Background
In April 2016, the Provincial Public Health Officer formally declared a public health emergency in B.C. due to the significant increase in overdose deaths linked to unregulated and toxic drugs. Since then, over 18,000 people have died from drug poisonings in the province. The toxic drug crisis has had a devastating impact on all communities across B.C.
While many communities have created temporary Memorials to honour the lives lost, they have encountered barriers to their permanence. Memorials provide a place of safety for people with lived or living experience, first responders, family members, friends, workers, leaders and Indigenous community members to come together to remember all those who died from toxic drugs.
Overview
The Community Memorial and Healing Grant, led by Community Action Initiative with funding from the Vancouver Foundation, is a one-time funding opportunity of $10,000 for 15 communities across B.C. to develop a local permanent memorial that honors the lives of those lost to the toxic drug crisis and provide a space for collective grief and healing.
Eligibility
This grant is open for Municipalities or First Nations to apply.
Applications will be strengthened by providing an accompanying letter of support from a local non-profit or community group.
Timeline
- August 31, 2026: Grant application opens
- January 31, 2027: Grant application closes
- February 2027: Review and selection process
- March 2027: Grantees notified and awarded
How to Apply
Applicants can apply for this funding opportunity by completing an online application.
If you have not previously applied or been funded by CAI, you will be required to register for an account to complete the application.
Contact
If you have any questions or would like support with the application process, please contact:
Chantel Spade, Project Manager – Community Action Initiative at [email protected]