Capital Project Grants - Social Policy - Social Small Capital Grants
Last Update: September 2, 2025
Vancouver, BC
Supports small-scale facility upgrades for non-profit social services
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $25,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Health care and social assistance
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Funds Providers
Program status
Closed
Overview
The Social Policy - Social Small Capital Grants provide up to $25,000 in funding to support small-scale improvements to social infrastructure in Vancouver. Eligible activities include health and safety upgrades, climate change adaptation projects, accessibility improvements, service expansions, and planning or feasibility studies for non-profit organizations serving the community.
Financing terms and conditions
- Grants of up to $25,000 are available for small social infrastructure improvement projects.
- Cost-sharing is not required for this grant stream.
Activities funded
- Upgrades to improve health and safety of social-serving facilities.
- Projects addressing climate change adaptation, such as measures for extreme heat and poor air quality.
- Improvements to enhance facility accessibility.
- Initiatives to improve or expand social services delivered at facilities.
- Planning or feasibility studies for infrastructural improvements.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 18,000
Feasibility study for rooftop community garden and cooling project
$ 25,000
Upgrading HVAC system to manage extreme heat and air quality
$ 24,000
Kitchen renovations to meet health and safety compliance standards
$ 23,500
Expanding mental health service rooms in a community facility
$ 24,000
Installation of automatic door openers for improved accessibility
$ 24,000
Installing ramps and tactile surfaces for building accessibility upgrade
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a social-serving non-profit organization based in Vancouver.
- The project must involve improvements to social infrastructure, focusing on health and safety upgrades, climate change adaptation, accessibility, service improvement or expansion, or planning/feasibility studies.
- Applications must be submitted through VanApply and are accepted year-round, subject to available funding.
Who is eligible?
- Registered non-profit societies
- Charities registered with Canada Revenue Agency
- Community service cooperatives
- Faith-based organizations
- Social enterprises wholly owned by a non-profit society
Who is not eligible
- Organizations that primarily focus on health care or education (excluding childcare or out-of-school care).
- Organizations that exclude certain people or groups based on religion, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, language, disability, or income.
Eligible expenses
- Health and safety upgrades to social infrastructure.
- Climate change adaptation upgrades, such as improvements to address extreme heat and poor air quality.
- Accessibility upgrades to facilities.
- Expenses for improving or expanding services related to social infrastructure.
- Costs associated with planning or feasibility studies for facility improvements.
Eligible geographic areas
- Vancouver
Selection criteria
- Type of project and alignment with program priorities.
- Focus on social spaces that address the needs of disproportionately impacted populations as outlined in "Spaces to Thrive."
- Alignment with other City of Vancouver strategic priorities (e.g., Equity Framework, Accessibility Strategy, Reconciliation).
- Organizational health and financial need, including support from other funding sources.
- Project cost, size of organization, and context relative to available funds.
How to apply
1
Review guidelines and eligibility
- Download and review the Social Policy Capital Grants information guide for eligibility criteria, program priorities, and application process
- Ensure your organization meets all eligibility requirements
2
Prepare application documents
- Gather all required supporting documents as specified in the grant information guide
- Prepare your project details including scope, objectives, and budget
3
Fill out the application form
- Complete the application form according to the instructions
- Ensure all sections are filled and accurate
4
Submit your application
- Submit your completed application and all supporting documents through VanApply
- Alternatively, send your application via email or mail to the designated contacts if applicable
- Submit by one of the Council decision deadlines if desired
5
Await results and updates
- Wait for the review and Council decision process
- Monitor your email for updates or requests for further information
Additional information
- Cost-sharing is not required for this grant stream.
- Applications can be submitted year-round, subject to availability of funds.
- Applicants wishing for Council decision by a specific date must submit their application by the corresponding deadline.
- The program information guide provides additional details on priorities and process and should be reviewed prior to application.
Contacts
socialpolicygrants@vancouver.ca
Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Capital Project Grants - Social Policy - Social Small Capital Grants Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Capital Project Grants - Social Policy - Social Small Capital Grants. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Capital Project Grants - Social Policy - Social Small Capital Grants?
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What expenses are eligible under Capital Project Grants - Social Policy - Social Small Capital Grants?
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Is the Capital Project Grants - Social Policy - Social Small Capital Grants a grant, loan, or tax credit?
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