Childcare Research, Policy Development, and Innovation Grants
Last Update: September 2, 2025
Vancouver, BC
Supports projects advancing childcare research and policy in Vancouver
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
Funds Providers
Program status
Open
Overview
The Childcare Research, Policy Development, and Innovation Grants program provides limited, one-time funding—with no fixed maximum amount—for non-profit organizations, charities, and select partners to undertake projects that improve childcare practices or address key issues in early learning and care in Vancouver. Eligible activities include research, policy development, and innovative initiatives that advance the accessibility, quality, and affordability of childcare services for Vancouver residents.
Financing terms and conditions
- There is no set maximum for grant allocations; funding amounts are determined based on available funds.
Activities funded
- Research projects aimed at improving childcare practices in Vancouver.
- Initiatives focused on developing or informing childcare-related policies.
- Innovative projects that address key issues in early learning and care.
- Projects supporting the development of a universal, accessible, and affordable childcare system.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 65,000
Policy analysis on parent fee subsidy improvements for childcare
$ 78,000
Researching flexible childcare models supporting non-standard work hours
$ 108,000
Developing an Indigenous-led early learning curriculum toolkit
$ 86,000
Launching a bilingual resource hub for home-based childcare providers
$ 129,000
Piloting a multilingual childcare access advisory hotline
$ 88,000
Pilot training program for inclusive childcare best practices
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a registered non-profit society, community service co-op, social enterprise wholly governed by a non-profit in good standing, registered charity, or a First Nations Band. Educational institutions are eligible if partnered with a Vancouver-based non-profit.
- The organization must have an independent, volunteer-based governing body; staff cannot be voting members of the Board or Executive, and Board members cannot be remunerated for their role as directors.
- The organization must have inclusive policies and practices that welcome people of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and identities.
- The organization must be capable of delivering the funded project in Vancouver for Vancouver residents.
- The organization must comply with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the British Columbia Human Rights Code.
Who is eligible?
- Registered non-profit societies
- Community service co-operatives
- Social enterprises wholly governed by a non-profit
- Registered charities
- First Nations Bands
- Educational institutions partnering with a Vancouver-based non-profit organization
Who is not eligible
- For-profit companies that are not wholly governed by a non-profit organization.
- Organizations acting as funding bodies or making grants to other groups.
- Businesses or organizations unable to deliver projects within Vancouver to Vancouver residents.
- Organizations not in compliance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms or the British Columbia Human Rights Code.
Eligible geographic areas
- Organizations delivering projects in Vancouver for Vancouver residents.
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the City of Vancouver’s strategy and early actions for childcare.
- Potential to improve childcare practice or address key issues in early learning and care.
- Demonstrated functional capacity and sufficient financial resources to complete the proposed project.
- Project delivery in Vancouver, with direct impact on Vancouver residents.
- Compliance with relevant legal and human rights frameworks.
How to apply
1
Review grant information guide
- Review the 2025 Childcare Research, Policy Development and Innovation Grant information guide
- Understand eligibility and funding details
- Ensure your project aligns with grant objectives
2
Contact program officer
- Contact Karen Quinn Fung, Social Planner, at karenquinn.fung@vancouver.ca
- Discuss your project proposal and assess eligibility
- Seek preliminary approval to proceed
3
Complete online application
- If invited, access the City’s online grants management system using a custom code
- Fill in the short online application with project details
- Identify partners, timelines, and outcomes
4
Upload budget and review
- Prepare and upload a detailed project budget as an Excel file
- Review all information for accuracy
5
Submit application
- Submit the completed application via the online system
- Ensure submission is before the stated deadline
Additional information
- There is no fixed maximum grant amount, as allocations depend on available funds.
- Applications are assessed in the context of the City of Vancouver’s childcare strategy and priorities.
- This grant operates by invitation only; applicants must be invited to proceed with their application.
- Updates on program deadlines and details are posted on the City’s website.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Childcare Research, Policy Development, and Innovation Grants Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Childcare Research, Policy Development, and Innovation 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 Childcare Research, Policy Development, and Innovation Grants?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under Childcare Research, Policy Development, and Innovation Grants?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Childcare Research, Policy Development, and Innovation Grants a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Childcare Research, Policy Development, and Innovation Grants?
Who is eligible for the Childcare Research, Policy Development, and Innovation Grants program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Childcare Research, Policy Development, and Innovation Grants?
Where is the Childcare Research, Policy Development, and Innovation Grants available?
Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Childcare Research, Policy Development, and Innovation Grants program?
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