New funding from City invests in solving tough social challenges

We are launching a new granting program to support local projects that tackle some of Vancouver's most challenging social problems, with the creation of the Social Innovation Projects (SIP) Grants.

Totaling $414,000 in 2013, the grants will go to innovative Vancouver projects that could range from preventing homelessness and supporting seniors, addressing addiction and mental illness, and building capacity for urban Aboriginal peoples.

"The new Social Innovation grants expand the City's work to create safer and more inclusive neighbourhoods, and foster greater opportunity for many of Vancouver's most vulnerable residents," said Mayor Gregor Robertson. "Council has substantially increased the amount we invest in supporting local community groups, with an additional $1 million in last year's budget alone. This latest investment will provide a major boost to groups whose innovative work tackles tough social issues like homelessness, addiction and mental illness."

New in 2013, this grant stream is the result of a Council decision to increase the City's overall social grants budget by $1 million. It is expected the SIP grant will fund between eight and 12 projects.

Since 2008, the City has increased the amount it invests in social grants by $2.1 million, or 37 per cent.

In addition to the SIP grants, the Community Services Grants (CSG) continues this year and includes the addition of the Sustainable Food Systems grant stream to support the City of Vancouver's Food Strategy.

Grant deadlines

Funding is available to non-profits serving Vancouver residents on an annual basis from January 1 to December 31. Funding is allocated based on a range of criteria and priorities. The deadline to apply for Social Innovation Grants is October 11, 2013, and the deadline for Community Services Grants is October 18, 2013.