Renter Services Grants

• Grant amounts typically range from $5,000 to over $50,000, depending on the scale and impact of the proposed project.
• Funds are disbursed in one full payment, usually in late March or early April, immediately following Council approval.
• Requests for amounts smaller or greater than the indicative range are considered based on project scope and potential impact on housing outcomes for renters.

• The applicant must be a registered non-profit society, community service co-op, or social enterprise wholly owned by a non-profit and in good standing with the Registrar of Companies, or a registered charity in good standing with the Canadian Revenue Agency, or a First Nations Band.
• The organization must have an independent, active governing body composed of volunteers, with by-laws ensuring no staff member is a voting board or executive member.
• The applicant must be able to deliver the funded program or project in Vancouver to Vancouver residents.
• The organization must demonstrate welcoming, inclusive practices for people of all backgrounds and comply with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the British Columbia Human Rights Code.
• The project must support Vancouver renters, particularly those experiencing disadvantages or facing discrimination, aligning with the grant's objectives to improve housing outcomes for renters.

Who is eligible?

• Registered non-profit societies
• Community service co-operatives
• Social enterprises wholly owned by a non-profit
• Registered charities
• First Nations Bands

Who is not eligible

• For-profit businesses and companies that are not registered non-profit societies, registered charities, community service co-ops, or First Nations Bands.
• Organizations whose primary mandate falls under other government departments, such as direct healthcare services, employment training, or initial settlement programs.
• Businesses providing direct welfare supports, including food banks, meal programs, or clothing distribution.
• Organizations seeking funding for housing capital costs, rent payments, or rent supplements.
• Entities primarily offering recreational or credential-granting educational programs.

Eligible expenses

• Expenses allowing users or beneficiaries access to funded services (e.g., transportation costs necessary for accessing the services).
• Costs related to the organization and conduct of workshops, conferences, or informal educational activities for tenants or their representatives.
• Expenses associated with strengthening organizational capacity to support or advocate for tenants' rights in Vancouver.

Eligible geographic areas

• Organizations delivering programs in Vancouver for Vancouver residents.

• Alignment of the project with the Renter Services Grants Statement of Intent.
• Contribution to the goals of Council-approved actions to support Vancouver renters.
• Effectiveness in providing supplemental supports or removing barriers for equitable access for renters, especially those facing social, physical, or economic disadvantages in the private market rental sector.
• Use of approaches such as service delivery, advocacy, or community development that improve housing outcomes.
• Potential to measurably increase the organization’s capacity to support or advocate for Vancouver renters and positively impact the broader renter community.

• Grant applications are processed through the VanApply online portal; paper or emailed submissions are not accepted.
• New applicants are encouraged to contact a planner before submitting their application to confirm eligibility and program alignment.
• Supporting documents such as board of directors list, recent AGM and board meeting minutes, audited financial statements, and diversity policy (if available) must be uploaded with the application.
• The amount of grants typically ranges from $5,000 to over $50,000, but requests outside this range may be considered based on project scope and impact.