The Education and Leisure Fund Bursaries
Personal development, life style enhancement, vocational training, education and well-being are key components of recovery.
Providing Opportunities
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.
This project provides funding of up to $400.00 to mental health consumers for education and leisure courses or activities. Recipients can take more than one course/activity if the cost is less than $400.00 and must be willing to pay the difference if the cost exceeds $400.00.
The Education and Leisure Fund is open two times a year with a deadline of April 30th, 2023. Applications are randomly selected in a draw done at the Consumer Initiative Fund offices.
Download Application Instructions Download Application FormApplication Process
- Completed applications are randomly drawn, winners will be notified by email or phone
- The bursary covers costs up to a maximum of $400
- Applicants are responsible for all costs exceeding $400
What if the course/program costs over $400?
- If the cost is over $400, a written explanation must be included in the Letter of Intent detailing how the costs exceeding $400 will be covered
- The Letter of Intent is on page 2 of the Application Form
What can the bursary NOT be used for?
- Cannot be used to purchase or rent supplies and equipment (textbooks, instruments, clothing, sports gear, ice skates, etc)
- Cannot be used for any subscription based programs (that require recurring payments)
Examples of Education Courses
- Courses (ex: university, college, continuing education, prerequisites, etc)
- Workshops (ex: First Aid certification, FoodSafe training, dog training, etc)
- Other courses/classes (ex: woodworking, metalwork, computer skills, landscaping, etc)
Examples of Leisure Activities
- Gym passes
- Exercise classes (aerobics, spin, yoga, etc)
- Community centre activities and lessons (swimming, tennis, pickle ball, ice skating, etc)
- Creative classes (music, acting, painting, sewing, jewelry making, etc
Additional Information
- The bursary must be used within 6 months of the draw, otherwise the funding is forfeited
- Course registration is the applicant’s responsibility
- Funding is paid directly to the educational institute or leisure centre
- Payments can take up to 6 weeks to process
- Reimbursements are not issued
Who is eligible to apply?
The following 3 criteria must be met:
- Adults with lived/living experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges
- Resident of the City of Vancouver
- Applicant must not have received an ELF bursary within the last 3 years
For more information
Please email or call Megan Brummitt with questions pertaining to the Education and Leisure Fund Bursaries.