Consumer Initiative Fund
The Consumer Initiative Fund is a unique and progressive program that funds and supports projects that are proposed, managed, and led by people with lived/living experience of mental illness and/or substance use issues.
About the Consumer Initiative Fund (CIF)
The program consists of individual project leaders and a coordinator.
Projects foster inclusion and community integration, and decrease isolation, provide opportunities for professional and personal growth, build capacity, and encourage participants to realize their potential.
The Consumer Initiative Fund embodies the Philosophy of Recovery with the belief that:
- Recovery is possible
- People can have purpose in their lives
- People can improve the quality of their life through self determination
CIF Projects
CIF projects are proposed, developed and led by peers. Getting involved in this initiative builds capacity for those creating and running the projects, as well as for those who take part in them.
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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. A total of 10 grants are awarded each draw (January, April, July & October).
Learn More Download Application Form
Crisis Grant
The CIF Crisis Grant is intended to assist mental health and substance use consumers who are experiencing significant financial strain due to unexpected circumstances.
Education & Leisure Fund
Personal development, life style enhancement, vocational training, education and well-being are key components of recovery. The goal of the CIF Education and Leisure 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.
Learn More Download Application Form
Special Action Committee (SAC)
The Special Action Committee (SAC) is a group of dedicated peers who have been involved with Vancouver mental health services for many years. The key organizers volunteer to source, organize and host public education events for local peers. Funding for the events is provided by the Consumer Initiative Fund program, Vancouver Mental Health and Substance Use Services.
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