Role of Cops for Kids Charitable Foundation in the funding ecosystem
Cops for Kids Charitable Foundation is a regional children’s charity based in the BC RCMP South East District. Formed in 2001 by RCMP officers and personnel, it raises funds to support children under 19 who are facing serious medical, physical, developmental or traumatic crises. The organization serves families living in communities across south‑eastern British Columbia and focuses on situations where a child’s condition creates significant financial hardship for the household.
The foundation operates entirely on donations and fundraising events, notably its annual ten‑day Cops for Kids Ride and other community activities, and does not receive government operating funding. These revenues are redistributed through formal grant programs to families in need.
Funding programs and priority areas
Cops for Kids structures its support through several priority categories. Priority One focuses on medical travel and related expenses, including fuel, groceries, parking and accommodation for a child and one primary caregiver travelling to advanced medical care. Support is available for treatment at children’s hospitals, regional centres and, where medically directed, major U.S. hospitals, provided that government programs such as Hope Air and the BC Family Residence Program have been used first.
Priority Two addresses urgent needs such as primary mobility aids, specialized equipment, respite care in limited circumstances, and a wide range of medical treatment tools and supplies. Priority Three supports therapies including speech, occupational and physiotherapy, massage therapy, therapeutic horseback riding, adapted tricycles and social or behavioural therapies, generally up to a capped hourly rate.
The foundation explicitly lists expenses it cannot fund (for example vehicle purchases, certain alternative therapies, and costs covered by extended health or government programs) and often works in partnership with other charities and public programs when there is a funding gap.
Application process and assessment
Families or professionals supporting them apply through an online Grant Application form under the “Funding for Families” section. Applications are open to children under 19 who reside within the RCMP South East District and whose family is significantly impacted financially by the child’s condition. The form collects details on the child’s diagnosis or condition, the requested support (travel, medication, equipment, therapies or other), total amount requested, and evidence of financial need.
Required documentation includes proof of address within the eligible region, a recent photo of the child, confirmation of medical appointments or treatment plans, and supplier quotes for requested items, with two quotes needed when costs exceed a specified threshold. Some grant streams are reviewed on a rolling basis, while Priority 2 and 3 applications are reviewed quarterly, subject to available funding. Approved grants are typically valid for one year, with medical travel support valid for up to two years from the approval letter.
Governance, accountability and impact
Grant applications are reviewed confidentially by a grants committee and the board of directors, which includes current and retired RCMP personnel and community representatives. The foundation reserves the right to request additional financial documentation, decline unsupported applications, and adjust funding levels according to prudent management of charitable funds.
Families must agree that funds will be used only for the approved purposes, that equipment will be maintained, and that certain items such as wheelchairs or specialized trikes may be returned to Cops for Kids for reallocation when no longer needed. The organization emphasizes its focus on children in crisis and aims to maximize impact by directing limited resources to the most critical situations across south‑eastern British Columbia.