VANCOUVER ISLAND
COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANTS
The Vancouver Island Impact Grant Program supports and enhances the vibrant co-op communities across Vancouver Island. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for projects that align with our mission to promote sustainable and inclusive co-operative living. There is no deadline to apply, grants will be assessed and awarded as they are submitted until the fund has been dispersed
This program is made possible by a generous donation from Coastal Community Credit Union.
For more information register to our info session on July 24!
Who can apply?
Vancouver Island Impact Grants are open to Island housing co-operatives that are members in good standing with CHF BC. Any co-op member can create an application, but it must be approved by the co-op’s board of directors.
Projects must be new initiatives, not previously started, and must be completed within one year of approval. You may apply for another project once you complete your project and submit your project story to CHF BC.
There is no deadline to apply. Applications will be reviewed and grants awarded on a rolling basis until all funds are dispersed. Even distribution of funds across Vancouver Island co-ops is a priority.
Eligible projects
Projects eligible for funding must impact one or more of the following areas:
- Reducing environmental footprints
- Enhancing social inclusion and community engagement
- Encouraging co-operation among co-operatives
- Pursuing reconciliation with Indigenous communities
- Promoting sustainable food systems and food security
Project ideas
Here are some project ideas to get you started.
- Install rain barrels or composting infrastructure to reduce environmental impact.
- Host a cultural celebration or create a public art project to enhance social inclusion.
- Develop a shared tool library with other local co-ops to encourage cooperation.
- Collaborate with local First Nations to celebrate the history of traditional lands.
- Start a community garden or bee hive to promote food security.
Things to remember
What you need to know about the Vancouver Island Impact Grants:
- Projects must be free, accessible, and welcoming to everyone.
- Applicants are encouraged to seek donations or in-kind gifts from local businesses to help support your project.
- Funds cannot be used for fundraising on behalf of other projects or organizations.
- All project expenses must be tracked and documented.
- Projects will not be supported retroactively
- Funds must be used within one calendar year of a project being approved.
Terms and Conditions
Check out the program Terms and Conditions to learn more about the grant, the application process and what to expect.
Resources
Here are some resources to help you plan your co-ops community impact project.
Inclusive event planning:
• Inclusive Event Planning [PDF], Employment and Social Development Canada
• Inclusive Event Planning – How to Plan for Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in Events [webpage]. Global Events Agency via LinkedIn
• Checklist for Accessible and Inclusive Event Planning [PDF], UBC
Land Acknowledgements
• Territorial Acknowledgement [webpage], Native Land
• Doing a Territory Acknowledgment: How and Why [PDF], UVic
Submit an application
Complete our form to submit an application for a Vancouver Island Community Impact Grant.
You can access both printable and fillable versions of the form through the links below.
Impact Grant Application Form Printable [PDF]
Impact Grant Application Form Fillable [PDF]
To submit your application please send it to impactgrant@chf.bc.ca along with any questions you may have.
After submission you will receive an email confirmation from CHF BC. Your application will be reviewed by a committee made up of CHF BC staff and volunteers and you will be advised if your project is approved or not.
About Coastal Community Credit Union
As the largest Island-based financial organization, Coastal Community Credit Union serves over 120,000 members and clients on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
They offer a range of personal, business and commercial banking and insurance services, as well as wealth management.
With more than $4.3 billion in total assets under management, CCCU operates a network of 24 branches, 15 insurance locations and one centralized contact centre with extended service hours so our caring and helpful experts can meet all your financial and protection needs.
Each year, Coastal Community invests over half a million dollars into communities across the Islands through community funding grants, education awards, sponsorships and fundraising initiatives.
A key aspects that set Coastal Community apart from the rest is their integrated approach to providing expert financial advice and personalized solutions across all of their business lines and a 100% Island focus.