Background
In partnership with service providers, people with lived/living experience of substance use and recovery, community stakeholders, and policymakers, CAI is investing in initiatives to build and strengthen capacity of the supportive recovery sector in BC.
Supportive recovery services meet a critical need in our communities and are currently in high demand amidst the ongoing drug poisoning crisis. These bed-based or live-in substance use services provide a range of programs and a supportive environment for people who are working to reduce, abstain from, or reduce harms associated with substance use.
The future vision for this sector includes: consistent service quality; a focus on multiple pathways to recovery; strengthened accountability and oversight; adequate funding; services that are informed by people with lived and living experience; and connection of supportive recovery services to the broader system of care.
Current Initiatives
Capacity Building Grant for First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Urban Indigenous led Bed-based Treatment and Recovery Operators
Overview
The Capacity Building Grant is a one-time funding opportunity up to $25,000 for First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous led organizations currently providing bed-based treatment and recovery services to develop and/or implement capacity building strategies within their organization in alignment with the Provincial Standards for Registered Assisted Supportive Recovery Services, including but not limited to:
- Programming to support wellness, culture, traditional practice, and maintain service quality
- Development of organizational documents, policies, and processes
- Expanded training and supports for staff
- Administrative and staffing supports
- Other capacity building initiatives, as determined by your organization
This grant is established in partnership with Community Action Initiative (CAI) and the Ministry of Health (MoH). Grant funds can be used for expenses such as program and event supplies, equipment, technology, staff wages and benefits, honoraria, travel expenses, consultant fees, staff training, administrative costs, resident resources, and other expenses related to proposed capacity building initiatives.
Timeline
| Grant Process | Key Dates |
| Applications open | May 12, 2025 |
| Applications close | July 4, 2025 |
| Review and selection process | May – August 2025 |
| Applicants notified of decisions | September 2025 |
| Grant awards distributed | September 2025 |
| Project activities completed and funding spent by | August 2026 |
Grant Details
- Grant Guidelines – Learn more about the grant, timeline, how can funding be used, who can request funding, how to apply, contact information, and examples of capacity building projects.
- FAQ
- Provincial Standards for Registered Assisted Living Supportive Recovery Services (gov.bc.ca)
How to Apply
The application process was created to be as low barrier as possible. It has two steps with an emphasis on orally sharing your organization’s story and proposal.
Step 1: Complete a short application (includes basic eligibility questions, 1-2 paragraph description of proposed activities, and proposed budget)
- Grant applications are now closed.
Step 2: Participate in a call with the grant review committee to share more about your proposal (30 minutes)
- For Step 2, eligible applicants may be invited to participate in an online call or phone call with the grant review committee.
- The goal of these conversations is to use storytelling to share more about your organization and how these funds can support you. You will have the opportunity to discuss your application further, share additional information about your proposed activities, answer questions, and receive suggestions/feedback.
Click here to apply
Click here to access grant guidelines
Contact
For any questions, please contact:
- Samantha Young, Project Manager at [email protected] or (604) 638-1172.
Past Grants - Phase 1
In 2024, 11 First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous led organizations who provide bed-based treatment and recovery services in B.C. were awarded grants though the Capacity Building Grant for First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Urban Indigenous led Bed-based Treatment and Recovery Operators:
- Carrier Sekani Family Services
- Gya’ Wa’ Tlaab Healing Centre Society
- Letwilc Ren Semec Centre
- Nenqayni Wellness Centre Society
- North Wind Wellness Centre Society
- Round Lake Alcohol and Drug Treatment Society
- Seabird Island Band
- Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society
- We Wai Kai Nation Healing Society
- Wilp Si’Satxw Community Healing Centre
- Witset First Nation
Click here to access the MMHA information bulletin about the past grants.