Open

Community Action Initiative (CAI) - Lived and Living Experience Employment Grant

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Who is eligible for the Community Action Initiative (CAI) - Lived and Living Experience Employment Grant program?

Eligibility criteria are not specified.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Community Action Initiative (CAI) - Lived and Living Experience Employment Grant?

You can contact Province of British Columbia.

Q: Where is the Community Action Initiative (CAI) - Lived and Living Experience Employment Grant available?

The Community Action Initiative (CAI) - Lived and Living Experience Employment Grant program is available the province of British Columbia.

Last Update: February 4, 2026

BC, Canada

Supports employment initiatives for people with lived experience of mental health or substance use.

Province of British Columbia

menu_processing_agreement

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

No objectives are currently available

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 60,000 $

Timeline

Unspecified

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

All industries

Location

British Columbia

Legal structures

Non-profit

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

All groups

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

Mental Health and Crisis Intervention

Target groups

All the groups

Revenue structures

100% donations / grants

Scope

Provincial

Overview

The Lived and Living Experience Employment Grant provides financial support to community-based organizations in British Columbia to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with mental health or substance use experiences. Funding can go up to $60,000 annually for a period of two years to support initiatives that expand the roles of PWLLE beyond traditional sectors, fostering inclusivity and systemic change.

Activities funded

Developing inclusive employment programs for PWLLE.
Training staff on mental health and substance use awareness.
Creating new job positions that leverage lived experience.
Implementing innovative policies to embed lived experience as a valued expertise in workplaces.
Engaging with community stakeholders to support systemic change.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 50,000

Developing peer support training to integrate lived experience expertise

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Community-based organizations in British Columbia.
First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous-led groups.
Non-profit organizations focusing on mental health, substance use, or social development.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

Activities that do not directly promote employment for PWLLE.
Expenses unrelated to project activities such as general operational costs.
Activities outside the approved sectors or roles.
Funding of activities that have already been completed prior to the grant approval.
Expenses that do not comply with the funding guidelines.

Selection criteria

Strength of project design and objectives.
Potential for sustainable impact on employment practices.
Innovation in integrating PWLLE into new sectors.
Community engagement and partnership development.
Feasibility and clarity of the implementation plan.

How to apply

Prepare a detailed project proposal and budget.Register on the funding platform or contact organizing body for submission.Complete and submit the application before the deadline.Await confirmation and review process by the evaluation panel.Respond to any requests for additional information or clarification.

Processing and Agreement

Applications are reviewed for eligibility and project suitability.
Selected applicants are notified by March 2026.
Funding agreements are signed before disbursement of funds.
Recipients must adhere to reporting and monitoring requirements.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Action Initiative (CAI) - Lived and Living Experience Employment Grant Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Community Action Initiative (CAI) - Lived and Living Experience Employment Grant. 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.