Bursaries & Passes 

Vancouver offers a variety of bursaries and passes for you to choose from.
If you are interested, a coach can assist you with your application. 

Consumer Initiative Fund

The Consumer Initiative Fund is a unique and progressive program that funds and supports projects that are proposed, managed, and led by people with lived experience with mental illness and/or addiction.
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The Consumer Initiative Fund embodies the Philosophy of Recovery with the belief that:
  • Recovery is possible
  • People can have purpose in their lives
  • People can improve the quality of their life through self determination

CMHA Post-Secondary Student Bursaries & Scholarships

Several awards are available each year to BC post-secondary students who live with mental illness or addiction:
  • Lorne Fraser Scholarship for Mental Health Promotion
Scholarships worth $1000 and $2000 are available to two post-secondary students entering the second, third, or fourth year of an undergraduate program, or any stage of a graduate program, whose education and career goals are related to mental health promotion
  • Lorne Fraser Educational Bursary
Several $700 bursaries are available to students for the tuition costs of a post-secondary education at an accredited BC institution
  • Mental Health Fine Arts Bursary (FAB) Award
$1000 for a student at least 18 years of age currently enrolled in, or accepted to, a recognized post-secondary program in the field of fine arts

YMCA Access Programs

Families or individuals who are unable to pay the full fee for a standard membership or program are able to apply for a reduced membership fee. Also, those who currently receive fee assistance from the government prequalify for the program.

Inspiration Pass 

Opening the door to exciting experiences and fun things to see and do across the city, the Vancouver Inspiration Pass is a free cultural and recreational pass program that allows individuals, families and teens to explore their city like never before.

Free for Vancouver residents aged 14 years and older, the pass is valid for a period of two weeks, and can be borrowed through any Vancouver Public Library location.

Leisure Access Pass 
The Leisure Access Program provides low-income Vancouver residents with access to basic recreation programs and services at Park Board facilities at a reduced cost.
Upon qualifying, the subsidy is loaded on a OneCard for discounted access to all Park Board pools, rinks, and participating fitness and community centres 

Open Door Group Bursary

Support for Mental Health Diagnosis
  • A bursary is available for individuals with mental health diagnosis living in Vancouver who have a new goal in Leisure, Health & Wellness.
  • The purpose of the bursary is to provide financial assistance for access to community-based leisure, health, and wellness services during recovery.
  • The bursary offers up to $150 and is drawn every two months.
Eligibility Criteria
  • Applicants must be referred by a professional, such as:
    • Recreation Therapist
    • Occupational Therapist
    • Case Manager
    • Nurse
    • Social Worker
    • Psychiatrist
    • Doctor
Note: The bursary is intended as a temporary financial bridge to support sustained access to leisure, health, and wellness pursuits.