Applications for these grant streams are now closed. To be notified when the recipients are announced, sign up for our newsletter.
Increased support is coming for Indigenous and local governments in B.C. who are striving to create healthier, more equitable and inclusive communities. The PlanH Healthy Communities Grant Program, administered by BC Healthy Communities, is offering 30 grants for the 2021 to 2022 year across two funding streams: Community Connectedness and Healthy Public Policy.
The Community Connectedness funding stream offers 20 grants of $5,000 each, as well as support from BC Healthy Communities staff, for projects that foster relationship-building among community members and create long-lasting social networks. This stream includes project proposals which support people to be connected even if they are physically distanced, and proposals in which Indigenous and local governments develop strategies and plans to address the mental health implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Healthy Public Policy stream offers 10 grants of $15,000 each, as well as support from BC Healthy Communities staff, for projects that seek to develop new or amend existing policy in order to improve the health and well-being of community members. Eligible projects may include policy analysis, public engagement, research, implementation or evaluation.
Projects for both streams must use an equity lens to ensure their outcomes benefit those who have historically been excluded from local decision-making processes, faced unfair burdens and negative impacts of previous decision-making, or whose needs have not been adequately met by existing policies and programs.
Both grants are available to Indigenous and local governments including municipalities, regional districts, First Nations Band and Self-Governing First Nations, First Nations tribal councils, and Métis chartered communities. Applicants are strongly encouraged to incorporate multi-sectoral partnerships in their application, including collaboration with regional health authorities and community organizations.
Supports received from BC Healthy Communities staff as part of the grant package may include research, evaluation, planning, engagement and communications services.
The grants are funded through the PlanH Healthy Communities Grant Program. PlanH is a partnership between BC Healthy Communities Society and the BC Ministry of Health and is informed by health authorities and other stakeholders. PlanH creates healthier communities by supporting partnerships across sectors, providing learning opportunities, resources, and consultation, and facilitating collaborative local action.
The application window for the grants runs from April 6 to June 1, 2021. To learn more about the grants and the PlanH program, please visit the PlanH website at planh.ca/grants or email grants@planh.ca.