This is a step-by-step guide for completing your grant application for an Age-friendly Communities Grant. If you prefer, you can download a PDF version of this Application Guide web page here (the FAQ is online only).
There are two grant streams:
1. Planning
2. Projects
1.1 Program Goal
The Age-friendly Communities (AFC) Grant Program is funded by the Ministry of Health (the Ministry) and delivered in partnership by BC Healthy Communities (BCHC).
In an age-friendly community, older adults are supported to age-in-place where they can have active, socially engaged, and independent lives. The Province of B.C. has advanced the age-friendly agenda since 2007, and the broader Age-friendly BC (AFBC) Program (in collaboration with key partners) engages, strengthens, and supports communities to prepare for an aging population that can age actively in their communities.
The AFC grants are one component of the broader AFBC Program. To help local and Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities achieve the vision of building age-friendly communities, the broader AFBC Program is comprised of three components:
- AFC grants consisting of: a) cash funding, and b) facilitated and customized capacity building supports for grantee communities embarking on age-friendly plans and projects;
- Tools and resources developed and curated for age-friendly planning; and
- A community recognition process whereby communities can apply to be formally recognized for their age-friendly accomplishments. The Ministry administers the Age-friendly BC community recognition component of the broader AFBC Program.
The AFC grants offered include two funding streams: Stream 1: Planning and Stream 2: Projects.
Local and Indigenous governments are invited to apply for Stream 1: Planning (maximum $25,000) or Stream 2: Projects (maximum $15,000) funding.
1.2 Applicant Eligibility
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 proposed high-level budget indicating how the proposed expenditures align with the plan or project, a high-level workplan, and documentation of formal approval from the local or Indigenous government/organization/community submitting the application. Formal approval can be a council/board resolution, band council resolution, letter from the chief administrative officer (CAO), or equivalent.
A letter of support from your regional health authority (RHA) or the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is recommended but not required. Please be advised that projects demonstrating multi-sectoral collaboration are more likely to be funded. Written letters of support are suggested as a demonstration of existing partnerships. Please contact grants@bchealthycommunities.ca with any questions or to set up a call.
Prior to completing an application, please ensure that you represent a local or Indigenous government, organization, or community, that you have read this application guide, and that your proposed activities are eligible for support.
1.3 Grant Streams Summary
STREAM 1 PLANNING | STREAM 2 PROJECTS | |
|---|---|---|
| OBJECTIVE | To complete an age-friendly assessment and develop an age-friendly action plan. | To implement age-friendly action(s)/projects identified in the age-friendly community assessment and action plan. |
| MAXIMUM AMOUNT PER GRANT | Up to $25,000 | Up to $15,000 |
| APPLICATION DUE DATE | August 26, 2024 | |
| ADJUDICATION PERIOD | Applicants will be notified in September 2024. | |
| PROJECTS START | October 15, 2024 | |
| FINAL REPORTS DUE | November 2025 | |
| LATEST PROJECT END | November 2025 |
What is an Age-friendly Community?
Age-friendly communities allow for healthy, safe, and equitable aging to support older adults to age-in-place. These communities recognize the wide range of capacities and resources of older persons and respond to their needs while removing physical and social barriers to inclusion. Age-friendly communities also benefit all demographics and groups, as safer, more inclusive planning and infrastructure benefits everyone.
Establishing age-friendly communities in B.C. builds on global findings from the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Global Age-friendly Cities Guide and the Canadian Age-friendly Rural and Remote Communities Guide.
2.1 Age-friendly Community
Health & Well-being
In general, British Columbians are among the healthiest people in the world, but not everyone is able to enjoy equitable access to health. We know it’s not enough to encourage people to choose healthy behaviours if the social, economic and physical environments around them are not also designed to support health and well-being.
Evidence shows that between 60 and 75 per cent of factors influencing our health are outside the healthcare system.1 These influences—including transportation, available recreation options, supportive social networks, community design, and access to healthy food—exist in the communities where we live, work, learn, and play.
Application Tip
Demonstrate multi-sectoral partnerships.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to demonstrate collaboration with a range of diverse community stakeholders and health authorities through letters of support or written partnership agreements.
Application Tip
Connect with us to talk about your project.
We strongly encourage you to contact us with any questions about the application process or your proposed project before the deadline.
Reach us at grants@bchealthycommunities.ca to chat via email or schedule a call with us.
2.2 How Can Local and Indigenous Governments, Organizations, and Communities Create Age-friendly Communities?
The benefits of creating age-friendly communities extend beyond individuals and older adults to affect the greater community. These benefits can include increased physical activity, improved mental health, healthier diets, enhanced social cohesion and more.
Local and Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities can act through:
Planning
Adopting strategic and land use planning practices that focus on promoting health through the design of age-friendlier places, community engagements, and decision-making processes.
Policy
Using an age-friendly lens in the objectives, goal setting, and strategies of Official Community Plans, Comprehensive Community Plans, Regional Health and Wellness plans, regional growth strategies, municipal plans, and zoning by-laws.
Programs
Supporting and encouraging neighbourhood-level programs linked to a broader strategy for creating age-friendly communities.
Partnerships
Building partnerships with health authorities, school districts, academic institutions, and community organizations to develop collaborative strategies to improve the age-friendliness of the community.
3.1 Stream 1: Planning
(Up to $25,000)
The Planning grant stream provides local and Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities with an opportunity to demonstrate an age-friendly focus on all aspects of the planning process, setting a foundation for the success of future Stream 2: Projects grants. Eligible plans include:
- The development of 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 community or neighbourhood plans;
- Reconciliation plans, frameworks, or agreements;
- Zoning and other bylaws (subdivision, snow removal, parking, etc.);
- Development permit requirements; community health and wellness plans;
- Emergency response, evacuation, and/or emergency social services plans;
- Design guidelines, active transportation planning; food security/food systems planning; and/or
- Community planning processes related to social determinants of health (e.g., affordable housing, etc.).
- 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 carry out one or some of the actions (projects) identified in the Planning phase. To be eligible for Stream 2: Projects grant funding, applicants are required to have completed an age-friendly assessment and action plan within the last 10 years- completed either through the Stream 1: Planning grant or through an existing and current age-friendly assessment and action plan developed by local and Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities. Some examples of age-friendly projects can be found here.
Application Tip
Connect with us to talk about adding an equity lens to your project
Equity is the fair distribution of opportunities, power, and resources to meet the needs of all people, regardless of age, ability, gender or background.2 Age-friendly communities intentionally plan to reduce inequities faced by older adults. The older adult population is a diverse group, and intersecting identities contribute to unique experiences and needs. Policies, programs, and services must be developed in partnership with—and respond to the needs of—population groups most impacted by systemic inequities.3 Applying an equity lens means asking who will benefit from a policy, program, or service, but also who may be excluded from the benefits and why.4
2 City for All Women Initiative, ‘Advancing Equity and Inclusion: A Guide for Municipalities.’ 3 BCHC, ‘Applying an Equity Lens in Age-friendly Communities Planning.’ 4 PlanH, ‘Supporting Equity in Planning and Policy Action Guide.’‘Supporting Equity in Planning and Policy Action Guide.’(opens in a new tab)
Application
Deadline
Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm Pacific Time on August 26, 2024.
August 26, 2024
Funding Decision
Notification
All applicants will receive notification by September 2024.
September 2024
Project Start/End
Timelines
Projects will start and finish between October 15, 2024 – November 2025.
October 15, 2024 –
November 2025
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 assessed on the eligibility of applicant and proposed expenses, and connection between project activities and objectives stated in this application guide.
As you will see within the application section where you will describe your plan/project, you will be asked about important principles for consideration in AFC planning and projects that are related to:
Being community-driven (i.e., based on previous work in your community/based on what is important to people within your community);- Being sustainable (to be able to act and continue beyond the funding period/make changes over time);
- Demonstrating multi-sectoral partnerships (see Background & Context above);
- Demonstrating use of an equity lens (see Program Streams above);
- Participation of older adults throughout all phases of planning/projects (a component of equity);
- Focus on one or more of B.C.’s eight features of an age-friendly community (See pages 9 – 10 of this guide); and
- How you will know if your plan/project is successful and how you will track progress. For example:
- You could describe how you will collect the feedback of the community members who attend an event; or
- You might have an evaluation plan for the initiative that you can share with us.
- Note that it is important to apply an equity lens to your evaluation plan.
To ensure a distribution of grant funding across the province, the health authority region of each proposal will be considered as part of the review process, with priority given to communities with no prior AFC funding and small/rural communities, along with the principles outlined above.
Communities are encouraged to reach out to grants@bchdealthycommunities.ca to learn about the grant-making process and decision criteria or to set up an application consultation call.
4.3 Project Learning & Reflection Process
Onboarding
We will schedule an onboarding call with Stream 1: Planning grant recipients to introduce ourselves and determine how we can best support your team. This call is not required for Stream 2: Projects grant recipients, but they may request an onboarding or strategy call at any time.
Final Reports
All grant recipients are required to complete a final report at the end of the project. The questions in the final report are similar to the application form and will be available in the Spring of 2025. Our team is committed to incorporating culturally safe practices into our evaluation approaches. We will strive to co-create relevant learning and reflection tools in partnership with communities whenever possible.
4.4 Application Requirements
- All Stream 1 and Stream 2 applications must demonstrate a focus on one or more of B.C.’s eight features of an age-friendly community. The age-friendly features align with the WHO’s Global Age-friendly Cities Guide and the Canadian Age-friendly Rural and Remote Communities Guide. Please note that the B.C. language 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
- The application must include a budget outlining how the proposed expenditures align with the initiative. (See section 4.5 Budget and Workplan for more details and section 5.0 for samples.)
- The application must include a workplan detailing key milestones and project leads. (See section 4.5 Budget and Workplan for more details and section 5.0 for samples).
- 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 some examples of communities which received age-friendly community grants in 2023, sorted by grant stream. For the full list of 2023 AFC Grant recipients please see: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/2023AgeFriendlyGrantRecipients_Nov15.pdf
STREAM 1: PLANNING
North Island Métis Association- Ketehayak Tasshkinikayen (Elders Sharing)
The purpose of the plan is to provide a place for Métis seniors to have voice about concerns and issues that affect them in their community, such as community support and health and wellness services. The data will impact how the Chartered Community continues to offer programs and service for older adults.
City of Surrey
Create a structured and measurable action plan that aligns with the revised Age-Friendly Strategy for Seniors, focusing on the key outcomes of safety, health and wellness, transportation and mobility, and home, buildings, and outdoor spaces, with an emphasis on fostering an interdisciplinary approach.
Neskonlith Indian band
Conduct an age-friendly assessment that focuses especially on housing, and includes the needs of our Elders in community services planning and public infrastructure, including Band Rental Housing.
Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council
The goal is to evaluate the inclusivity and effectiveness of community food network and food security initiatives for Elders while also creating plans to involve Elders in community gardens and fostering intergenerational connections with children and youth.
STREAM 2: PROJECTS
Town of Oliver
The purpose of this project is to support the health and safety of older adults in Oliver through a series of workshops related to emergency preparedness, and two health and mental health fairs.
City of Maple Ridge
The purpose of the project is to build volunteer engagement, reduce barriers to participation where feasible, and to connect seniors who may not otherwise be able to volunteer for the Maple Ridge 2024 BC summer Games.
The Corporation of the District of Oak Bay
The purpose of the Assistive Listening Project is to introduce technology that will remove barriers to inclusion for older adults with hearing difficulties.
The Village of Harrison Hot Springs
The purpose of the project is to implement ideas identified in the previously developed Age-Friendly Action Plan. The plan focuses on providing an environment for their community to age-in-place while living active, socially engaged, and independent lives.
4.5 Budget & Workplan
A budget and workplan template is available with the application. Please save the file as “COMMUNITY NAME_AFC_WorkplanBudget_2024”. See Section 5 for examples of how to complete these documents.
The project workplan is a high-level overview of proposed project milestones and responsibilities, and anticipated BCHC supports (see Section 4.6 for a list of potential BCHC Staff Supports). We recognize processes may not be linear; however, this helps our team to better understand your project proposal.
The following costs are eligible:
- Project staff (e.g., coordination, facilitation, partnership development and student-led research);
- Communications (e.g., promotional materials, printing and design);
- Local and Indigenous government, organization, and community expenses and community partner expenses (e.g. venue, travel mileage, food, accommodation, and child care) related to attending multi-sectoral partnership meetings and events;
- Data collection (e.g., asset mapping and environmental audits);
- Honoraria to reduce barriers to volunteer participations; and
- (For Stream 2 only). Capital expenditures that are clearly linked to initiatives and programming for older adults may be included and may be approved; provided they do not exceed 40% of the total requested Stream 2 grant (i.e., 40% of a $15,000 grant request could allow for a maximum of $6,000 allocated for capital costs).
The following costs are NOT eligible:
- Expenses for activities that have already taken place;
- Existing community programs, unless you are working to scale or expand proven impacts;
- Entertainment or personal expenses;
- Development of feasibility studies, business cases, architectural, engineering or other design drawings for the construction or renovation of facilities providing services to older adults, including housing and care facilities;
- Fundraising;
- Sidewalk, path, or trail construction or improvements, or other infrastructure projects;
- One-time events that are not part of a larger healthy community strategy (e.g., community dinners, festivals or community gardens); and,
- Costs associated with furniture, equipment and other capital expenses over 40% of the project budget.
In addition, past age-friendly communities grant recipients must have completed and fulfilled all past reporting requirements for all types of grant funds previously received.
4.6 BCHC Staff Supports
4.7 Grant Management and
Applicant Responsibilities
The Age-friendly Communities Program includes a cash grant as well as in-kind support from BCHC staff. Support could range from consultation by phone/email/video conference to face-to-face or possibly in-community collaboration. BCHC’s role in building community capacity may include (but is not limited to):
- Providing input on goal development and policy recommendations;
- Offering guidance on reflective planning practice;
- Supporting monitoring and evaluation strategies including the development of indicators, data collection methods and evaluation frameworks;
- Researching a variety of topics areas ranging from processes (e.g., partnership development, data collection strategies) to content (e.g. housing, food systems, transportation planning, and revisions to Official Community Plans or Regional Health and Wellness plans);
- Developing in-person and online community engagement processes, including support with planning and design;
- Connecting local and Indigenous governments to community-based organizations, other local and Indigenous governments and regional health authorities (e.g. introductions, convening meetings, bridge-building);
- Reviewing documents and advising on best practices;
- Participating on advisory committees;
- Sharing resources developed by BC Healthy Communities and others; and
- Designing and delivering online trainings and webinars specific to your needs.
- Upon notice of funding awarded, successful grant communities will receive a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) form (to allow transfer of funds) for authorized signatures. Upon receipt of these signed forms, the first 80% of the funding amount will be transferred to the successful communities. The remaining 20% of the funding amount will be transferred upon submission of a complete final report in November 2025.
- The final report forms will be sent to communities in the Spring of 2025.
- Any changes to plans/projects and any extensions will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we do aim to be as flexible as we are able. We want you to be successful!
A sample workplan and budget are displayed below. If you have any questions about how to develop a budget or workplan for your application, please get in touch with us at grants@bchealthycommunities.ca to learn more or to set up a call.
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 | Reach out to and coordinate with project partners to confirm project plan and outline how we will work together | November | Kai Cabot | Connecting with Regional Health Authority |
| Engagement and Communications Planning | Develop engagement objectives, strategies and communications plans | January | Amina Merjem | Review of engagement plan and communications materials |
| 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 and coordinate with project partners to confirm project plan and outline how we will work together | 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 impacted community members to determine routes/locations for bench installation during the Summer and winter snow removal | 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 for the grant:
- First Nations Bands
- First Nations Tribal Councils
- Métis Chartered Communities
- Municipalities
- Regional districts
- Self-governing First Nations
The following local and Indigenous organizations and communities are not eligible to apply for the grant as a primary applicant:
- Community groups
- For-profit groups
- Health Authorities
- Hospital foundations
- Individuals
- Non-profit organizations
- School districts
BC Healthy Communities encourages partnerships and suggests that ineligible local and Indigenous organizations and communities contact eligible local and Indigenous governments, organizations and communities to discuss working together. The focus of this funding is to support learning, leadership and partnership at a governance level in order to increase the health and well-being of B.C. citizens and communities.
1.2 I understand that my non-profit organization is not eligible to be a lead applicant. Is it okay for a non-profit/social planning council to lead the project work?
A partner organization may take a leading role in the day-to-day management of the project. However, the primary applicant – the local or Indigenous government, organization or community – remains responsible to fulfill grantee obligations. (See also ‘Reporting Obligations and Financial Processes’ section.)
We are looking for meaningful partnership and involvement from the primary applicant. Consider how this work might lead to or inform local or Indigenous government, organization or community policymaking. Is the local or Indigenous government, organization or community willing to champion this work moving forward? Is this work aligned with strategic priorities or high-level policy goals of the local or Indigenous government, organization or community?
1.3 What kind of formal approval is needed to apply?
Applications must include documentation of formal approval such as a council/board resolution, band council resolution, letter from the chief administrative officer (CAO) or equivalent. The documentation must demonstrate formal approval of the age-friendly communities initiative described in the grant application.
1.4 Council passed a resolution to develop an age-friendly community plan before we saw this grant opportunity. Is our existing resolution acceptable to support this application?
Yes, an existing resolution is acceptable. Stream 1: Planning applicants may submit a formal approval:
- approving the creation of or update of an age-friendly action plan; or
- approving the update of an existing policy or plan using an age-friendly lens (e.g., Official Community Plan, Accessibility Plan, Comprehensive Community Plan, etc.)
1.5 City Council or Chief in Council has approved our age-friendly community plan, which includes our proposed project as a recommended action. Is that plan approval motion acceptable for my Stream 2: Projects application?
Yes, as long as the project is clearly identified in the approved plan. Applicants for Stream 2: Project grants may submit:
- An existing certified resolution approving the age-friendly action plan that is the basis for the proposed project;
- A formal approval to implement age-friendly recommendations made in an Official Community Plan or other plan or policy.
1.6 The formal approval will not be available until after the application deadline. What can I do?
The application must be submitted by the application deadline. However, the application form allows you to specify if the formal approval will be sent at a later date and asks you to provide the meeting/formal approval date. If the meeting/formal approval will occur later than the project start dates specified in the application guide, this could affect the adjudication decision. See above for the types of formal approval accepted.
1.7 Is matching funding required for these grants?
No. Matching funds or in-kind support is not required. The budget submitted with your application should list all revenue sources, whether they are confirmed or projected, cash or in-kind.
1.8 Are unincorporated communities eligible for the funds?
Yes. The regional district would be the party that applies for funding. There may be exceptions for communities that do not fall under a regional district area. In those cases, please contact us at grants@bchealthycommunities.ca to confirm eligibility before applying.
1.9 Are these grants available to entrepreneurs?
No. Please see ‘Who is eligible to apply for AFC grants?’ above.
2.0 Eligible Projects and Activities
2.1 What can grant funds be spent on?
Please see the ‘Budget & Workplan’ section of the application guide for a list of eligible/ineligible expenses.
2.2 Can we use this funding for capital costs?
For Stream 2: Projects grants, funding can be used toward capital costs that amount to 40 per cent or less of the project budget. Some examples of capital costs are computer equipment, furnishings, tools or fixtures. More budget details can be found in the application guide.
2.3 Can age-friendly communities grants be used to fund consultant fees?
The grant can be used to fund consultant fees. The application should indicate the activities the consultant will undertake in the project plan.
2.4 Our planning process started last year. Can the grants fund ongoing work?
Yes. This is eligible, where the grant will fund a discrete component of an ongoing process that has yet to take place. Applicants should specify which aspects of the process will be funded (e.g., community consultation processes, 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. The grant funds are only eligible for upcoming work that has yet to begin. The work can be ongoing and does not have to be a new project or program, but cannot be used for already-completed work or expenses that have already been incurred.
2.6 Will this program be available next year?
Not necessarily. AFC grant funding is renewed by the Ministry of Health on an annual basis. The best way to stay up to date on news about the AFC grants is to sign up for our BCHC newsletter, and follow BCHC on X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.
3.0 Deadline and Adjudication process
3.1 What is the application deadline?
Application periods may change from year to year. Dates are outlined in the application guide and the website and the ‘Overview’ section.
3.2 What are the criteria for assessing applications?
All applications are screened for eligibility as defined in the grant application guide. Applications will be assessed by our adjudication committee on the connection between project activities and objectives, as well as proposed expenses. Projects which demonstrate equity, collaboration and incorporate an evaluation plan that uses an equity lens will be favoured.
3.3 The application guide says we should describe how we will know the plan or project is successful and show how it will track progress. How can we demonstrate this in our application?
Applicants can approach this in various ways. For example, you could describe how you will collect the feedback of the community members who attend an event. Or, you might have an evaluation plan for the initiative that you can share with us.
3.4 Is it possible to meet with BC Healthy Communities prior to applying to ensure that the application has the greatest chance of success?
Yes. While in-person meetings are not possible, communities are encouraged to contact BC Healthy Communities Society to discuss potential ideas prior to applying. This can be done through email, over the phone or through a video call on Zoom or MS Teams. For further information, please contact grants@bchealthycommunities.ca.
3.5 Will the grants be divided equally amongst the health authority regions?
While we do aim for a balanced representation from communities across the province, we also give priority to the overall quality of each application. The grants will be divided amongst the health authority regions, although it is not certain that each health authority region will have the same number of successful applicants.
3.6 What are the chances of a small community getting a grant? We can’t generally compete with larger communities and organizations.
BCHC has a strong history of providing grants to rural, remote and small communities. We will be considering equity issues such as community size and geographic region when reviewing applications. We encourage all communities that meet the funding criteria for these grants to apply.
4.0 Multiple Applications and Applicants
4.1 Can communities apply for both streams of the AFC grants?
Communities are encouraged to apply for a Stream 1: Planning grant to determine the needs of the community and develop an action plan. Then in a subsequent year, communities can apply for a Stream 2: Projects grant to implement one or more actions identified in the 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. We are supportive of multiple applications from regional districts; however, it is unlikely that more than one project which benefits the same area of the district would be funded in the same year.
4.4 We have received AFC funding previously. Are we able to apply again?
Previous grant recipients can apply. Communities who have not yet completed a past project should schedule a consultation call to discuss their situation before applying. To schedule a consultation email grants@bchealthycommunities.ca.
4.5 We did not have an Age-friendly Communities – Stream 1: Planning grant for our age-friendly community plan. Can we still apply for a Stream 2: Projects grant to implement a recommendation from an existing plan?
Yes. Applicants in this situation will be asked to provide the existing plan (by sending the file or sharing a public web link) to the plan that is the basis for the project.
4.6 We previously had a Stream 1: Planning grant. Does this mean we are only eligible for a Stream 2: Project grant in future?
Typically, municipalities who have completed a Stream 1 grant and developed an age-friendly action plan apply for a Stream 2: Projects grant to implement an action identified in the plan. However, we would accept an application for a Stream 1: Planning grant if the original plan is out of date, or to add an age-friendly and equity lens to existing plans or policies. Please note that first-time applicants are more likely to receive funding.
5.0 Reporting Obligations and Financial Processes
5.1 Is there a holdback on a portion of the funds we will receive?
Yes. BC Healthy Communities will hold back 20 per cent of the total grant, pending completion of the final report. More information 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 upon completion of your project. Grantees may complete their final report once all received funds have been spent and all activities outlined in the project work plan which are not tied to holdback funds have been completed. The remaining 20 per cent of the grant funding is released once the final report is completed.
Our team is committed to incorporating culturally safe practices into our evaluation approaches. For example, interview-based final reporting can be arranged upon request.
If you anticipate not being able to submit a final report on time for any reason, please contact grants@bchealthycommunities.ca.
5.3 What if there are changes to my project?
To propose any changes to your work plan, timeline or budget, please contact us at grants@bchealthycommunities.ca.
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 grant must include acknowledgment of the partnership between BCHC and the Province, with logos and wording. Guidelines will be provided to successful applicants.
6.0 BCHC Supports
6.1 The grant materials mention that successful applicants will receive access to resources/supports from BC Healthy Communities. What is included in this portion of the grant?
These supports are in-kind customized support from our facilitation team at BC Healthy Communities; therefore, they are not paid out in cash. These supports will be personalized to the unique needs of each group and will be provided on a case-by-case basis. Please see the application guide for more details on the kinds of supports available.
7.0 Help with my application
7.1 Connect with us to talk about your project
We strongly encourage you to contact us with any questions about the application process or your proposed project before the deadline. Reach us at grants@bchealthycommunities.ca to chat via email or schedule a call with us.
7.2 My community sometimes loses internet access. Can I apply by email instead of online?
Yes. Email grants@bchealthycommunities.ca to request an application in Word format.
We also post a copy of the application questions so you can prepare your responses offline, and cut and paste them into the webform.
7.3 Can I look at some examples of past projects funded by this grant?
Yes. Examples of past projects are on the Age-friendly Communities website here: https://bchealthycommunities.ca/index.php/past-age-friendly-projects/
7.4 Can BCHC suggest a consultant who could work with us on this project/application?
BCHC does not make recommendations for consultants as we could put ourselves in a conflict of interest. Please seek suggestions and referrals through your contacts in other communities. If you want to speak with communities who have already developed an age-friendly plan, we list some examples here: https://bchealthycommunities.ca/index.php/past-age-friendly-projects/
Another resource that might help is the directory of consultants available through the Planning Institute of BC (here).
Finally, the First Nations Health Authority has some resources on planning https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/health-system/community-health-and-wellness-planning that may be of interest.
It is not required that you have identified the consultant before you apply for the grant. You can apply and assign a budget line for hiring a consultant and state that the specific consultant is to be determined.
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