Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Fraser Health

Fraser Health is one of British Columbia’s regional health authorities, responsible for delivering hospital, community health, and mental health and substance use services across the Fraser region. In addition to clinical and psychosocial care, it administers targeted financial assistance to support the rehabilitation and recovery of people living with mental illness. The Rehabilitation Fund for Mental Health Recovery is one example of how Fraser Health helps clients reduce financial barriers to participating in activities that are part of an individualized recovery plan.

The Mental Health & Substance Use (MHSU) Rehabilitation Fund assists individuals who have a mental illness, as well as parents with mental illness who are seeking activities for their children, to try out programs or obtain basic supplies needed for leisure and wellness, education, or employment activities. These activities must be linked to the person’s recovery plan, such as working toward returning to school, building work skills, or improving social and physical wellness.

The fund typically covers a portion of eligible fees or costs that cannot be paid through other resources, with applicants expected to contribute a share of the total. The application form explains that the fund can provide up to a maximum amount per fiscal year for each applicant, and a separate annual maximum for children’s activities. Examples include course fees, program passes, or essential equipment directly tied to rehabilitation goals, while items such as medical costs, electronics, regular clothing, housing, food, transportation and non‑rehabilitation activities are excluded.

To be eligible, individuals must have limited personal financial resources and an active recovery plan, and be connected to Fraser Health mental health and substance use services—such as being a client of a local mental health centre, an active member of a clubhouse program, or a participant in a Fraser Health‑funded rehabilitation program. Applications are generally completed with the support of a staff member (for example, a case manager or vocational counsellor) and submitted to the local mental health centre or clubhouse.

Each application is reviewed by a local Rehab Fund Committee, which includes a rehabilitation fund liaison and one or more members with lived experience of mental illness. Decisions are made on an individual basis, and the committee may approve a specific dollar amount, place an application on hold for more information, or decline it with reasons provided. The program emphasizes shared responsibility by requiring applicants to pay a minimum percentage of the total cost, with higher co‑funding expected for repeat requests for the same activity.

For approved applications, cheques are issued either to the institution providing the service (such as a training provider or leisure facility) or directly to the applicant, and are distributed via the Rehab Fund Committee. The guidelines specify timelines for screening applications and for cheque delivery, and note that cheques not cashed within a set period will be cancelled. Recipients must submit an outcome report, receipts for all expenditures, and return any unused funds, ensuring accountability and allowing Fraser Health to reinvest resources into future rehabilitation requests.

Through this and similar supports, Fraser Health plays a complementary funding role alongside its clinical services, enabling clients to access practical, community‑based opportunities that foster recovery, independence and social inclusion.