively have the mission to reduce food insecurity in a sustainable manner by strengthening or establishing a local food system.
Applicants may receive up to $250,000 in non-repayable financial assistance for capital and food equipment. This will be a three-year multi-year, non-recurring funding.
Following a consultation with stakeholders, a single call for proposals will be launched in early 2020. Feedback on the subject can already be shared through our online consultation.
The funding is part of the BC Ministry of Social Development – Employment and Labor Market Division which is similar to income assistance and is part of the Employment program.
The funding moved from the Federal level to the Provincial level.
The funds are specific for Work Experiences.
There is a new stream for ‘Social Innovation’.
Depending on the projects, they have funded anywhere from $200,000 – $500,000. The total amount of funding has increased since 2015 from $8 – 16 million dollars.
No deadline or cap.
There are 5 Funding Streams (see scanned document for a fuller explanation)
1. Job Creation Partnerships – provides funding to organizations to assist with local projects that provide useful work experience and skill enhancement opportunities to eligible job seekers to help them obtain sustainable employment. Projects should benefit the job seeker, community and local economy, however the primary focus must be on helping the participant. There is a ‘contribution agreement’ – in kind where staff could donate time, space or an office, etc… for the project.
Example: Powell River City Council wanted someone to work on a diversity, social inclusion plan. They brought in 3 people that included Conference and Researching planning and they showed what they could do and what the City could do. Process was pretty flexible.
1. Labor Market Partnerships – funds projects that encourage and support employers, employee and/or employer associations and communities in developing and implementing strategies for dealing with labor force adjustments and meeting HR requirements. Projects may include researching labor market/human resource adjustment issues and developing and implementing labor market adjustment activities. These are project based and are distinct from the ongoing operations of the applicant.
Basically you are looking at a gap between Labor Market shortage.
*Example: Whistler Hotel had a gap in supply and demand so they funded their research.
2. Project Based Labor Market Training – provides funding to organizations to assist with local projects that provide a combination of on and/or off the job employment training to eligible participants to help them obtain sustainable employment.
This is a combination of training and work experience.
Example: There was a shortage of people in a particular market so the applicants were trained in an educational institution and fast tracked into some housekeeping positions (There was training provided and 60% was work experience.
3. Research & Innovation – provides funding for eligible projects to explore and/or find untried and untested methods of delivering programming to help individuals find or return to work as quickly as possible.
*Example: funded MOSAIC on a project where they brought in research subjects together to test a new business design model for new immigrants. Another one was for the Fraser Health Authority in finding cognitive remediation on employment planning to work with barriers such as mental health issues.
4. Social Innovation – expands the scope of the Community and Employer Partnerships (CEP) program to support innovative projects that address social challenges beyond unemployment. It focuses attention on new ideas and approaches to address complex and ongoing social problems. The CEP funding streams support socially innovative projects with a focus on community needs and support improved employment related outcomes for unemployed project participants.
*Example: funded an 8-week Training session for the Stolo nation where artists involved in the projects received a royalty for each piece they created – helping them set up a model.
* More information on online applications and on each of the 5 Funding Streams at: https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/Community-and-Employer-Partnerships.aspx
NEW HORIZONS FOR SENIORS
Do you have an idea that will enable seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others, and help communities increase their capacity to address senior and local issues? The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) helps to ensure seniors will benefit from, and contribute to, the quality of life in their communities through active living and participation in social activities.
In anticipation of the next NHSP Call for Proposals, the Government of Canada will provide information to help you with the preparation of your application.
Through NHSP your organization may be eligible to receive a grant up to $25,000 per year. Based on the most recent Call for Proposals, projects must be led or inspired by seniors and address one or more of the following five program objectives:
•promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations;
•engaging seniors in the community through the mentoring of others;
•expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse;
•supporting the social participation and inclusion of seniors; and
•providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors.
Check our website regularly for more information. http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/seniors/funding/index.shtml
NOTE: To be prepared for the next Call for Proposal, it is strongly recommended to attend one of the upcoming NHSP information sessions. Times and locations will be forwarded to you in the near future.
If you would like to attend and or possibly host a session, please contact 604-658-8451 or e-mail W-T-CSPD-SCEP-NHSP-PNHA-BC-GD@servicecanada.gc.ca at your earliest convenience so that we can make arrangements.
Thank you for your interest in the program and please feel free to pass this on to other senior led organizations or groups that you think may be interested.
Best regards,
New Horizons for Seniors Program, Service Canada
Tel: 604-658-8451
E-mail: W-T-CSPD-SCEP-NHSP-PNHA-BC-GD@servicecanada.gc.ca
Grandview Woodland Food Connection 