Community Housing Incentive Program

Supports housing projects that provide deeper affordability than comparable market rentals by providing capital grants to make sure they are economically viable.
 
These grants complement and make the most of funding from senior governments, specifically:

• CMHC’s Affordable Housing Fund External website, opens in new tab
• BC Housing’s BC Builds program External website, opens in new tab
• Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Grant program External website, opens in new tab

The maximum amounts per affordable unit will be determined in advance of each proposal call and will consider changes in market conditions, such as construction and operating costs between projects.

Supports affordable housing projects that offer deep affordability by using capital and operating subsidies from senior government funding, specifically: 

• BC Housing’s Community Housing Fund (CHF) External website, opens in new tab
• Indigenous Housing Fund (IHF) External website, opens in new tab

The grants will provide a fixed amount for every Housing Income Limits (HILs) and Income Assistance Rate home built, adjusted annually.  

Non-profits and co-ops can provisionally secure Stream 2 funding to improve their application for the relevant senior government funding programs.

Information icon CHIP grants will no longer be available on a rolling intake basis. We have changed the intake process to better align the senior government funding programs available.  

Stream 1
Non-market housing projects that meet these requirements can apply for Stream 1 CHIP grants:

• Are self-sustaining
• Leverage capital funding and low-cost senior government financing

The Stream 1 CHIP grant will allow the affordability of these projects to meet the our definition of Social Housing (30% of units at or below Housing Income Levels). Projects that meet the social housing definition will be prioritized in our evaluation process but meeting the definition is not a requirement to apply.  

A maximum grant amount will be determined on an application-specific basis, based on: 

• Efficiency of the project 
• Level of affordability proposed 
• Additional funding sources  
• Readiness to reach construction start  

We plan to hold a competitive proposal call annually, with the first proposal call targeted for fall 2024.

Check back for updates on how to apply and proposal call details.

Stream 2
Non-market housing projects that meet these requirements can apply for Stream 2 CHIP grants:

• Target a deep level of affordability
• Rely on ongoing operating subsidies from senior governments

Stream 2 CHIP funding will provide a fixed grant amount for every Housing Income Limits (HILs) and Income Assistance Rate home delivered, adjusted annually.  

2024 Stream 2 CHIP recommended grant amounts by affordable unit:

• Housing Income Limit (HILs) unit: $10,000 per unit
• Income Assistance unit: $25,000 per unit

We will launch a funding call for Stream 2 applications to align with the timing of each new senior government funding proposal call for example, BC Housing’s Community Housing Fund (CHF) and Indigenous Housing Fund (IHF).

Information icon If your application is unsuccessful, you can re-apply for Stream 2 CHIP when the next application window opens. 

Stream 1 proposal call is now open until November 30, 2024. 

Review the October 10 information session presentation PDF file (324 KB)

Follow these steps to apply for Stream 1 funding: 

1. Review the application guidelines PDF file (400 KB).
2. Complete the application form PDF file (940 KB)
3. Complete the applicant portfolio list Excel file (60 KB).
4. Complete the proforma template Excel file (84 KB). 
5. Confirm the application checklist PDF file (272 KB) is complete.
6. Email the completed forms and supplementary materials to NMHDHousing@vancouver.ca.

Stream 1 Community Housing Incentive Program (CHIP) is a competitive funding program designed to support non-profit organizations or societies who seek financial assistance to develop affordable housing on their own land.

We will consider all projects on their own merit. Affordable housing projects are expected to be self-sustaining over the long-term. Priority will be given to projects reaching our minimum social housing definition.

Grant maximums have been set at $65,000 per unit for this funding call, not to exceed the cumulative value of senior government funding being provided on a per unit basis. 

Information icon Projects should not require further operating subsidies, property tax exemptions, or financial guarantees from the City. 

Call for proposal

Stream 1: Stream 1 funding call will be open from October 21 to November 30, 2024.

Stream 2: We will launch a funding call for applications to align with the timing of each new senior government funding proposal call, including BC Housing’s Community Housing Fund (CHF) and Indigenous Housing Fund (IHF) in 2025. 

Applications are only accepted during open proposal calls.  

Preliminary grant confirmation will be provided to successful applicants but all final grant decisions will require Council approval.  

If your project is selected, we'll need to make sure that the grant funds are used for the intended affordability outcomes. 

Projects must have: 

• Council approval 
• Execution of a grant agreement by the non-profit or co-op and the City  
• Registration of a Housing Agreement to secure affordability
• Confirmation of all funding or financing sources for the development 

If the above conditions are met, the funds will be released when a building permit is issued for the project, and any additional project specific conditions have been met.

Council reports

• Community Housing Incentive Program Grant - ALT Jackson Housing Society (October 8, 2024) PDF file (174 KB)
• Community Housing Incentive Program Recalibration (April 9, 2024) PDF file (66 KB)
• Community Housing Incentive Program (CHIP) Grants (April 9, 2024) PDF file (66 KB)
• Community Housing Incentive Program Grants (June 21, 2022) PDF file (66 KB)
• Community Housing Incentive Program Grants (February 10, 2022) PDF file (98 KB)
• Community Housing Incentive Program Grants (July 20, 2021) PDF file (91 KB)
• Community Housing Incentive Program Grants (November 3, 2020) PDF file (96 KB)
• Community Housing Incentive Program Grants (July 7, 2020) PDF file (115 KB)
• Housing infrastructure grant framework update (October 22, 2019) PDF file (121 KB)

Council presentations

• Housing Infrastructure Grant Framework Update Presentation to Council (October 22, 2019) PDF file (475 KB)

Information session

• October 10 information session presentation PDF file (324 KB)