We are Community Action Initiative (CAI), a nonprofit organization transforming mental health and substance use (MHSU) support across B.C.

Where Communities Lead, Better Health Follows.
At our core, we’re connectors between grassroots organizations and government. Our role is to nurture community-led efforts, helping align their needs with broader provincial objectives while prioritizing unique local contexts.
Our approach is rooted in capacity building, trust-based granting, and creating strong relationships with the communities we engage. That’s how we ensure that local wisdom and lived experiences actively shape Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) programming and resource allocation.
We believe that lasting change starts with listening to communities. And together with our partners, we’re fostering a more community-centred approach to MHSU programming that reflects and serves the people it aims to support.
Our Vision
Community-based agencies are key partners in addressing mental health and substance use in BC.
Our Mission
To strengthen the role and capacity of the community sector to improve mental health and address substance use for British Columbians.
Our Values
Community Knowledge:
Working directly with community to leverage local knowledge and build a strong and sustainable Mental Health and Substance Use sector through applying an equity lens to issues and solutions that extend beyond grant-making.
Collaboration:
Supporting partnerships and collaboration across sectors to reduce systems barriers and empower collective action.
Inclusion:
Promoting diverse and culturally safe organizations, service providers, volunteers, and engaging individuals and families with lived and living experience across the lifespan.
Continuous Learning:
Pursuing strategies informed by evidence, historical context, traditional knowledge, and the voices of community.
Accountability:
Ensuring sound stewardship of resources and accountability for impact.