Capital Project Grants

Does your organization operate in the DTES and need funding to improve its equipment, premises, or facilities to help us implement quick-start projects from the DTES Plan?

These matching grants fund projects that can help DTES residents – impact on residents who face structural barriers, in particular – to achieve better opportunities and a better quality of life.

Eligible organizations

We welcome applications from Vancouver-based organizations that are:

• Business improvement associations
• Charities registered with Canada Revenue Agency
• Community service cooperatives
• Faith-based organizations
• Registered non-profit societies
• Social enterprises wholly owned by a non-profit society

Additional eligibility criteria apply. Read the information sheet in the "How to apply" section below.

We do not fund organizations that:

• Focus mainly on health care or education (excluding childcare or out-of-school care)
• Exclude certain people or groups because of their religion, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, language, disability, or income

Types of projects

Your organization may apply for this grant if your project is located in the Downtown Eastside and is to:

• Repair or upgrade a facility to meet health and safety rules
• Build, renovate, or expand a facility to improve or expand your organization's services
• Conduct a planning or feasibility study
• Improve public space to enhance social connections

Your project must align with the DTES Plan and its Social Impact Objectives (see Chapter 1), and help implement one of the plan's quick-start projects (see Chapter 18, Implementation).

• Read the full DTES Plan PDF file (26 MB)

The funding cannot pay for already-completed projects.

How to apply

1. Read the guidelines PDF file (301 KB).

   The guidelines explain:

   • Grant purpose and summary
   • Eligibility
   • Application and review process 
   • Cost sharing
   • Payment
2. Download and complete the application form Word file (71 KB).
3. Sign the form and save it as a PDF. 
4. Gather the supporting documents.
5. Send your completed application and documents by email or mail:
   • dtes.grants@vancouver.ca
   • Planning, Urban Design, and Sustainability
   • Community Planning Division
     510 West West Broadway - 6th floor

Does your non-profit community services facility need small-scale renovations or repairs?

Social Policy Capital Grants provide capital grants for small social infrastructure improvement projects that increase the capacity of facilities serving Vancouver residents. These grants are available to all social service non-profits.

We give priority to projects that demonstrate alignment with the City of Reconciliation Framework, our commitment to equity and applied intersectionality goals, and the Accessibility Strategy.

Eligible organizations

We welcome applications from Vancouver-based organizations that are:

• Charities registered with the Canadian Revenue Agency
• Community service non-profit organizations (registered as a non-profit)

We do not fund organizations that:

• Focus mainly on healthcare, education (excluding childcare or out-of-school care), sports, recreation, or religious programs or services
• Exclude certain people or groups because of their religion, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, language, disability, or income. 

For additional eligibility criteria, read the information sheet below.

Types of projects

Your organization may apply for this grant if your project is for:

• Health and safety upgrades: renovations or additions to existing facilities to comply with health and safety regulations, licensing, or fire requirements.
• Improving or expanding services: renovations or additions to existing facilities to better deliver programs and serve clients. This may include structures that are integral to service delivery.
• Planning or feasibility studies: hiring a consultant to research and draft a plan for future new construction or renovations related to organizational growth.
• Accessibility upgrades: supporting accessible services to the public or upgrading common workspaces with accessibility upgrades. 

The funding cannot pay for:

• Construction deficits 
• Regular maintenance 
• Work already completed 
• Projects that may be eligible for the Cultural Infrastructure Grant Program

How to apply

The information sheet explains in detail:

1. Read the information sheet PDF file (307 KB)
   Important note This information sheet is for reference only.
   • Eligibility
   • Allowable expenses
   • Decision-making considerations
   • Cost sharing
   • Payment
   • Application process
2. Download the budget template Excel file (14 KB)
3. Submit your application through VanApply

In alignment with the City’s ongoing work in reconciliation, equity, and accessibility, we are available to support you in the application process.

Email socialpolicygrants@vancouver.ca if you have questions about or require assistance with Social Policy Small Capital Grants.

We give priority to projects that demonstrate alignment with the Making Strides –Vancouver’s Approach to Childcare, City of Reconciliation Framework, our commitment to equity and applied intersectionality goals, and the Accessibility Strategy.

Eligible organizations

We welcome applications from Vancouver-based organizations that are:

• Charities registered with the Canadian Revenue Agency
• Community service non-profit organizations (registered as a non-profit)
• Facilities with valid childcare licenses 

We do not fund organizations that:

• Focus mainly on healthcare, education (excluding childcare or out-of-school care), sports, recreation, or religious programs or services
• Exclude certain people or groups because of their religion, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, language, disability, or income. 

For additional eligibility criteria, refer to the information sheet below.

Types of projects

Your organization may apply for this grant if your project is for:

• Health and safety upgrades: Renovations or additions to existing childcare facilities to comply with health and safety regulations, licensing or fire requirements. (For example: playground structures)
• Improving services and quality: Renovations or additions to existing childcare facilities to better deliver programs and serve children and families. (For example: improving and greening outdoor spaces)
• Planning or feasibility studies: Hiring a consultant to research and draft a plan for future new construction or renovations related to the growth of the childcare facility. 
• Accessibility upgrades: Supporting accessible spaces for children and families by upgrading childcare facilities. 

The funding cannot pay for:

• Construction deficits 
• Regular maintenance 
• Work already completed
• Repairs, maintenance or work that is the responsibility of the landlord, as stated in the lease.

How to apply

1. Read the information sheet PDF file (220 KB)
   Important note This information sheet is for reference only. The information sheet explains in detail:
   • Eligibility
   • Allowable expenses
   • Decision-making considerations
   • Cost sharing
   • Payment
   • Application process
2. Download the budget template Excel file (14 KB)
3. Submit your application through VanApply.

In alignment with the City’s ongoing work in reconciliation, equity, and accessibility, we are available to support you in the application process.

Email socialpolicygrants@vancouver.ca if you have questions about or require assistance from a social planner.