If you are eligible and working with other groups or organizations, make sure to read the application guidelines carefully before applying. This is a step-by-step guide to help you fill out your grant application for the PlanH Healthy Communities Grants. In 2025, there are two types of grants you can apply for: Community Connectedness and Healthy Public Policy. 

Please note: This isn’t the actual application form. This guide gives you important details, like background info, grant guidelines and steps on how to apply.  If you prefer, you can download a PDF version of this Application Guide web page here (the FAQ is online only).

1.1 Program Goal

Since 2012, PlanH has given out over 275 grants to Indigenous and local governments in British Columbia. The goal of the PlanH Program is to support Indigenous and local governments, including health authorities, to advance policies, programs and strategies aimed at improving health equity, and well-being. 

In 2025, PlanH is funding projects in two areas: 

  • Community Connectedness
  • Healthy Public Policy

Projects applying for the Healthy Public Policy grant should align with at least one of the six population and public health priorities from B.C.’s Population and Public Health Framework:  

  1. Best Start in Life, 
  2. Health Impacts of Climate Change, 
  3. Communicable Disease Prevention & Response, 
  4. Non-communicable Disease & Injury Prevention, 
  5. Prevention & Reduction of Substance-related Harms 
  6. Population Mental Health & Wellness. 

Check the FAQ below for more details. 

The BC Healthy Communities Society (BCHC) runs the Healthy Communities Grants as part of the PlanH program. PlanH  works with health authorities, local and Indigenous governments and the Ministry of Health to create healthier communities that focus on people, society and the environment.  

Application Tip
Upstream projects have more impact.

Projects that focus on preventing problems before they start have a bigger impact. These projects use strategies to improve basic social, physical, and economic conditions. They help remove obstacles and provide support so people can be as healthy as possible. 

These strategies make sure everyone has access to healthcare and services to help reduce the negative effects of unfair disadvantages on their health. 

1.2 Applicant Eligibility

The following groups can apply for the grant:

  • First Nations Bands
  • First Nations Tribal Councils
  • Métis Chartered Communities
  • Municipalities
  • Regional Districts
  • Self-Governing First Nations


The following groups cannot apply as the primary applicant:

  • Community Groups
  • For-profit Groups
  • Health Authorities
  • Hospital Foundations
  • Individuals
  • Non-profit Organizations
  • School Districts

Applications need to be fully filled out and should include a budget and a basic work plan. Keep in mind that projects focusing on at least one of the six priorities, as well as promoting Truth, Rights & Reconciliation, health equity and anti-racism, are more likely to be funded. 

A letter of support from your regional health authority the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) or other partners is recommended but not required.  If you have questions or want to set up a call, email grants@bchealthycommunities.ca

Before you apply, make sure you are part of an eligible Indigenous or local government, that you have read this guide, and that your project qualifies for support. 

1.3 Grant Streams Summary


COMMUNITY CONNECTEDNESS

HEALTHY PUBLIC POLICY
OBJECTIVETo enhance a sense of belonging within local community.To foster the development of healthy public policy at the local community level.*
MAXIMUM AMOUNT PER GRANT$5,000$15,000
APPLICATION DUE DATEJuly 7, 2025
ADJUDICATION PERIODSuccessful applicants notified in August
PROJECTS STARTSeptember 1, 2025
FINAL REPORTS DUE October 1, 2026
LATEST PROJECT END September 30, 2026

* Healthy Public Policy Initiatives must align with one or more of the following six population and public health priorities: Best Start in Life, Health Impacts of Climate Change, Communicable Disease Prevention & Response, Non-communicable Disease & Injury Prevention, Reduction of Substance-related Harms or Population Mental Health and Wellness – see Application FAQ below for more information.

The PlanH Healthy Communities Grants support projects that focus on prevention. This means working to identify health issues before symptoms develop instead of dealing with them after they arise. This approach looks at the bigger picture, like social and environmental factors that affect health. 

These actions take place where we live, work and learn. They focus on solving problems like unfair treatment, racism, and wealth inequality that can harm people’s health. [Source: National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health.]

 

1.0 Eligibility Criteria and Requirements 

2.0 Eligible projects and activities 

3.0 Eligible Costs 

4.0 Multiple Applications, Future Funding, and Past PlanH Grant Recipients

5.0 Adjudication process

6.0 Reporting obligations and financial processes

7.0 Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Additional Grants in the Healthy Public Policy Stream

Projects that receive funding from the PlanH Healthy Communities Fund must acknowledge the partnership between BCHC and the Province of British Columbia by using their logos and specific wording. Successful applicants will receive guidelines on how to do this. 

8.0 Key terms and ideas

9.0 Healthy Communities Approach

10.0 Target Population

11.0 Upstream and Equitable Public Policy

12.0 BCHC Supports

Appendix A – Alignment with Provincial Population and Public Health Priorities

The Ministry of Health helps guide decisions on keeping people healthy in British Columbia. To do this, they use a plan that shares a clear vision and key ideas about public health. This plan also helps different groups work together to make life healthier for everyone in the province. To support this teamwork, all Healthy Public Policy projects need to match one or more of six important population and public health priorities.

If you want to apply for the Healthy Public Policy program, check out the list of priorities and what they mean. You’ll also find some example projects for each priority. These examples are just ideas and not a full list of everything you can do.

Population and Public Health PriorityDescription Making the Connection to ProposalsExample Projects
Health Impacts of Climate ChangeLook ahead and try to stop or lower the health problems that come from climate change. Remember that people’s health is closely connected to the health of the environment. Help with activities that make it easier for people to handle climate change and keep communities safe.How could your idea help with health problems in your community caused by climate change?e.g., Making plans for really hot or stormy weather; creating rules to help grow and protect green spaces like trees and natural wetland areas; encouraging people to grow food in their communities; teaching the public about staying safe during emergencies and dealing with climate change; and working with different groups to deal with health problems caused by climate change. 
Best Start in LifeHelp everyone get a healthy start in life by making sure that barriers and challenges are reduced/removed for pregnant people, children, and families.How could your idea help new or soon-to-be parents, as well as children or youth stay healthy and feel better? e.g., Programs and actions that help soon-to-be parents and support children as they grow up healthy; helping new and young families connect with each other. 
Communicable Disease Prevention and ResponseReduce the health and social problems caused by diseases that spread and get ready in case another pandemic happens.How could your idea help your community stop the spread of diseases or deal with them when they happen? e.g., Work with community groups to look at past disease prevention campaigns and make sure they were fair to everyone; plan together with different organizations to make sure future health messages work well for all kinds of people; get ready for future pandemics with emergency plans. 
Non-communicable Disease and Injury PreventionWork to stop and lower the number of health problems and injuries that aren’t caused by spreading germs. How could your idea help people in your community stay safe and avoid getting hurt?e.g., Making it easier for people to be active and learn how to stay fit; giving people places to play and exercise; helping everyone get healthy food; and building safe paths for walking and biking. 
Prevention and Reduction of Substance-related HarmsHelp stop and lower the harms caused by commercial tobacco, vaping, alcohol, drugs and other substances whether they are legal or illegal.How could your idea help reduce the harm caused by commercial tobacco, vaping, alcohol drugs and other substances in your community?e.g., Creating special programs to teach people in the community about drug and alcohol use; finding safer ways to reduce harm; and working with others to run programs that help stop substance use from hurting people. 
Population Mental Health and WellnessHelp people feel better mentally and emotionally by building stronger connections to nature, culture, where they live, and the people around them.How could your idea help people in your community feel better mentally and emotionally? e.g., Working with local groups to make mental health programs better; supporting outdoor areas like traditional medicine gardens, community gardens and parks; protecting local culture and history; and planning traditional/cultural events to help people feel connected to each other.
What is a Healthy Community?

Where we live, work and learn affects our health and well-being. Things like our surroundings, social connections, and money situation all play a big role. These are called the determinants of health, and they have a bigger impact than personal choices. 

Healthy communities help people live better by planning spaces, services, and programs that make it easier to stay healthy.

2.1 Community Health & Well-being

Overall, people in British Columbia are some of the healthiest in the world, but not everyone has the same access to health. Telling people to make healthy choices isn’t enough if their surroundings—like their jobs, neighborhoods, and schools—don’t support good health.

Studies show that 60 to 75 percent of what affects our health happens outside the healthcare system. [Source: Canadian Medical Association. Health Equity and the Social Determinants of Health: A Role for the Medical Profession. 2012.] Things like transportation, parks, friends and family support, how neighborhoods are built, and access to healthy food all play a big role in keeping us healthy.

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 July 7, 2025 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 Create Healthier Communities?

Building healthy communities helps not just individuals but the whole community. It can lead to more physical activity, better mental health, healthier eating, more community connection, and other positive changes. 

Local and Indigenous governments can make a difference by:

Planning

Using smart planning and land use strategies to create healthier places, encourage community involvement, and make better decisions for public health. 

Policy

Making sure health and community well-being are part of the goals in Official Community Plans, Regional Health and Wellness plans, regional growth strategies, municipal plans, Comprehensive Community Plans, and zoning by-laws.

Programs

Helping and promoting neighbourhood-level projects that fit into a bigger strategy to improve community health and well-being.

Partnerships

Working together with health authorities, schools, academic institutions, and community groups to create plans that make communities healthier.

3.1 Community Connectedness Stream

Feeling connected to others and being part of a community is important for everyone. It helps people feel like they belong.

People who feel a strong connection to their community are more than twice as likely to say they have good health compared to those who feel less connected. [Source: Community belonging and health.” Nancy Ross.

A connected community is a place where people know their neighbours, make friends, and build lasting relationships. It gives people chances to meet up in person or online, connect with others, and take part in activities. These communities help people feel involved and engaged. 

Local and Indigenous governments help people feel connected by creating welcoming and supportive communities where everyone can thrive. A big part of this is making sure that people who don’t always get heard have a say in projects and decisions. Check out the resources in the Application Tip box (Above: Let’s Partner up) for ways to make sure everyone is included in community-building efforts.

Here are some examples of community connectedness projects that could get PlanH funding:

  • Creating plans to make community spaces safer and improve access to healthy food.
  • Making social connections a key part of the goals, plans, and strategies in an Official Community Plan or a Comprehensive Community Plan
  • Bringing in a facilitator to guide discussions and planning for a community program or Official Community Plan
  • Bringing together recreation and transportation providers to help set up a dementia-friendly community program
  • Creating and running a fitness program designed for Indigenous youth

Application Tip

Let’s partner-up

Applicants are encouraged to show they are working with different community groups and health authorities by providing letters of support or partnership agreements.

3.2 Healthy Public Policy Stream

Public policies are government-led plans to improve things like health and well-being in a community. 

Healthy public policies can shape a community in many ways. They help improve people’s lives by focusing on important areas like housing, education, access to healthy food, childcare, and transportation. When Indigenous and local governments create and review these policies with fairness and health in mind, they can make a lasting difference for everyone. 

In 2025, projects in the Healthy Public Policy Stream should focus on one or more of the following areas: 

  • Best Start in Life 
  • Health Impacts of Climate Change 
  • Communicable Disease Prevention & Response
  • Non-communicable Disease & Injury Prevention
  • Prevention & Reduction of Substance-related Harms 
  • Population Mental Health & Wellness

Making sure everyone has fair opportunities is a key part of building healthy communities (see below).

Application Tip

Incorporate equity into your project.

Equity means making sure everyone has a fair chance to succeed by giving people the support, resources, and opportunities they needi. Looking at equity in a project means asking who will benefit and who might be left out, then finding ways to include everyoneii.

i City for All Women, ‘Advancing Equity and Inclusion: A Guide for Municipalities’. ii PlanH, ‘Supporting Equity in Planning and Policy Action Guide’.

Projects need to focus on fixing unfair differences in society to qualify for funding.
Here are some examples of healthy public policy projects that could get PlanH funding:

  • Creating an equity-informed policy framework or adding fairness considerations to an existing policy
  • Working on plans, actions or reviews to make a policy fairer for everyone
  • Reviewing a policy to make sure it’s fair for everyone and updating it, like a transportation plan, housing strategy, poverty reduction plan, or election rules
  • Starting a study or report on a possible health-focused policy in your community, like looking into the idea of an agricultural land trust or how participatory budgeting could make a difference.


Thanks to a partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCH), we are offering extra grants in the Healthy Public Policy Stream for projects in the VCH region. You don’t need to fill out a separate application—just make sure to mention in your application that your project is in the VCH health region.

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm Pacific Time on July 7, 2025. Applicants will automatically receive an email confirming the receipt of their application.

July 7, 2025
Funding Decision Notification

Successful applicants will receive notification in August 2025. Projects will start and finish between September 2025 and September 2026.

August 2025
4.1 How to Apply

Please note: this is not the application form.
The online application and workplan/budget
template can be found at: https://survey.alchemer-ca.com/s3/50304575/PlanH-2025-Grant-Application-Form

4.2 Application Review

Projects will be reviewed based on eligibility, how the money will be used, and how well the project matches the goals in this guide. For the Healthy Public Policy stream, applications must also align with the six population and public health priorities. PlanH grants will not fund projects that take advantage of or harm any person or group.

Communities can email grants@bchealthycommunities.ca to find out how grants work, what is needed to apply, or to set up a call.

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 July 7, 2025 deadline. Reach us at grants@bchealthycommunities.ca to chat via email or schedule a call with us.

4.3 Project Learning & Reflection Process
Onboarding

Our team will set up a welcome call with Healthy Public Policy grant recipients to introduce ourselves and find out how we can best support you. Community Connectedness grant recipients can ask for a welcome or strategy call anytime, but it’s not required.

Final reports

All grant recipients must complete a final report when their project is finished. The questions in the report will be similar to the ones in the application. Templates for the final report will be emailed to successful grant recipients before September 2026. You can check out past final reports on the PlanH Grants FAQ for examples.

Our team is dedicated to using culturally safe practices when evaluating projects. We will work with communities to create useful learning and reflection tools whenever we can.

4.4 Budget & Workplan

A budget and workplan template is available with the application. Please save the file as “COMMUNITY NAME_ PlanH_WorkplanBudget_2025”. See Section 5 for examples of how to complete these documents.

The project workplan is a simple outline of important project steps, who is responsible for them, and what support BCHC might provide (see Section 4.5 for a list of BCHC staff supports). We know things might not always go in order, but this helps us understand your project plan better.

You can use grant money for the following costs and expenses:
  • Project staff (for tasks like organizing, leading discussions, building partnerships, and student research);
  • Communication costs (such as flyers, posters, printing, and design work);
  • Costs for Indigenous and local governments, as well as community partners, to attend partnership meetings and events (e.g., venue, travel, food, lodging, and childcare);
  • Data collection (e.g. asset mapping and environmental audits)
  • Honoraria to reduce barriers to volunteer participation; and
  • Capital costs (e.g. furniture/equipment) less than 40 percent of the PlanH funded amount.
You cannot use grant money for these costs and expenses:
  • Expenses for activities that have already happened;
  • Current community programs, unless you are expanding them to reach more people or increase their impact;
  • Costs related to improving or using direct health services, like hospital care or medical treatments (see Application Tip above for an explanation of ‘upstream’ and ‘downstream’)
  • Entertainment or personal expenses
  • One-time events that are not connected to a bigger plan for a healthier community (like community dinners, festivals, or gardens); and,
  • Spending on big items like furniture or equipment if it’s more than 40 percent of the PlanH grant money.

Past PlanH grant recipients must have completed all required reports for any grants previously received.

4.5 BCHC Staff Supports

Healthy Communities Grants provide both money and extra help from BCHC staff. This support can include phone, email, or video calls, and sometimes in-person help. BCHC helps communities grow by offering support in different ways, such as:

  • Giving advice on setting goals and improving policies;
  • Providing advice on thoughtful planning and decision-making;
  • Helping track progress and improve evaluation methods, including setting goals, collecting data, and creating review plans;
  • Looking into different topics, including how to build partnerships, gather data, and improve things like housing, food systems, transportation planning, and updates to community and health plans.
  • Creating ways for people to get involved in their community both in person and online, including planning, designing, and leading discussions.
  • Helping local and Indigenous governments connect with community groups, other governments, and regional health authorities by making introductions, organizing meetings, and building relationships.
  • Reviewing documents and advising on guiding principles.
  • Taking part in advisory groups to share ideas and give advice;
  • Providing helpful materials and guides created by BC Healthy Communities and other groups;
  • Creating and hosting online training sessions and webinars tailored to your needs; and
  • Organizing and helping lead big events, like regional forums.

A sample workplan and budget are shown on the next pages. If you have any questions about creating your budget or workplan, email us at grants@bchealthycommunities.ca to learn more or set up a call.

Sample Workplan
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 togetherNovemberStephen WongConnecting with Regional Health Authority
Engagement and
Communications
Planning
Develop engagement objectives, strategies and communications plansJanuaryTaylor BrownReview of engagement
plan and comms materials
Community
Engagement
Host four virtual and two
in-person engagement sessions with partners
and stakeholders
MayAngela LeeFacilitation/technical
support
Share-back and
Best Practice
Research
Summarize and report back on engagement session info. Research best/wise practice policy optionsJuly Sam GillNone
Action Planning Co-develop proposed action plan with key partners, prepare final report/action planSeptemberJo MartinParticipate as member
of review committee

Sample Community Connectedness Stream Budget

ITEM DESCRIPTIONAMOUNT PLANH
CONTRIBUTION
OTHER SOURCES
(CASH, IN-KIND)
PROJECT
COORDINATION

(PART-TIME)
Part-time role for a community member, reporting to steering
committee
$15,000 $2,000 $13,000
MULTI-SECTORAL
STEERING COMMITTEE
MEETINGS
Quarterly meeting
(venue, refreshments)
$800 $0 $800
HONORARIA FOR
PARTICIPANTS
To support travel, internet,
or other costs
($50 x 50 participants)
$2,500$2,500$0
COMMUNICATIONS &
OUTREACH
Online and radio ads, etc. $700 $200 $500
DATA COLLECTION Design, printing, distribution, analysis
(two surveys)
$1,000 $300 $700

TOTAL
$20,000 $5,000 $15,000
EXPECTED SUPPORT
FROM OTHER
SOURCES
CASH OR IN-KIND?PROJECTED
AMOUNT
REGIONAL DISTRICT IN-KIND $14,500
NEIGHBOURHOOD
HOUSE
IN-KIND $500

Sample Healthy Public Policy Stream Budget

ITEM DESCRIPTIONAMOUNT PLANH
CONTRIBUTION
OTHER SOURCES
(CASH, IN-KIND)
COORDINATION OF
PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING ANALYSIS PROCESS

Engagement with impacted
community members to
inform process design and
recommendations
$15,000 $7,000 $8,000

FACILITATION FOR TWO INTER- DEPARTMENTAL MEETINGS
Two half-day strategic
workshops (inter-department)
$4,000 $2,000 $2,000
Honoraria to support travel,
internet costs
($50 x 40 participants)
$2,000$1,000$1,000
(Masks, hand sanitizer,
refreshments)
$1,000 $500$500
ANALYSIS
REPORTING
Staff time to analyze existing transportation/mobility
strategy (45 hours) and write
recommendations report
(45 hours)
$6,500 $2,500 $4,000
DESIGN, TRANSLATION AND
SHARING OF FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT
Staff time and
communications support
$4,000 $2,000 $2,000

TOTAL
$32,500 $15,000 $17,500
Our team is available to support you during the application process.

Please contact our team at grants@bchealthycommunities.ca

Questions? Please refer to the FAQs

The PlanH Healthy Communities Grants are managed by BC Healthy Communities Society as part of the PlanH program. PlanH helps local governments learn, build partnerships and plan ways to make communities healthier. With support from the B.C. Ministry of Health, PlanH focuses on improving public health across the province.