Bursaries and 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. 

Adventures in Short Film Writing: Drop-In Workshop

Do you have an interest in film but don't know where to start?

Join the peer-led Zoom group on the fundamentals of short film writing. These workshops are drop-in, self-paced, and free to attend. Together the group will learn to develop a story, characters, learn structure and write a draft of a short film.

Individuals from the mental health and/or substance use community are welcome!

Dates and Times: Wednesdays | 3 pm - 4  pm
Location: Online via Zoom
To register email Ana: [email protected]

CMHA Post-Secondary Student Bursaries & Scholarships

Several awards are available each year to BC post-secondary students who live with mental illness or addiction.
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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

Consumer Initiative Fund Grants and Projects
CIF Art Grant:
  • The CIF Art Grant provides an opportunity for artists to purchase art supplies
  • Vancouver residents who are consumers of mental health and/or substance use services are encouraged to apply
  • Each Art Grant is in the amount of $85
  • A total of 10 grants are awarded each draw (January, April, July & October)
  • Application is available online 
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: 604-730-7675  ​

Crisis Grant:
  • Intended to assist consumers of mental health and substance use services who are experiencing significant financial strain due to unexpected circumstances
  • Twelve grants in the amount of $85 are available each month
  • Recipients are selected at random
  • A referral from a healthcare professional is required
Email: [email protected] for more information
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Education & Leisure Fund:
  • ​Helps people make their lives better by giving them chances to grow personally, improve how they live, learn new job skills, get an education, and take part in activities to improve their well-being
  • Enables individuals to access courses and resources that would otherwise be unavailable to them
  • Funding of up to $400 for education and leisure courses or activities
  • Offered twice per year, in the Spring and Fall
  • Application is available online
Email: [email protected] for more information

CIF Projects:
  • Funding for projects that allow the community to connect with peers in a safe and welcoming environment
  • Proposed, developed and led by people with lived/living experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges (peers)
  • Includes creative workshops and community groups
  • Up to $4,000 for a 6-month project and $8,000 for a 12-month project
Email: [email protected] for more information

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. 

Eligibility:
  • Based on the total family income
  • Amount of coverage is on a case-by-case basis
  • Those who currently receive fee assistance from the government prequalify for the program

Services include:
  • Health & Fitness Memberships
  • Child Care (must reapply every 3 months)
  • Registered Programs
  • Summer Camps

Leisure Access Pass 

The Leisure Access Program provides low-income Vancouver residents 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.

Reduced costs include:
  • 100% off on admission at pools and ice rinks
  • 50% off group swimming and skating lessons
  • 50% off at fitness centres
  • And many more discounts

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.
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Eligibility Criteria
  • Applicants must be referred by a professional, such as:
    • Recreation or Occupational Therapist
    • Case Manager
    • Nurse
    • Social Worker
    • Doctor/Psychiatrist
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Note: The bursary is intended as a temporary financial bridge to support sustained access to leisure, health, and wellness pursuits.

Yes2Me Scholarships

The Yes2Me Scholarship Program helps young people with schizophrenia achieve their educational goals. They help those who live with schizophrenia and are working hard to build their futures.

BC Schizophrenia Society and the Otsuka-Lundbeck Alliance award scholarships of $1,000 each to students in accredited programs. Total scholarship amounts are awarded based on each individual application. 
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Accredited Programs Include:
  • High school equivalency,
  • Trade and vocational certifications
  • Bachelor and graduate degrees
Eligibility and Application:
  •  Residents of BC
  • Have been diagnosed with a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder
  • Submit a completed Scholarship Application package
  • Deadlines are ongoing

Neighbourhood Small Grants 

The Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program helps residents of any age, experience, or background take part in fostering community. The program was created to help build community and strengthen connections right where people live – in their neighbourhoods. 

Details:
  • Grants are $500 (and occasionally $1000), with no obligation to repay the funds
  • Open to all BC residents
  • Check the website for application deadlines
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Grant Criteria:
  • Projects that bring the community together
  • Projects that build community strength and resilience, or tackle social isolation
  • Projects that respect and celebrate diversity