This is a step-by-step guide for completing your grant application for the PlanH Healthy Communities Grants. Two grant streams are available in 2024: Community Connectedness and Healthy Public Policy. Eligible applicants who are working in partnership with other sectors and who are interested in applying should read the application guidelines thoroughly. 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 distributed more than 275 grants to Indigenous and local governments across 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 for all.
For 2024, PlanH funds are supporting projects in two distinct streams:
- Community Connectedness
- Healthy Public Policy
New This Year: Applications in the Healthy Public Policy stream 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, Prevention & Reduction of Substance-related Harms and Population Mental Health & Wellness. See Application (below) FAQ for more information.
BC Healthy Communities Society (BCHC) administers Healthy Communities Grants as part of the PlanH program, then designs and delivers the accompanying supports aimed at building local capacity. Working together with health authorities, local and Indigenous governments, and the Ministry of Health, PlanH supports British Columbia’s Population and Public Healthy Framework (in development).
Application Tip
Upstream projects have more impact.
Upstream interventions and strategies focus on improving fundamental social, physical and economic environments in order to decrease barriers and improve supports that allow people to achieve their full health potential.
Downstream interventions and strategies focus on providing equitable access to care and services to mitigate the negative impacts of unfair disadvantages on health.
1.2 Applicant Eligibility
The following 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
The following organizations are not eligible to apply as a primary applicant:
- Community Groups
- For-profit Groups
- Health Authorities
- Hospital Foundations
- Individuals
- Non-profit Organizations
- School Districts
Applications must be complete and include a proposed budget and high-level workplan. Please be advised that projects that align with one or more of the six priorities, and advanced Truth, Rights & Reconciliation, health equity and anti-racism are more likely to be funded.
A letter of support from your regional health authority or the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is recommended but not required. 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 an Indigenous or local government, that you have read this application guide, and that your proposed activities are eligible for support.
1.3 Grant Streams Summary
COMMUNITY CONNECTEDNESS | HEALTHY PUBLIC POLICY | |
|---|---|---|
| OBJECTIVE | To 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 DATE | July 4, 2024 | |
| ADJUDICATION PERIOD | Applicants notified August 2024 | |
| PROJECTS START | September 1, 2024 | |
| FINAL REPORTS DUE | October 1, 2025 | |
| LATEST PROJECT END | September 2025 |
The PlanH Healthy Communities Grants support projects taking upstream action. Acting upstream means working to prevent poor health outcomes, rather than responding to them once they have already developed. An upstream focus addresses the social and structural determinants of health.
Upstream interventions take place where we live, work, learn and play, and tackle causes of poor health such as social status, racism and wealth inequality. [Source: National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health.]
1.0 Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
1.1 Who is eligible to apply for PlanH grants?
The following 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 organizations 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 organizations contact eligible organizations to discuss working together. This fund’s focus is to support learning, leadership and partnership at a governance level to increase the health and well-being of BC citizens and communities.
1.2 I understand that the local government must be the primary applicant, but my local government does not currently have the capacity to conduct this work. Is it okay for a non-profit/social planning council to lead the project work?
Yes. We are looking for meaningful partnership and involvement from the local government. Consider how this work might lead to or inform local government policymaking in the future:
- Is the local government willing to champion this work moving forward? Is this work aligned with strategic priorities or high-level policy goals of the local government?
- Is this work aligned with strategic priorities or high-level policy goals of the local government?
A partner organization may take a leading role in the day-to-day management of the project. However, the applicant remains responsible for ensuring grantee obligations are fulfilled (see Reporting Obligations and Financial Processes).
1.3 Are these grants available to entrepreneurs?
No, entrepreneurs and for-profit groups are not eligible applicants (see above). Eligible applicants may include consulting fees or purchase of services in their budget
Please see section below on Can the PlanH Healthy Communities grants be used to fund consultant fees? and section 4.4 of the application guide for a list of eligible/ineligible expenses.
1.4 Do you require a resolution from the City Council or Chief and Council in order to apply?
No. PlanH grant applications do not require a resolution from City Council or Chief and Council, although indications that there is council buy-in may strengthen your application.
1.5 Is matching funding required for these grants?
Matching funds or in-kind support is not required; however, it is encouraged to better support proposed projects.
We understand that $5,000 or $15,000 may not be enough to support all the work required for projects, but this funding can support a component of the project and could help in getting plans underway in the right direction.
The budget submitted with your application should list all revenue sources, whether they are confirmed or projected, cash or in-kind.
1.6 What would be the best governmental department to manage this type of project?
Applications will not be assessed based on local or Indigenous governmental department.
A few different departments (Planning, Sustainability, Community Services, etc.) could be working on this as it will likely integrate components of many governmental departments, such as transportation, land use, recreation, housing, etc. This will depend on the capacity and structure of your local or Indigenous government.
1.7 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 to confirm eligibility before applying.
2.0 Eligible projects and activities
2.1 What can grant funds can be spent on?
Please see sections below for a list of eligible and ineligible expenses.
2.2 Can we use this funding for capital costs?
This funding can be used towards capital costs that amount to less than 40 percent of the PlanH funded amount. Some examples of capital costs are computer equipment, furnishings, tools, or fixtures.
More budget details can be found in the following sections of the application guide.
2.3 Can the PlanH Healthy Communities grants be used to fund consultant fees?
The grant can be used to fund consultant fees; however, communities must demonstrate how the consultant will engage local or Indigenous government and build the capacity of the government for the future.
PlanH grants also include in-kind support from BC Healthy Communities staff, which may meet some projected needs for consulting services.
Please contact us at: grants@bchealthycommunities.ca for more information on the types of support we can provide.
3.0 Eligible Costs
3.1 Examples of Eligible Consultant Costs
The facilitation of events or workshops that build the local or Indigenous government capacity and partnerships.
The delivery of a process to assist the local or Indigenous government in planning for health and well-being.
3.2 Examples of Ineligible Consultant Costs
The production of a report without further engagement or discussion with local or Indigenous government staff or council.
3.3 Can the grants be used to fund partnership work that is ongoing?
Yes. However, applicants should show how the grant will deepen and strengthen the existing partnership work.
3.4 Can the grants be used to fund work that has already taken place?
No. The grant funds are only eligible for upcoming, unfinished work.
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.
3.5 Changing policy takes time. Can our Healthy Public Policy stream application focus on one part of a policy change process?
We recognize that the grants are small in comparison to what it takes to update, evaluate, or create a new policy from start to finish.
The PlanH grants can be used to supplement existing projects or initiatives, support the inclusion of an equity lens and commitment to equity through things like honorariums and formal recognition of time and effort required to participate in engagement activities etc.
It can also be used to support a single phase of a project and/or be stacked with other funding sources.
4.0 Multiple Applications, Future Funding, and Past PlanH Grant Recipients
4.1 Can communities apply for both streams of the PlanH Healthy Community Grants in the same year (the Community Connectedness Grant and the Healthy Public Policy Grant)?
Yes. Communities can submit an application to both streams.
However, depending on the volume of applications, communities are unlikely to receive funding for both areas.
4.2 Can an applicant apply for more than one activity?
Yes. Applicants may submit multiple, separate applications for separate activities. For example, if you wish to fund three activities, you must submit three separate applications. However, it is 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 community/area would be funded.
For more details please see response to the question Can an applicant apply for more than one activity above.
4.4 We have received PlanH funding previously. Are we able to apply again?
Previous grant recipients can apply; however, all final reporting due for earlier activities must have been completed and submitted before applicants will be considered for a new granting cycle.
Applicants must also demonstrate how the new activities differ from and/or build on the work completed as part of earlier activities.
4.5 Will this program be available next year?
Not necessarily. PlanH funding is renewed on an annual basis and the grant focus areas shift according to emerging issues and funding. The best way to stay up-to-date on news about the PlanH program is to sign up for our newsletter.
5.0 Adjudication process
5.1 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, sustainability and an upstream approach will be favoured.
- For the Healthy Public Policy stream, applications will also be assessed on alignment 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,
- Prevention & Reduction of Substance-related Harms, and
- Population Mental Health & Wellness.
In addition, for the Healthy Public Policy stream, applications that advance Truth, Rights & Reconciliation, and/or Health Equity & Anti-racism may be prioritized. Please see Appendix A for additional information.
5.2 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.
Note: Through a partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCH), we are pleased to be able to offer additional grants in the Healthy Public Policy Stream for projects in the VCH region. See the Vancouver Coastal Health provides additional
5.3 Is it possible to meet with BC Healthy Communities prior to submitting an application to ensure that the application has the greatest chance of success?
Yes. Communities are encouraged to contact BC Healthy Communities Society to discuss potential ideas prior to submitting an application. For further information, please contact grants@bchealthycommunities.ca.
5.4 What are the chances of a small community getting a grant? We can’t generally compete with larger communities and organizations.
PlanH has a strong history of providing grants to rural 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.
Communities are encouraged to contact BC Healthy Communities Society to discuss potential ideas prior to submitting an application. For further information, please contact: grants@bchealthycommunities.ca
5.5 We need time to submit a staff report to the council for their approval and that is a four-to-six-week process. Any chance of the deadline being extended?
No. The application window for PlanH grants is set at a minimum of six weeks to address this potential issue. To maintain our grant timelines, we are unable to offer extensions.
6.0 Reporting obligations and financial processes
6.1 Will I need to submit a final report?
Yes. If you are successful in receiving a PlanH Healthy Communities grant, you will need to complete a final report 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. If you anticipate not being able to submit a final report on time for any reason, please contact grants@bchealthycommunities.ca. Example past report.
Our team is committed to incorporating culturally safe practices into our evaluation approaches. For example, interview-based final reporting can be arranged upon request.
6.2 What if there are changes to my project?
6.3 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.
6.4 What is the timeline for grant activities?
For PlanH grants approved in summer 2024: All project activities are expected to take place between September 2024 and September 2025. A final report must be submitted no later than October 1, 2025.
6.5 How do grant recipients acknowledge funding?
Projects supported by the PlanH Healthy Communities Fund must include acknowledgment of the partnership between BCHC and the Province, with logos and wording. Guidelines will be provided to successful applicants.
7.0 Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Additional Grants in the Healthy Public Policy Stream
Through a partnership with VCH, we are pleased to offer additional grants in the Healthy Public Policy Stream for projects in the VCH region.
7.1 My Healthy Public Policy grant application is for an Indigenous or local government in the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) region. Is there a separate application for the funds through this partnership?
No. VCH is funding additional grants of up to $15,000 within the existing PlanH Healthy Public Policy stream. No additional application is required. Applicants should ensure they indicate they are within the VCH health region in their application.
8.0 Key Concepts
8.1 Why is the issue of community connectedness important right now?
Isolation and quarantine have been found to have serious impacts to the resiliency of communities, with symptoms including depression, poor concentration, and indecisiveness, deteriorating work performance and reluctance to work, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Concerningly, many studies report these symptoms to be long-term, especially if the period of isolation is long. If unchecked, this may result in considerable social and economic impacts for communities. Further, long-term isolation and loneliness can have a devastating impact on individual and community health, with health impacts on par with well-established mortality risk factors such as physical inactivity, and lack of access to health care.
There is also evidence published and emerging of the unintended societal consequences arising from the COVID-19 pandemic including increases in deaths related to the unregulated, toxic drug crisis, and impacts on food security exacerbated by isolation and a loss of community.
8.2 What is the role of healthy public policy following the COVID-19 pandemic?
Healthy public policies are strategic actions led by a public authority to increase health and well-being within the population. There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic challenged communities to find resourceful ways, directed by policy, of promoting health and well-being. It is also clear that COVID-19 amplified, rather than created, many of the health and well-being concerns communities’ encounter. Even in the face of COVID-19, our Healthy Public Policy grant stream encourages communities to create or amend policies by looking upstream to create environments that encourage good health into the future.
For a public policy to be a healthy public policy, it is also essential that it be equitable. It is well-documented that the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted some groups in our communities. Governments need to stay vigilant in ensuring that policies are constantly evaluated, and incremental changes are made so that inequitable consequences are remedied. In creating, adopting and evaluating a public policy through a health equity lens, local and Indigenous governments can create long-term positive impacts for all community members.
8.3 For 2024, why are projects under the Healthy Public Policy Stream now required to align with one or more of the six Population and Public Health Priorities?
Government organizations, including First Nations bands, Métis chartered communities, and municipalities, have an important role in shaping the health of the population and reducing health inequities in our province. As one way to advance this, the Ministry of Health is developing a new provincial framework for population and public health in British Columbia. The framework identifies six long-term priorities for population and public health:
- 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
For more information, please see Appendix A below.
9.0 Healthy Communities Approach
9.1 Do you have more information about the Healthy Communities model?
The Healthy Communities approach recognizes that the built, environmental, social, and economic environments play a large role in determining health and well-being. These factors, called the social determinants of health, are outside of personal control and outweigh the impact of individual choices.
Healthy communities make it easier for people to lead healthy lives through community design, planning and health promotion.
10.0 Target Population
10.1 The application asks if there is a “target population” for the project. Can you give me an example?
We know that not all populations in a community experience equal health status, and a range of factors and community conditions such as social, economic and physical environments can influence the health and well-being of different sub-populations. Each community is unique and may have identified populations for which targeted action is a priority to improve their health status. For example, target populations may include seniors, Indigenous populations, immigrants and newcomers, youth and children, low-income individuals, LGBTQ, and/or those with mental health challenges.
11.0 What is Upstream and Equitable Public Policy?
11.1 Our community is interested in applying for the Healthy Public Policy stream, but we are struggling to understand what upstream and equitable public policy looks like and how best to align with the Population and Public Health Priorities. Do you have any ideas or resources?
We highly encourage local and Indigenous governments to focus on improving the equitability of policy in your community’s established priority areas. Communities can do this by:
- Developing an equity-informed policy framework, or integrating an equity lens into an existing policy framework;
- Embarking on engagement, implementation or evaluation processes for strengthening the equitability of a policy under development;
- Conducting a policy analysis from an equity perspective; looking through an equity lens in order to revise an existing policy or plan, such as a transportation plan, housing strategy, poverty reduction strategy or election bylaw; and
- Initiating an exploratory study or report on a potential healthy public policy in your community, such as a feasibility study for an agricultural land trust or a report on the potential impact of a participatory budgeting process.
For more information on alignment with population and public health priorities, please see Appendix A.
12.0 BCHC Supports
12.1 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. This support will be personalized to each group’s unique needs and provided case-by-case. Please see section 4.5 of the application guide for more details on the kinds of support available.
Appendix A – Alignment with Provincial Population and Public Health Priorities
The Ministry of Health is responsible for setting overall strategic direction for population and public health in British Columbia. Foundational to this work is the Ministry’s public health framework that builds a common vision and guiding principles for population and public health, and builds the groundwork for collaboration and collective action to improve the health of all in British Columbia. As part of supporting collective action, all Healthy Public Policy initiatives must be aligned with one or more of the following six Population and Public Health Priorities.
To support applications for the Healthy Public Policy stream, please see the list of Population and Public Health priorities and definitions. Also included are a few potential projects as examples under each priority. These are not meant to be exhaustive.
| Population and Public Health Priority | Definition | Making the Connection to Proposals | Example Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Impacts of Climate Change | Anticipate, assess, prevent and reduce the human health impacts and hazards from climate change, recognizing the interconnectedness of human health and the health of the environment. Support climate change adaptation, resiliency and mitigation activities that protect populations. | How might your proposal help address issues related to the health impacts of climate change in your community? | e.g., Creation of extreme temperature/weather action plans; development of policies to support expansion and protection of green spaces (e.g., tree canopies, re-wilding riparian / wetlands); promotion of community agriculture; public health education, outreach, and programming related to emergency and climate preparedness and response; intersectoral collaboration focused on the health impacts of climate change. |
| Best Start in Life | Build foundations of good health by reducing unfair disadvantages for pregnant people, children and families. | How might your proposal support new or expecting families, children and/ or youth to have better health and wellness? | e.g., Actions and initiatives that support expectant families, and foster the healthy development of children; development of policy and health promotion in childcare centers; creating connections for expectant and young families. |
| Communicable Disease Prevention and Response | Mitigate health and societal impacts from communicable diseases and prepare for any future pandemic. | How might your proposal support your community in preventing or responding to communicable diseases? | e.g., Engage community partners to review past communicable disease prevention campaign actions and practices with an equity lens; initiatives that involve multi-sectoral planning to ensure public campaigns are effective for diverse communities; emergency preparedness and response planning for future pandemics |
| Non-communicable Disease and Injury Prevention | Prevent and reduce the impacts of non-communicable disease and injury. | How might your proposal help members of your community avoid injuries and/ or promote safety? | e.g., Improving accessibility of physical activity and physical literacy; access to recreational facilities; healthy food access; active transportation infrastructure. |
| Prevention and Reduction of Substance-related Harms | Prevent and reduce harms of legal and illegal psychoactive substances. | How might your proposal help to minimize the harmful effects of substance use in your community? | e.g., Bringing customized substance use education and awareness programs to community spaces; harm reduction; prevention programs and community partnerships to coordinate efforts for reducing harms related to substance use. |
| Population Mental Health and Wellness | Improve the mental health and wellness of the population, including by cultivating connection to land, language, place and community. | How might your proposal promote mental health and wellness in your community? | e.g., Working with local community partners to improve local delivery of health promotion campaigns on mental wellness; programming to support outdoor spaces including community gardens and green spaces; cultural and heritage preservation efforts; community building events and activities to support community connectedness. |
What is a Healthy Community?
The Healthy Communities approach recognizes that the built, environmental, social and economic environments play a large role in determining health and well-being. These factors, called the social determinants of health, are outside of personal control and outweigh the impact of individual choices. Healthy communities make it easier for people to lead healthy lives through community design, planning and health promotion.
2.1 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. [Source: Canadian Medical Association. Health Equity and the Social Determinants of Health: A Role for the Medical Profession. 2012.] 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 July 4, 2024 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?
The benefits of creating healthy communities extend beyond individuals 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 can take action through:
Planning
Adopting strategic and land use planning practices that focus on promoting health through the design of healthier places, healthy community engagements and decision-making processes.
Policy
Including health and community well-being impact in the objectives, goal-setting, and strategies of Official Community Plans, Regional Health and Wellness plans, regional growth strategies, municipal plans and zoning by-laws.
Programs
Supporting and encouraging neighbourhood-level projects linked to a broader strategy for creating community health and well-being.
Partnerships
Building partnerships with health authorities, school districts, academic institutions and community organizations to develop collaborative strategies to improve community health and well-being.
3.1 Community Connectedness Stream
Community or social connectedness is the personal or subjective experience of feeling close to other people and having a sense of belonging within a community.3 It is an essential human need, but communities have been facing rising rates of loneliness and isolation for the last several years— even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.4
Canadians with a strong sense of community belonging are over twice as likely to report good health compared to those who have a weak or very weak sense of community.5
A connected community is a place where people know their neighbours, build relationships with others and contribute to the creation of social networks that last over time. This requires opportunities for people to gather in person or virtually, create connections and get involved. Connected communities support strong citizen engagement.
Local and Indigenous governments play a role in fostering social connectedness by creating strong social environments that help all community members thrive. Central to these strong social environments is a focus on equity—ensuring that the needs and voices of those less-heard-from in the community are prioritized at all stages of a project or initiative. See the resources in the Application Tip box (below) for more information on incorporating equity into your community connectedness efforts.
Examples of potential community connectedness projects eligible for PlanH funding:
- Developing plans and strategies to create safe community spaces around food systems and food security
- Including social connectedness as a part of the goal-setting, objectives and strategies in an Official Community Plan
- Hosting a facilitator to lead an engagement process as part of program development or an Official Community Plan
- Convening recreation and transportation providers to support the implementation of a dementia-friendly community program
- Developing and implementing a physical activity program focusing on Indigenous youth
3.2 Healthy Public Policy Stream
Public policies refer to strategic actions led by a public authority with the aim of increasing the presence of a phenomena, such as health and well-being, within the population.6
Healthy public policies take many forms across a community. They can improve the conditions under which people live by setting strategic priorities for housing, education, food security, child care and transportation services. In creating, adopting and evaluating a public policy though a health equity lens, Indigenous and local governments can create long-term positive impacts for community members.
For 2024, projects under the Healthy Public Policy Stream must align with one or more of the following:
- 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
Consideration of equity is foundational to Healthy Communities work (see below). Projects must clearly work toward addressing systemic inequities to be funded.
Application Tip
Incorporate equity into 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.i Applying an equity lens means asking who will benefit from a policy, program, initiative or service, but also who may be excluded from the benefits and whyii.
i City for All Women, ‘Advancing Equity and Inclusion: A Guide for Municipalities’. ii PlanH, ‘Supporting Equity in Planning and Policy Action Guide’.
Examples of potential healthy public policy projects eligible for PlanH funding:
- Developing an equity-informed policy framework, or integrating an equity lens into an existing policy framework
- Engagement, implementation or evaluation processes for strengthening the equitability of a policy under development
- Conducting a policy analysis from an equity perspective; looking through an equity lens in order to revise an existing policy or plan, such as a transportation plan, housing strategy, poverty reduction strategy or election bylaw
- Initiating an exploratory study or report on a potential healthy public policy in your community, such as a feasibility study for an agricultural land trust or a report on the potential impact of a participatory budgeting process
Through a partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCH), we are pleased to be able to offer additional grants in the Healthy Public Policy Stream for projects in the VCH region. No additional application is required. Applicants should ensure they indicate they are within the VCH health region in their application.
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm Pacific Time on July 4, 2024. Applicants will automatically receive an email confirming the receipt of their application.
July 4, 2024
Funding Decision Notification
Successful applicants will receive notification in August 2024. Projects will start and finish between September 2024 and September 2025.
August 2024
4.1 How to Apply
The online application can be found at: https://survey.alchemer-ca.com/s3/50243505/PlanH2024-Application. The workplan budget template needed to complete the application can be downloaded here. You can also review the questions and prepare your answers before filling out this form. The questions are available here in Word Document format or PDF format.
4.2 Application Review
Projects will be assessed on the eligibility of applicant and proposed expenses, and connection between project activities and objectives stated in this application guide. For the Healthy Public Policy stream, applications will also be assessed according to alignment with the six population and public health priorities. PlanH grants will not support work or projects that exploit any individual or groups.
Communities are encouraged to reach out to grants@bchealthycommunities.ca to learn about the grant-making process and decision criteria 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 April 30, 2023 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 schedule an onboarding call with Healthy Public Policy grant recipients to introduce ourselves and determine how we can best support your team. While the Community Connectedness grant recipients may request an onboarding and/or strategy call at any time, these are not required.
Final reports
All grant recipients will be required to complete a final report at the end of the project. The questions in the final report are similar to the application form. Final report templates will be emailed to all successful grant recipients before September 2025. You can find examples of final reports from previous years on the PlanH Grants FAQ (above, see Reporting obligations and financial processes).
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 Budget & Workplan
A budget and workplan template is available with the application. Please save the file as “COMMUNITY NAME_ PlanH_WorkplanBudget_2024”. See Section 5 (below) 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 4.5 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 and expenses are eligible:
- Project staff (e.g. coordination, facilitation, partnership development and student-led research);
- Communications (e.g. promotional materials, printing and design)
- Indigenous government and local government 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 participation; and
- Capital costs (e.g. furniture/equipment) less than 40 per cent of the PlanH funded amount.
The following costs and expenses are NOT eligible:
- Expenses for activities that have already taken place
- Existing community programs, unless you are working to scale or expand proven impacts
- Expenses associated with improving or accessing ‘downstream’ health services (see Application Tip above for an explanation of ‘upstream’ and ‘downstream’)
- Entertainment or personal expenses
- One-time events that are not part of a larger healthy community strategy (e.g. community dinners, festivals or community gardens)
- Capital costs (e.g. furniture/equipment) over 40 per cent of the PlanH funded amount.
In addition, past PlanH grant recipients must have completed and fulfilled all past reporting requirements for all types of grant funds previously received.
4.5 BCHC Staff Supports
Healthy Communities Grants include a cash grant as well as in-kind support from BCHC staff. Support ranges from consultation by phone/email/video conference or possibly in-community collaboration. BCHC’s role in building community capacity may include (but is not limited to) the following actions:
- Providing input on goal development and policy recommendations
- Offering guidance on reflective planning practice
- Supporting monitoring and guiding 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 planning, design and facilitation
- 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 in advisory committees
- Sharing resources developed by BC Healthy Communities and others
- Designing and delivering online trainings and webinars specific to your needs
- Planning and co-facilitating larger events, including regional forums.
A sample workplan and budget are displayed in the following pages. 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
| 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 | Stephen Wong | Connecting with Regional Health Authority |
| Engagement and Communications Planning | Develop engagement objectives, strategies and communications plans | January | Taylor Brown | Review of engagement plan and comms materials |
| Community Engagement | Host four virtual and two in-person engagement sessions with partners and stakeholders | May | Angela Lee | Facilitation/technical support |
| Share-back and Best Practice Research | Summarize and report back on engagement session info. Research best/wise practice policy options | July | Sam Gill | None |
| Action Planning | Co-develop proposed action plan with key partners, prepare final report/action plan | September | Jo Martin | Participate as member of review committee |
Sample Community Connectedness Stream Budget
| ITEM | DESCRIPTION | AMOUNT | 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 | DESCRIPTION | AMOUNT | 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 administered by BC Healthy Communities Society on behalf of the PlanH program. PlanH, implemented by BC Healthy Communities Society, facilitates local government learning, partnership development and planning for healthier communities where we live, learn, work and play. In partnership with the Ministry of Health, PlanH supports the Province’s population and public health priorities.