Megan Brummitt
she/her
Coordinator, Consumer Initiative Fund
Learn More CIF Projects
The Consumer Initiative Fund (CIF) provides funding for projects that allow the community to connect with peers in a safe and welcoming environment.
About Projects
CIF strives to empower peers through meaningful involvement.
CIF projects are proposed, developed and led by people with lived/living experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges (peers).
These projects allow peers to take the expertise they have acquired through lived experience, identify activities that could benefit their community, and then bring their vision into reality.
Twice per year (in Spring and Fall) CIF opens a Call for Proposals. We often receive more proposals than we are able to fund, so the selection process is competitive. Selections are informed by a Peer Selection Committee.
Have an idea for a community project?
Submit a written proposal for an opportunity to receive funding!
How Can I Benefit?
Participants
CIF projects offer a valuable service to the community, and the public can take part in project activities for free. Participation in this initiative fosters inclusion and community integration while decreasing isolation. Participants can also take inspiration from seeing peers in action.
Project Leaders
For project leaders and assistants, CIF projects provide an opportunity for personal growth. It can involve learning how to do new things such as booking venues, monitoring an ongoing budget, registering participants, and navigating obstacles that may arise along the way.
Build Capacity
Taking part in project activities can support recovery, whether it is developing an artistic skill, gaining inspiration from peers, or building confidence through group discussions. For project leaders, skills like problem-solving, managing finances, interpersonal communication, and leadership can really stay with an individual long after a project has ended. Participants and project leaders alike can apply these skills to other work or life opportunities in the future.
What does a CIF Project Look Like?
Some past projects include:
Creative Workshops
Photography
Drawing
Screenwriting
Autobiographical Writing
Improv
Choir
Community Groups
Ted Talks Discussion Group
Tour Vancouver
Community Kitchen
Cinema Nights
Heroes from Home
Exercise/Movement Groups
Exploring Spirituality Workbook
Explore CIF Projects
Questions? Please reach out to us!
Other Grants + Funds
Open
CIF Crisis Grant
The Crisis Grant is intended to assist mental health and substance use consumers who are experiencing significant financial strain due to unexpected circumstances.
Open
CIF Art Grant
The CIF Art Grant provides an opportunity for artists to purchase art supplies. Vancouver residents who are consumers of mental health and/or substance use services are encouraged to apply.
Each Art Grant is in the amount of $85. Recipients are selected by random draw. It is offered 4 times per year (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall).
Open
CIF Education & Leisure Fund
The goal of this fund is to provide opportunities for individuals to take courses they would not otherwise be able to access and to build capacity. Examples of courses we have funded include: yoga classes, music lessons, art classes, college courses, and acting classes.
CIF Projects
CIF funds projects that are proposed, developed and led by people with lived/living experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges (peers).
These projects allow peers to take the expertise they have acquired through lived experience, identify activities that could benefit their community, and then bring their vision into reality.