The application window for this grant stream is open from March 1–May 15, 2023.
For information on other funding opportunities for communities in B.C., visit our Other Funding Opportunities page.
Canadians with a strong sense of community belonging are over twice as likely to report good health compared to those who have a weak or very weak sense of community.1 A connected community is a place where people know their neighbours, build relationships with others and contribute to the creation of social networks that last over time. This requires opportunities for people to gather in person or virtually, create connections and get involved. Connected communities support strong citizen engagement.
Local and Indigenous governments play a role in fostering social connectedness by creating strong social environments that help all community members thrive. Central to these strong social environments is a focus on equity—ensuring that the needs and input of those whose voices are often less-heard-from in the community are prioritized at all stages of a project or initiative.
The PlanH Healthy Communities grants support Indigenous and local governments in B.C. as they work with health authorities and other partners to collectively create conditions that enable healthy people and healthy places.
For 2023, one of the PlanH Healthy Communities grant streams focuses on Community Connectedness. These grants support communities as they take multi-sectoral action to explore, learn, and innovate, enhancing community cohesion and sense of belonging. Complete the online application located here.
Important Dates:
- May 15, 2023, 11:59 PM PST: Application due date
- June 2023: Notification of successful applicants
- September 2023–September 2024: Project takes place
- October 1, 2024: Deadline for delivery of final project report
How to Apply:
- Read the full application guide.
- Download and complete the budget and workplan using our template.
- Download and review the application questions (PDF, Word) to prepare.
- Optional: Gather any supporting documents you wish to submit. (A letter of support from your regional health authority or the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is recommended but not required. Written letters of support are suggested as a demonstration of existing partnerships.)
- Complete the online application using the application webform. (If you experience difficulties using the webform, please contact us at grants@bchealthycommunities.ca.)
Application Guide
A step-by-step guide for completing the PlanH Community Connectedness Grant application is available here.
A step-by-step guide for completing the PlanH Community Connectedness Grant application is Community Connectedness Grants
Grants of up to $5,000 each are available for Indigenous and local governments working with health authorities and other partners to better understand priority areas and local needs and to enhance a sense of belonging within the local community.OpportunityEligibilityCriteriaLinks and Partnerships
Project Learning & Reflection Process
Onboarding
Community Connectedness grant recipients may request an onboarding and/or strategy call at any time. However, these calls are not required.
Reporting
All grant recipients will be required to complete a final report at the end of the project. The questions in the final report are similar to the application form. Final report templates will be emailed to all successful grant recipients in September. You can find examples of final reports from previous years on the PlanH Grants FAQ.
Our team is committed to incorporating culturally safe practices into our evaluation approaches. We will strive to co-create relevant learning and reflection tools in partnership with communities whenever possible.
Communications Guidance
We ask that projects funded through the PlanH Healthy Communities grants include written acknowledgment of funding in materials produced as a result of PlanH. This includes publicity, conferences, meeting presentations, printed pieces or any other materials that are public and promotional in nature. Guidance on how to acknowledge PlanH Healthy Communities grants will be available on this page after the grants are awarded.
FAQs
Have a question? Visit the frequently asked questions page or get in touch via the contact information below.
Examples of past projects funded by PlanH can be found here.
Contact
If you have questions or require assistance please contact:
BC Healthy Communities Society
grants@bchealthycommunities.ca
