If you’re eligible and applying with other groups, read the application guide before you start. This guide explains each step of the Age-friendly Communities Program grant application process. You can download this page as a PDF if you prefer to work offline. (The FAQ is available online only.)
There are two grant streams:
1. Planning
2. Projects
Online application opens on Jan. 19
1.1 Program Goal
The Age-friendly Communities (AFC) Program is funded by the BC Ministry of Health and run in partnership with BC Healthy Communities (BCHC).
In an age-friendly community, older adults have the support they need to live active, social, and independent lives in their home community. Since 2007, the Province of BC has supported this approach through the Age-friendly Communities Program. Working with partners, this program helps communities prepare for an aging population so that older adults can stay active and involved where they live.
The AFC grants are one part of the larger Age-friendly Communities Program. This program helps local and Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities work toward the goal of creating age-friendly places to live. The AFC Program has three main parts:
- AFC grants include:
a) funding to support planning and projects, and
b) customized training and guidance to help communities start and carry out their age-friendly plans. - Tools and resources created and collected to support age-friendly planning; and,
- An AFC recognition program that encourages communities to apply to be officially recognized for their age-friendly achievements and join a global network of age-friendly cities and communities.
The AFC grants include two types of funding:
- Stream 1: Planning – up to $25,000
- Stream 2: Projects – up to $15,000
Local and Indigenous governments are welcome to apply for either stream.
1.2 Applicant Eligibility
Before applying, make sure you represent a local or Indigenous government, organization, or community, that you’ve read this guide, and that your proposed activities qualify for support.
The following local and Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities are eligible to apply:
- First Nations Bands
- First Nations Tribal Councils
- Métis Chartered Communities
- Municipalities
- Regional Districts
- Self-Governing First Nations
Applications must be complete and include:
- a high-level budget showing how your spending fits your plan or project,
- a simple work plan, and
- proof of formal approval from your local or Indigenous government, organization, or community supporting your project.
Formal approval can be shown through a council or board resolution, a band council resolution, or a letter from the chief administrative officer (CAO) or an equivalent leader.
A letter of support from your regional health authority (RHA) or the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is encouraged but not required. Projects with partners from different sectors are more likely to get funding, and letters of support show those partnerships.
If you have any questions or would like to set up a call, please contact grants@bchealthycommunities.ca.
1.3 Grant Streams Summary
STREAM 1 PLANNING | STREAM 2 PROJECTS | |
|---|---|---|
| OBJECTIVE | To carry out an age-friendly assessment and create an age-friendly action plan. | To put age-friendly actions or projects into place that were identified in the community’s assessment and action plan. |
| MAXIMUM AMOUNT PER GRANT | Up to $25,000 | Up to $15,000 |
| APPLICATION DUE DATE | March 12, 2026 | |
| ADJUDICATION PERIOD | Applicants will be notified in June 2026. | |
| PROJECTS START | July 2026 | |
| FINAL REPORTS DUE | June 2027 | |
| LATEST PROJECT END | June 2027 |
What is an Age-friendly Community?
Age-friendly communities help older adults live healthy, safe, and connected lives in their own community. They recognize that people have different abilities and resources, and work to meet those needs by removing physical and social barriers. These communities benefit everyone because safer, more inclusive planning and infrastructure improve life for all ages.
In B.C., age-friendly community work builds on global research from the World Health Organization’s Global Age-friendly Cities Guide and Canada’s Age-friendly Rural and Remote Communities Guide.
2.1 Age-friendly Community
Health & Well-being
People in British Columbia are among the healthiest in the world, but not everyone has the same chance to be healthy1. It’s not enough to simply encourage healthy choices if people’s surroundings don’t make those choices possible.
Research shows that 60 to 75 percent of what affects our health happens outside the healthcare system2. Things like transportation, recreation opportunities, social support, community design, and access to hea lthy food all play a big role in our overall well-being. These factors exist in the places where we live, work, learn, and play.
1Provincial Health Services Authority. Healthy Equity. 2025.
Application Tip
Show a variety of partnerships.
Applicants are encouraged to show they are working with a range of community and health sector partners. This can be done through letters of support or written partnership agreements.
Application Tip
Connect with us about your project.
We encourage you to get in touch if you have questions about the application process or your project before the deadline.
Email us at grants@bchealthycommunities.ca to ask questions or book a call.
2.2 How Can Local and Indigenous Governments, Organizations, and Communities Create Age-friendly Communities?
The benefits of creating age-friendly communities go beyond helping older adults – they make life better for everyone. These benefits can include community members being more physically active, having improved mental health, eating healthier, having stronger community connections, and more.
Local and Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities can take action through the following areas:
Planning
Adopt planning practices that promote health and well-being by designing age-friendly spaces, engaging the community, and improving decision-making.
Policy
Apply an age-friendly lens when setting goals, strategies and actions in community plans. Examples include Official Community Plans (OCPs), comprehensive community plans, regional health and wellness plans, emergency or climate mitigation plans, growth strategies, municipal plans, and zoning bylaws.
Programs
Supporting and encouraging neighbourhood-level programs linked to a broader strategy for creating age-friendly communities.
Partnerships
Work with health authorities, schools, universities, community organizations, and groups representing diverse people to create joint strategies that improve how age-friendly and inclusive a community is.
3.1 Stream 1: Planning
(Up to $25,000)
The Planning Stream gives local and Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities a chance to apply an age-friendly focus to every part of their planning process. This helps build a strong foundation for future Stream 2: Projects grants.
Eligible planning work includes:
- Creating a local age-friendly assessment and action plan; and/or
- Adding an age-friendly and equity lens to existing plans or policies, such as:
- Comprehensive Community Plans, Official Community Plans, or neighborhood plans
- Reconciliation plans, frameworks, or agreements
- Zoning and other bylaws (for example, subdivision, snow removal, or parking)
- Development permit requirements or community health and wellness plans
- Emergency response, evacuation, or emergency social services plans
- Design guidelines, active transportation, or food security and food systems planning
- Community planning related to the social factors that affect health (like affordable housing)
Click here to see some examples of past age-friendly assessments and action plans.
3.2 Stream 2: Projects
(Up to $15,000)
The Projects Stream provides funding to complete one or more actions identified during the planning phase. To be eligible for Stream 2: Projects funding, applicants must have finished an age-friendly assessment and action plan within the past 10 years. This can be done through a Stream 1: Planning grant or another current age-friendly plan developed by a local or Indigenous government, organization, or community. Here are some examples of age-friendly projects.
Application Tip
Talk with us about adding an equity lens to your project
Equity means making sure opportunities, power, and resources are shared fairly, so that everyone’s needs are met – no matter their age, ability, gender, or background.1 Age-friendly communities aim to reduce the barriers that older adults face. Older adults are a diverse group, and their experiences differ based on factors like culture, income, and health.2 That’s why policies, programs, and services should be developed together with the people most affected by unfair systems.
Using an equity lens means asking:
- Who will benefit from this policy, program, or service?
- Who might be left out – and why?3
Application
Deadline
Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm Pacific Time on March 12, 2026.
March 12, 2026
Funding Decision
Notification
All applicants will receive notification by June 2026.
June 2026
Project Start/End
Timelines
Projects will start and finish between July 2026 – June 2027.
July 2026 –
June 2027
4.1 How to Apply
Please note: this is not the application form.
The online application and workplan/budget template can be found here.
4.2 Application Review
Proposals will be reviewed based on the applicant’s eligibility, how proposed expenses are used, and how the project activities connect to the goals outlined in this guide.
In the application section where you describe your plan or project, you’ll be asked about key principles that are important in Age-friendly Communities (AFC) planning and projects, including:
- Community-driven: based on past work or priorities identified by people in your community.
- Community-driven: based on past work or priorities identified by people in your community.
- Collaborative: showing partnerships across different sectors (see Background & Context).
- Equitable: applying an equity lens to ensure fairness and inclusion (see Program Streams).
- Inclusive: involving older adults in every stage of planning and implementation (a key part of equity).
Your proposal should:
- Focus on one or more of BC’s eight features of an age-friendly community (see pages 9-10 of this guide); and
- Explain how you will measure success and track progress.
For example:
- You could describe how you’ll collect feedback from community members who attend an event; or
- You might include an evaluation plan for your project that you can share with us.
Be sure to apply an equity lens to your evaluation plan to make sure all voices are included.
To help distribute funding fairly across the province, the review process will also consider the health authority region of each proposal. Priority will be given to communities that:
- Have not received AFC funding before, and
- Are small or rural.
If you’d like to learn more about how the grant process works or how applications are reviewed, please contact grants@bchealthycommunities.ca to ask questions or set up a consultation call.
4.3 Project Learning & Reflection Process
Onboarding
We’ll schedule an onboarding call with all grant recipients to meet your team and learn how we can best support your work.
Final Reports
All grant recipients must complete a final report when their project ends. The questions will be similar to those in the application form and will be available in Spring 2027. Our team is committed to using culturally safe practices in our evaluation process. We’ll work with communities to co-create learning and reflection tools that are meaningful and respectful whenever possible.
4.4 Application Requirements
All Stream 1 and Stream 2 applications must focus on one or more of B.C.’s eight features of an age-friendly community. These features align with the WHO’s The World Health Organization’s Global Age-friendly Cities Guide and Canada’s Age-friendly Rural and Remote Communities Guide. Please note that the B.C. wording below has been updated to be more inclusive.
- Outdoor spaces and buildings
- Transportation (including road safety)
- Housing
- Social well-being and participation
- Respect, social inclusion and cultural safety
- Community engagement and employment
- Communications and information
- Community support and health and wellness services
Your application must include the following:
- A budget that shows how your proposed expenses align with your project or initiative.
(See Section 4.5: Budget and Workplan for more details and Section 5.0 for samples.) - A workplan that outlines key milestones and identifies project leads.
(See Section 4.5: Budget and Workplan for more details and Section 5.0 for samples.) - Formal approval from your local or Indigenous government, organization, or community. This can include a council or board resolution, a band council resolution, or a letter from the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) or another equivalent leader.
The application must include documentation of formal approval from the local or Indigenous government/organization/community such as a council/board resolution, band council resolution, letter from the CAO, or equivalent, supporting the initiative.
The application must be submitted using BC Healthy Communities’ online platform here. If you have any challenges related to submitting online, please contact us at: grants@bchealthycommunities.ca. Incomplete packages are likely to score lower than complete applications and are less likely to be successful. Applications will be scored by an Adjudication Committee based on a weighted point system. Applications must achieve a minimum score to be approved.
All questions must be answered unless clearly indicated that they are optional.
Past Age-friendly Grant Recipients:
Below are examples of communities that received AFC grants in 2024, organized by grant stream. For the full list of 2024 AFC grant recipients, visit:
https://bchealthycommunities.ca/index.php/2025/01/07/afc-grant-recipients-in-2024/
STREAM 1: PLANNING
“What About Us?”: Sumas First Nation
This project is meant to involve our community’s seniors as the main voices in creating a Sumas First Nation (SFN) age-friendly assessment. It will also develop an action plan for SFN Chief and Council to approve and put into place through something like a Declaration or Band Council Resolution.
Generations Together: Age-Friendly and Equitable Planning Initiative: Katzie First Nation
The goal of the project, which includes an age-friendly assessment and an action plan, is to help build a community that is easy to get around in, welcoming, and supportive for people of all ages.
Yekooche First Nation
Yekooche First Nation is doing an age-friendly assessment and creating an action plan, with support from the BC Healthy Communities Age-Friendly Communities grant. This work will help make the community more welcoming and supportive for elders.
Regional Mobility Working Group: Regional District Central Kootenays
The Regional Mobility Working Group wants to make transportation fair and accessible for everyone. They pay special attention to the needs of seniors, youth, and other groups who may face more barriers.
Older Persons Strategic Action Plan: City of Vancouver
This project will help create a Strategic Action Plan by bringing people together to share their ideas. It will make sure older adults, community groups, and other partners have a real say in shaping the plan.
STREAM 2: PROJECTS
Transit Training for Older Adults and Youth: City of Prince George
People from the Prince George Council of Seniors will take part in planning the transit training project. They will help with consultations, organizing details, and making decisions about how the training program is designed and carried out.
Lı́l̓wat Nation Age-Friendly Action Plan – Intergenerational Activities & Events: Lilwat Nation
This project follows our vision for supporting Elders in the Lı́l̓wat 2030 Strategic Plan – Theme 2: People and Families, Caring for our Elders. The plan encourages us to improve Elders’ well-being and help them live longer, healthier lives by supporting social time, active participation, and strong community connections. Because the project brings different generations together, it will support Elders, youth, and the whole community. It will create chances for people to learn from one another, build relationships, and share knowledge and culture.
Heat & Emergency Preparedness Outreach Project for Vulnerable Seniors in Abbotsford: City of Abbotsford
The goal of the project is to help our target group learn about the resources and services available to them in the community, as well as how to be prepared for emergencies.
Age Friendly Food Security Development Project: Village of Lumby
The goal is to talk with seniors in the community about how to make it easier for them to get affordable, healthy food. This includes looking at transportation, local places to buy produce, food sharing, and access to complete meals.
Dementia Friendly Community – Enhancing Community Safety, Awareness, Education and Stigma Reduction: City of Maple Ridge
The City of Maple Ridge wants to expand its work on becoming a Dementia-Friendly Community by creating a local system that can quickly alert people when someone with dementia goes missing. This will act like a small, local version of a Silver Alert program.
Thi:yt te s’alhtel (Preparing Food):Stsailes
To give Elders a place where they can keep preparing and preserving food for the winter. It will also provide a chance for Elders to share their teachings and keep our culture strong.
4.5 Budget & Workplan
A budget and workplan template is available with the application. Please save the file as: “COMMUNITY NAME_AFC_WorkplanBudget_2026”. See Section 5 for examples of how to complete these documents.
Your project workplan should provide a high-level overview of key milestones, responsibilities, and any support you expect from BC Healthy Communities (BCHC). (See Section 4.6 for a list of possible BCHC staff supports). We understand that project steps may not always follow a straight line, but this overview helps our team better understand your proposal.
Eligible Costs
The following costs can be included in your budget:
- Project staff – such as coordination, facilitation, partnership development, or student-led research.
- Communications – including promotional materials, printing, and design.
- Local and Indigenous government, organization, and community expenses – such as venue rental, travel mileage, food, accommodation, and childcare for attending partnership meetings or events.
- Data collection – including activities like asset mapping or environmental audits.
- Honoraria – to help reduce barriers for volunteers.
- (Stream 2 only) – Capital costs that directly support programs or activities for older adults may be included. These must not exceed 40% of the total Stream 2 grant (for example, a $15,000 grant could include up to $6,000 for capital expenses).
Ineligible Costs
The following costs cannot be included in your budget:
- Activities that have already taken place.
- Existing community programs, unless you are expanding them to increase proven impact.
- Entertainment or personal expenses.
- Feasibility studies, business cases, or design drawings (such as architectural or engineering plans) for building or renovating facilities that serve older adults, including housing or care facilities.
- Fundraising activities.
- Infrastructure projects, such as sidewalk, path, or trail construction or improvements.
- One-time events that are not part of a larger healthy community strategy (for example, community dinners, festivals, or community gardens).
- Furniture, equipment, or other capital costs that exceed 40% of the total project budget.
Additionally, any community that has received an AFC grant in the past must have completed and submitted all required reports for those grants before applying again.
4.6 BCHC Staff Supports
4.7 Grant Management and
Applicant Responsibilities
In addition to funding, BC Healthy Communities (BCHC) provides hands-on support to help communities succeed in developing and implementing age-friendly initiatives.
The Age-friendly Communities Program offers both a cash grant and in-kind support from BCHC staff. Support may include consultations by phone, email, or video conference—and in some cases, in-person collaboration within your community.
BCHC helps build community capacity in many ways, including (but not limited to):
- Offering input on goal setting and policy recommendations.
- Providing guidance on reflective planning practices.
Supporting monitoring and evaluation by helping develop indicators, data collection methods, and evaluation frameworks. - Conducting research on a variety of topics—such as partnership development, housing, food systems, and transportation planning.
- Assisting with community engagement, including planning and design for both in-person and online sessions.
- Connecting local and Indigenous governments with organizations, other governments, and regional health authorities (for example, through introductions or meetings).
- Reviewing documents and advising on best practices.
- Serving on advisory committees.
- Sharing helpful resources developed by BCHC and other partners.
- Creating and leading online training and webinars tailored to your needs.
When your community is awarded funding, you’ll receive a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) form to sign. These forms allow BCHC to transfer funds to your organization.
Once BCHC receives the signed forms:
- 80% of the grant funding will be sent to your community.
- The remaining 20% will be sent after you submit your final report in June 2027
Final report forms will be provided to all grant recipients in Spring 2027.
If you need to make changes to your plan or request an extension, these will be reviewed case by case. BCHC aims to be flexible and supportive—our goal is to help you succeed!
A sample workplan and budget are shown below. If you have questions about how to create your own budget or workplan for the application, please contact us at grants@bchealthycommunities.ca. We’d be happy to answer your questions or set up a call to help you get started.
Sample Workplan for Age-friendly Assessment and Action Plan (Stream 1: Planning)
| PROJECT MILESTONE | BRIEF DESCRIPTION | DATE OF COMPLETION | WHO IS RESPONSIBLE | BCHC SUPPORT ANTICIPATED |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Initiation and Relationship Building | Connect with project partners to confirm the project plan and agree on how we’ll work together. | November | Kai Cabot | Connecting with Regional Health Authority |
| Engagement and Communications Planning | Develop goals, strategies, and communication plans for community engagement. | January | Amina Merjem | Review the engagement plan and communications materials |
| Project Initiation and Relationship Building | Reach out to project partners to confirm the project plan and discuss how we’ll work together. | November | Kai Cabot | Connecting with Regional Health Authority |
| Community Engagement | Host four virtual and two in-person engagement sessions with partners and stakeholders | May | Angela Lee | Facilitation design/ technical support |
| Share-back and Best Practice Research | Summarize and report back on engagement session info. Research best/wise practice policy options | July | Esma Davud | None |
| Action Planning | Co-develop proposed action plan with key partners, prepare final report/action plan | September | Ahmed Adin | Participate as member of review committee |
Sample Budget for Age-friendly Assessment and Action Plan (Stream 1: Planning)
| ITEM | DESCRIPTION | AMOUNT | AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES CONTRIBUTION | OTHER SOURCES (CASH, IN-KIND) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PROJECT COORDINATION (PART-TIME) | Part-time role, reporting to steering committee | $17,500 | $17,500 | $0 |
| MULTI-SECTORAL STEERING COMMITTEE MEETINGS | Quarterly meeting (venue, refreshments) | $1,000 | $0 | $1,000 |
| HONORARIA FOR PARTICIPANTS | To support travel, internet, or other costs ($50 x 50 participants) | $3,000 | $3,000 | $0 |
| COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH | Online and radio ads, etc. | $1,000 | $1,000 | $500 |
| DATA COLLECTION | Design, printing, Distribution, analysis (two surveys) | $3,500 | $3,500 | $0 |
TOTAL | $26,000 | $25,000 | $1,000 |
| EXPECTED SUPPORT FROM AFC AND OTHER SOURCES | CASH OR IN-KIND? | PROJECTED AMOUNT | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE | IN-KIND | $1,000 |
Sample Workplan for Project (Stream 2: Projects)
| PROJECT MILESTONE | BRIEF DESCRIPTION | DATE OF COMPLETION | WHO IS RESPONSIBLE | BCHC SUPPORT ANTICIPATED |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Initiation and Relationship Building | Reach out to project partners to confirm project plan and collaboration approach | September | Kai Cabot | Connecting with other BC communities that have completed similar projects |
| Engagement and Communications Planning | Develop engagement objectives, strategies and communications tactics | October | Amina Merjem | Review of engagement plan and communications materials |
| Community Engagement | Host two virtual and two in-person engagement sessions with community members to identify bench locations and snow-removal routes for summer and winter seasons | First two weeks of November | Angela Lee | Facilitation design/ technical support |
| Share-back | Summarize and report back on engagement session info | Last two weeks of November | Esma Davud | None |
| Implementation Part 1 (Snow Removal) | Determine snow removal companies/volunteers. Snow removal implementation (Schedule for locations and snow clearers) | December – March | Ahmed Adin | None |
| Part 2 (Bench purchase and installation) | Research bench installation companies (March). Source (April), purchase (May), receive benches (June) and install (July – August). | March – August | Jo Martin | None |
| Reporting | Create report | September | Stephen Wong | None |
Sample Budget for Project (Stream 2: Projects)
| ITEM | DESCRIPTION | PROJECTED COST | AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES CONTRIBUTION | OTHER SOURCES (CASH, IN-KIND) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GENERAL COSTS | ||||
| PROJECT COORDINATOR | Part-time role, reporting to steering committee | $10,000 | $10,000 | $0 |
| MULTI-SECTORAL STEERING COMMITTEE MEETINGS | Venue and refreshments for quarterly meetings | $1,000 | $0 | $1,000 |
| HONORARIA FOR PARTICIPANTS | To support travel, internet, or other costs ($50 x 40 participants) | $2,000 | $2,000 | $0 |
| DATA COLLECTION | Design, printing, Distribution, analysis (two surveys) | $2,500 | $2,000 | $500 |
| SNOW CLEARING | Snow clearing company fees | $3,000 | $3,000 | |
| GENERAL COSTS SUBTOTAL | $18,500 | $15,000 | $13,500 | |
| TOTAL | $28,500 | $25,000 | $1,000 |
| CAPITAL COSTS |
| Benches and installation | Purchase and install benches | $10,000 | $1,000 | $9,000 |
| Capital Costs Subtotal | $10,000 | $1,000 | $9,000 | |
| Total Expenses | $28,500 | $15,000 | $13,500 |
| EXPECTED SUPPORT FROM AFC AND OTHER SOURCES | Cash or in-kind | Projected Amount | ||
| Age Friendly Grant | Cash | $15,000 | ||
| Regional District | In-kind | $12,500 | ||
| Neighbourhood House | In-kind | $1,000 |
1. Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
1.1 Who is eligible to apply for AFC grants?
The following local and Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities are eligible to apply as the primary or main applicant:
- First Nations Bands
- First Nations Tribal Councils
- Métis Chartered Communities
- Municipalities
- Regional districts
- Self-governing First Nations
The following organizations and communities are not eligible to apply as primary or main applicants:
- Community groups
- For-profit groups
- Health Authorities
- Hospital foundations
- Individuals
- Non-profit organizations
- School districts
BC Healthy Communities (BCHC) encourages partnerships. Ineligible organizations and communities are welcome to connect with eligible local or Indigenous governments, organizations, or communities to explore collaboration.
The goal of this funding is to support learning, leadership, and partnership at the governance level to help improve the health and well-being of people and communities across B.C.
1.2 Can a non-profit organization or social planning council lead the project work?
A partner organization, such as a non-profit or social planning council, may take the lead in day-to-day project management. However, the primary applicant — the local or Indigenous government, organization, or community — is still responsible for meeting all grant obligations. (See the “Reporting Obligations and Financial Processes” section for more details).
We are looking for meaningful involvement and leadership from the primary applicant. Consider how this work could influence or support future policy within the local or Indigenous government, organization, or community.
Ask yourself:
- Is the local or Indigenous government, organization, or community prepared to champion this work in the long term?
- Does this project align with their strategic priorities or policy goals?
1.3 What kind of formal approval is needed to apply?
Each application must include documentation of formal approval from the lead applicant. This can be in the form of:
- A council or board resolution
- A band council resolution
- A letter from the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) or an equivalent authority
The documentation must clearly show that the age-friendly communities initiative described in the application has been formally approved.
1.4 Is an existing council resolution acceptable for this application?
Yes, an existing resolution is acceptable.
Stream 1: Planning applicants may submit formal approval that either:
- Approves the creation or update of an age-friendly action plan, or
- Approves the update of an existing policy or plan using an age-friendly lens (for example, an Official Community Plan, Accessibility Plan, or Comprehensive Community Plan).
1.5 Is an existing plan approval motion acceptable for a Stream 2: Projects application?
Yes, as long as the project is clearly identified in the approved plan.
Stream 2: Projects applicants may submit:
- An existing certified resolution approving the age-friendly action plan that forms the basis of the proposed project; or
- A formal approval to implement age-friendly recommendations included in an Official Community Plan or another plan or policy
1.6 What if formal approval isn’t available before the application deadline?
You must still submit your application by the deadline. The application form includes a section where you can note that formal approval will be provided later and list the expected meeting or approval date. If your application is successful, it will be considered conditional until a formal council approval is received. Formal approval is required to start your project. (See section 1.3 for the types of formal approval that are accepted.)
1.7 Is matching funding required for these grants?
No, matching funds or in-kind support are not required. Your application budget should include all sources of revenue, whether they are confirmed or expected, and whether they are cash or in-kind contributions.
1.8 Are unincorporated communities eligible for the funds?
Yes. Regional districts can apply for funding on behalf of unincorporated communities. There may be exceptions for communities that are not part of a regional district. In those cases, please contact grants@bchealthycommunities.ca to confirm eligibility before applying.
1.9 Are these grants available to entrepreneurs?
No. Entrepreneurs and private businesses are not eligible for these grants. Please refer to Section 1.1: Who is eligible to apply for AFC grants? for the full list of eligible applicants.
2.0 Eligible Projects and Activities
2.1 What can grant funds be spent on?
Grant funds can be used for costs listed as eligible expenses in the AFC Grants Application Guide 2026. Please refer to the “4.5 Budget & Workplan” section of the AFC Grants Application Guide 2026 for details on which expenses are eligible and which are not eligible.
2.2 Can we use this funding for capital costs?
Yes. Stream 2: Projects grants can include capital costs, as long as they make up 40% or less of the total project budget. Examples of capital costs include computer equipment, furniture, tools, or fixtures. For example, if your total grant is $15,000, you may use up to $6,000 for capital expenses. More information about eligible expenses can be found in the “4.5 Budget & Workplan” section of the AFC Grants Application Guide 2026.
2.3 Can Age-friendly Communities grants be used to pay consultant fees?
Yes. Grant funding can be used to cover consultant fees. Your application should clearly describe the activities the consultant will carry out as part of the project plan.
2.4 Our planning process started last year. Can the grants fund ongoing work?
Yes. Funding can support a specific part of an ongoing project that has not yet taken place. In your application, clearly describe which parts of the process the grant will fund — for example:
- Community consultation activities
- Creation of a multi-sectoral committee
- Involving community partners in an equity assessment
2.5 Can the grants be used to fund work that has already taken place?
No. Grant funds can only be used for upcoming work that has not yet started. The work may be part of an ongoing project or program, but funds cannot be used for activities that are already completed or for expenses that have already been paid.
2.6 Will this program be available next year?
Not necessarily. AFC grant funding is renewed each year by the Ministry of Health. To stay up to date on news and future funding opportunities, sign up for the BC Healthy Communities newsletter and follow BCHC on LinkedIn, Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram.
3.0 Deadline and Adjudication process
3.1 What is the application deadline?
Application deadlines may change each year. The exact dates are listed in the AFC Grants Application Guide 2026, on the BC Healthy Communities website, and in the Overview section of this FAQ document.
3.2 What are the criteria for assessing applications?
All applications are first screened for eligibility based on the criteria in the AFC Grants Application Guide 2026. Please also refer to section 4.2 Applicant Review.
Eligible applications are then reviewed by the Adjudication Committee, which uses a point scoring system to look at:
- How well the project activities connect to the stated objectives
- How proposed expenses align with the project goals
- How success will be measured
- How well the project aligns with age-friendly key principles
- The health authority region
- Communities new to provincial AFC funding
- The size of the community
Projects that demonstrate equity, strong collaboration, and include an evaluation plan using an equity lens will be given priority.
3.3 How can we show that our plan or project is successful and track progress?
There are many ways to demonstrate how you’ll measure success. For example:
- Describe how you will gather feedback from community members who take part in events or activities.
- Share an evaluation plan for your project that explains how you will track results and outcomes.
You can choose the approach that best fits your community and project goals.
3.4 Can we meet with BC Healthy Communities before applying to improve our chances of success?
Yes. While in-person meetings aren’t available, communities are encouraged to connect with BC Healthy Communities (BCHC) to discuss their project ideas before applying. You can reach out by email to organize a phone call or video call (via Microsoft Teams). For more information or to book a meeting, contact grants@bchealthycommunities.ca.
3.5 Will the grants be divided equally among the health authority regions?
Not necessarily. While BC Healthy Communities aims for balanced representation across the province, funding decisions are based mainly on the overall quality of each application. Grants will be distributed among the health authority regions, but the number of successful applicants may vary from one region to another.
3.6 What are the chances of a small community getting a grant?
Small, rural, and remote communities have a strong chance of success, although BCHC has a long history of supporting communities of all sizes through this grant program. When reviewing applications, BCHC considers equity factors such as community size and geographic location. We encourage all eligible communities to apply.
4.0 Multiple Applications and Applicants
4.1 Can communities apply for both streams of the AFC grants?
Communities are encouraged to start with a Stream 1: Planning grant to assess community needs and create an action plan. In a future year, they can then apply for a Stream 2: Projects grant to carry out one or more actions identified in that plan.
4.2 Can an applicant apply for more than one Stream 2: Projects grant?
Applicants may submit multiple, separate applications for separate projects. However, it is very unlikely that more than one project will be funded.
4.3 Will you accept multiple applications from regional districts?
Yes. Multiple applications from regional districts are welcome. However, it’s unlikely that more than one project serving the same area of a district will be funded in the same year.
4.4 We’ve received AFC funding before. Can we apply again?
Yes. Previous grant recipients are welcome to apply again. If your community has not yet completed a past project, please schedule a consultation call with BCHC before applying. To set up a call, email grants@bchealthycommunities.ca.
4.5 We didn’t receive a Stream 1: Planning grant. Can we still apply for a Stream 2: Projects grant?
Yes. You can still apply for a Stream 2: Projects grant to carry out a recommendation from an existing age-friendly community plan. Applicants in this situation will need to provide a copy of the existing plan—either by sending the file or sharing a public web link.
4.6 We previously received a Stream 1: Planning grant. Are we now only eligible for a Stream 2: Projects grant?
Usually, communities that have completed a Stream 1: Planning grant and created an age-friendly action plan go on to apply for a Stream 2: Projects grant to put that plan into action.
However, you may still apply for another Stream 1: Planning grant if:
- Your original plan is out of date, or
- You want to add an age-friendly and equity lens to existing plans or policies.
Please note that first-time applicants are generally more likely to receive funding.
5.0 Reporting Obligations and Financial Processes
5.1 Is a portion of the grant funds held back?
Yes. BC Healthy Communities (BCHC) will hold back 20% of the total grant amount until the final report is submitted. More details will be provided to successful applicants in the Funding Agreement.
5.2 Will I need to submit a final report?
Yes. A final report is required once your project is complete.
You can submit your report after:
- All grant funds have been spent, and
- All activities in your project workplan (not tied to holdback funds) have been finished.
The remaining 20% of your grant will be released after BCHC receives and approves your final report. BCHC is committed to culturally safe evaluation practices. For example, if preferred, your community can request an interview-based reporting process instead of a written report. If you think you may need extra time to complete your report, please contact grants@bchealthycommunities.ca.
5.3 What if there are changes to my project?
If you need to make changes to your workplan, timeline, or budget, please contact grants@bchealthycommunities.ca to discuss your proposed updates.
5.4 What is the timeline for grant activities?
Dates are outlined in the ‘Overview Grant Streams Summary’ section of this website and the application guide.
All grant-funded project activities are expected to take place between the ‘Projects Start’ and ‘Latest Projects End’ dates specified in the application guide. Activities that are not funded by this grant program may fall outside these dates.
Please also see ‘Will I need to submit a final report?’
5.5 How do grant recipients acknowledge funding?
Projects supported by an Age-friendly Communities (AFC) Program grant must include an acknowledgment of the partnership between BC Healthy Communities (BCHC) and the Province of British Columbia. Successful applicants will receive guidelines on how to include the correct logos and wording in their materials.
6.0 BCHC Supports
6.1 What resources and supports are included with the grant?
Successful applicants receive in-kind support from the BC Healthy Communities (BCHC) facilitation team. These supports are not paid in cash but are tailored to meet the unique needs of each community. Support is provided on a case-by-case basis and may include guidance, tools, or hands-on help from BCHC staff. For more information on the types of support available, please see the AFC Grants Application Guide 2026.
7.0 Help with my application
7.1 Connect with us to talk about your project
We encourage you to reach out before the application deadline if you have any questions about the process or your project idea. You can contact us at grants@bchealthycommunities.ca to ask questions by email or to schedule a phone or video call with our team.
7.2 My community sometimes loses internet access. Can I apply by email instead of online?
Yes. If your community has unreliable internet, you can email grants@bchealthycommunities.ca to request a Word version of the application. We also post a copy of the application questions online so you can prepare your responses offline and then copy and paste them into the web form when you’re ready.
7.3 Can I see examples of past projects funded by this grant?
Yes. You can view examples of past Age-friendly Communities projects on the BC Healthy Communities website: https://bchealthycommunities.ca/index.php/past-age-friendly-projects/
7.4 Can BCHC recommend a consultant for our project or application?
No. BC Healthy Communities (BCHC) does not recommend specific consultants; as doing so could create a conflict of interest. You can look for suggestions or referrals through contacts in other communities. If you’d like to speak with communities that have already developed an age-friendly plan, you can find examples here: https://bchealthycommunities.ca/index.php/past-age-friendly-projects/
Other helpful resources include:
- The Planning Institute of BC consultant directory (available here)
- The First Nations Health Authority’s Community Health and Wellness Planning resources: https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/health-system/community-health-and-wellness-planning
You don’t need to have a consultant chosen before you apply. You can include a budget line for a consultant and note that the specific consultant will be selected later.
Our team is available to support you during the application process by answering any questions you may have about the grant application process, the decision criteria, or anything else about the process.
Questions? Please feel free to contact our team and/or to set up a consultation regarding the application process: grants@bchealthycommunities.ca