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Funding and Benefits
Our full directory is also available as a downloadable PDF. If we need to add something to the directory, let us know by sending an email to Spencer van Vloten
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Also: Download our funding guide, an easy to navigate and extensive collection of even more funding opportunities:
Download Excel Version
Download PDF Version
Download Word Version
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Funding & Benefits
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This benefit is available to assist low- and middle-income families with child care costs. If you have a child with special needs, you may be eligible for an additional special needs supplement of $150.
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Provides families funding so that all BC children, regardless of socioeconomic status, can participate in organized sport
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The BC government provides funding to help families with the cost of purchasing intervention services that will promote their child’s communication, social-emotional, academic, and functional life skills development
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BC Bus Pass Transportation Supplement
People receiving disability assistance will get an extra $52 each month for a transportation supplement. This supplement is available to every individual with the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation. The supplement can be used for an annual bus pass or for other transportation needs.
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BC Disability Funding Overview
An overview of local, provincial, and national funding opportunities
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BC Ferries Disability Status Pass
Discount fares are available for residents of British Columbia who have a permanent disability. To receive the discounted fare you must apply for a BC Ferries Disabled Status Identification Card, which you will present to the ticket agent when you arrive at the terminal.
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The BC government may provide a supplement to fully or partially cover the cost of attendance at a recognized camp for children of income assistance, disability assistance, or hardship assistance recipients, or to recipients with Persons with Disabilities designation
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Canadian Assisted Travel Society Funding
Provides financial assistance to individuals with disabilities who qualify and require the assistance of a personal care attendant when traveling
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Canada Post Community Foundation
The Canada Post Community Foundation for Children makes a difference in the lives of a diverse range of children and youth by helping local organizations, charities, and schools
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A refundable tax credit providing tax relief for eligible low-income individuals and families who are in the workforce. The CWB includes a disability supplement for individuals who are approved for the Disability Tax Credit.
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Respite services give caregivers temporary relief from the emotional and physical demands of caring for a loved one, and provide an opportunity for their loved ones to participate in community activities. The Province of British Columbia website provides info on the funding process and respite options, and for those who are eligible, respite support can also be coordinated by Community Living BC.
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The child disability benefit is a tax-free monthly payment made to families who care for a child under age 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions. It is a supplement to the Canada Child Benefit.
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Choice in Supports for Independent Living
Choice in Supports for Independent Living (CSIL) is a self-directed option for eligible home support clients. CSIL clients receive funds directly from their local health authority to purchase their own home support services. Clients become employers who manage all aspects of their home support, from hiring and supervising staff to overseeing how CSIL funds are spent.
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Provides funding and support to vulnerable kids with physical, mental, and social challenges living in BC communities
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If you are 18 or older provincial disability assistance can help you if you need financial or health support. You must be designated as a Person with Disabilities (PWD) to receive this type of assistance.
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Individuals who have an impairment in physical or mental functions and have paid for certain medical expenses can, under certain conditions, claim the disability supports deduction
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The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit helping persons with disabilities or supporting persons reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. Being eligible for the DTC can open the door to other federal, provincial, or territorial programs such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan, the Canada Workers Benefit, and the Child Disability Benefit.
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Down Syndrome Resource Foundation Bursary Program
The Down Syndrome Resource Foundation offers a bursary to help families with program costs
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Goodlife's grant program provides funding to support ongoing physical activity opportunities for children with special needs. Grants improve community access and help to remove some of the barriers preventing children from living active lives
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Offers reduced cost transportation options for rural residents who must travel for non-emergency, physician-referred medical care outside their home communities
Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI) Program
The HAFI Program provides financial assistance in the form of a grant to eligible low-income households to complete home adaptations for independent living
Home Owner Grant for People With Disabilities
If you have a disability or you live with a relative who has a disability, your property is assessed at $1,525,000 or less, and you meet certain requirements, you may be eligible for an additional grant which reduces the amount of property taxes you pay each year on your principal residence
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Individualized Funding Resource Centre
Provides resources and support to help persons with disabilities and their families manage the individualized funding process
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The Freemasons are involved with many different types of charity and funding organizations. Please contact them through the above website to find a local contact near you.
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Jumpstart helps kids overcome financial and accessibility barriers to sport and recreation in an effort to provide inclusive play for kids of all abilities. Jumpstart provides individual child grants, para-sports grants, community development grants, and access grants.
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KidSport provides financial assistance for registration fees and equipment to kids aged 18 and under. Since its creation in 1993, over 750,000 kids across the country have been given the chance to play sport through KidSport grants and sport introduction programming.
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Kinsmen service clubs serve their community through hosting and sponsoring events and community service projects. Sponsorship from Kinsmen's clubs have, for example, enabled numerous children with disabilities to attend accessible summer camps.
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The foundation’s main purpose is helping children, including those with disabilities. Contact the Kiwanis International Foundation for more information.
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Lions Clubs are composed of dedicated volunteers who serve their communities and meet humanitarian needs. Lions Clubs have provided funding to support persons with disabilities in various ways.
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Providing support to community members of all abilities for over a century. Get in touch at 604-521-2244.
Make-A-Wish Foundation of BC and the Yukon
Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich their experience with hope, strength, and joy
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The McAdams Foundation focuses on assisting individuals and institutions that are committed to enriching the lives of children and teenagers whose families have limited financial resources
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Specialized service and funding options from the Ministry of Children and Family Development may be available for children or teens who have special needs, as well as their families. Options for intellectual disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, hearing or vision impairment, and complex health needs.
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Offers financial support to North and West Vancouver families/guardians of children and youth who have a disability or are in the process of receiving a diagnosis
Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities
Helps persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment or self-employment to increase their economic participation and independence
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Peace Arch Hospital Foundation
Peace Arch Hospital Foundation works hard to raise funds, advocate for, and support initiatives that support the health and wellness of White Rock and South Surrey
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Registered Disabilities Savings Plan
The RDSP allows people to put aside money tax free with some matching federal government funds for later use by a family member with disabilities
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Repayment Assistance Plan for Borrowers with a Permanent Disability
This plan could reduce or replace your monthly student loan payments, depending on your financial situation. Your expenses related to your disability may help further reduce your payments.
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The Rick Hansen Foundation supports programs which contribute toward the vision of a world without paralysis after spinal cord injury
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Rotary Clubs serve communities locally and abroad, and successful applications have been made to cover programs fees for young persons with disabilities. Inquire with a club in your area about funding opportunities.
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The Salvation Army provides subsidies and various supports to persons in financial need. Get in touch with a location near you.
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Tips to help you fundraise successfully
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Severe and Permanent Disability Benefit
If you have a severe permanent disability that prevents you from working in a gainful way for the rest of your life, you may be able to have your student loans cancelled through the Severe Permanent Disability Benefit
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Student Aid BC
Scholarships are available to help students with disabilities fund their education. The Student Aid BC: Disability Program Guide contains detailed info about the process.
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Surrey Cares Community Foundation
Surrey Cares has grants specifically to assist organizations which support persons with special needs
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The Travel Assistance Program helps alleviate some of the transportation costs for eligible BC residents who must travel within the province for non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community
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The Vancouver Foundation funds a wide-range of community projects, with the goal of building a province in which all segments of the population can live in happy, healthy communities
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Variety – The Children’s Charity
Variety offers financial support to children with special needs, as well as organizations
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A number of educational awards have been established and are available to help benefit youth with disabilities looking to pursue post-secondary educations. These awards are administered by the post-secondary schools and information on criteria and eligibility are available directly with the schools.
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Vela provides support in planning and managing the individualized funding process. There is no charge for Vela's services in BC.
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