Indigenous Healing and Wellness Grants

Who is eligible?

• Indigenous-led non-profit organizations
• Non-Indigenous-led non-profit organizations with demonstrated collaboration with Indigenous peoples and communities
• Registered charities
• Community service co-operatives
• First Nations Bands

Who is not eligible

• Organizations that are not registered non-profit societies, community service co-ops, social enterprises wholly owned by a non-profit, registered charities, or First Nations Bands (unless partnering with an eligible fiscal sponsor).
• Programs or organizations that do not primarily serve residents of Vancouver.
• Entities offering only one-time projects or events (funding is for ongoing programming).

Eligible expenses

• Honorariums, contracts, or salaries for Elders or Knowledge Keepers (at least 60% of the grant must be allocated to this expense).
• Local transportation costs for Elders or Knowledge Keepers (such as transit, taxi, or mileage).
• Program supplies and materials (including traditional foods, drums, etc.).
• Rental of additional spaces (such as boardrooms, halls, community cultural centres, or longhouses for feasts, ceremonies, or honourings).
• Training and development opportunities specifically for Elders or Knowledge Keepers working with vulnerable or at-risk populations.

Eligible geographic areas

• Organizations located in Vancouver
• Programs that primarily serve residents of Vancouver

• Demonstrated alignment with the goals of increasing access to Elder and Knowledge Keeper services and Indigenous traditional, cultural, and spiritual healing.
• Evidence of supporting and compensating Elders and Knowledge Keepers appropriately within the proposed program.
• Integration of Indigenous healing and wellness activities alongside mainstream health services to improve community health outcomes.
• Clear outline of program impact, including how it will benefit Vancouver’s urban Indigenous community.
• Consistency with the City’s frameworks such as the City of Reconciliation, equity and intersectionality goals, and accessibility strategy.

• Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
  • Download and thoroughly review the program guidelines and information sheet for eligibility, allowable expenses, and decision-making considerations.
  • Familiarize yourself with the application process and reporting requirements.
• Step 2: Contact a Planner (Recommended for New or Unsuccessful Applicants)
  • Reach out to a grants planner by email (socialpolicygrants@vancouver.ca) or phone (604-673-8414) to confirm eligibility and discuss your application process.
  • New or previously unsuccessful applicants are strongly encouraged to have a consultation prior to submission.
• Step 3: Gather Required Documents
  • Prepare the following documents: program budget (using the provided template), financial statements for the most recent fiscal year, Board of Directors list, incorporation documentation, annual general meeting minutes, organization by-laws/constitution, and any additional supporting materials if available (e.g., annual report, diversity policy).
• Step 4: Complete Application on VanApply
  • Access VanApply to complete your application form.
  • Input requested information including organization details, an outline of the work and its impact, and upload all required documentation.
• Step 5: Alternative Submission Methods
  • If online submission is not possible, contact a planner to arrange oral or alternative application submission methods.
• Step 6: Submit Application
  • Submit your complete application via VanApply or approved alternative method by the specified deadline (November 13, 2024 at 11:59pm).
• Step 7: Receive Confirmation
  • Upon submission, receive confirmation of your application from the City of Vancouver.
• Step 8: Participate in Review Process (if applicable)
  • Be prepared for potential follow-up communications or site visits during the review period.
  • Respond promptly to any requests for additional information from the funding body.
• Step 9: Await Notification and Funding
  • Await notification of the decision as per the published timeline (council report in March 2025; first payment in April 2025, second payment in April 2026, pending annual reporting).
• Step 10: Comply with Reporting Requirements
  • Provide annual reports and updated documentation as requested through VanApply to maintain eligibility for the second year of funding.

• Priority consideration is given to programs aligning with the City of Reconciliation framework, equity and intersectionality objectives, and the Accessibility Strategy.
• Community reviewers are involved in the grant selection process and are compensated for their participation.
• Organizations not registered as eligible entities may partner with a fiscal sponsor that holds the appropriate registration status.
• Programs funded in previous years may reapply for funding.