The Crisis Grant is available to assist consumers of mental health and substance use services who are experiencing significant financial strain due to unexpected circumstances. This grant is reserved to provide financial assistance when no other funding sources are available. Each grant is in the amount of $85 and the funds are provided in the form of cash.

The CIF Crisis Grant is designed to provide immediate support to adults facing mental health and/or substance use challenges who encounter unforeseen hardships. To be eligible, applicants must meet five key criteria. They must be at least 19 years old with lived or living experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges, reside in the City of Vancouver, be unable to cover essential costs due to an unexpected circumstance, not have received a Crisis Grant bursary within the last two years, and be referred by a health care worker who provides mental health or substance use-related services.

An unexpected circumstance is defined as a situation that is unforeseen and out of the ordinary, resulting in either an unexpected loss of income or a sudden, essential, and unexpected expense. Examples include the loss of a job, volunteer honorarium, or ability to work due to health reasons, as well as unexpected events such as death in the family, theft, moving costs, or pest eradication. However, certain situations are not eligible, such as ongoing mismanagement of finances, expenses unaffected by unexpected events, costs related to non-essential items or activities, and planned expenses anticipated in advance.

The selection process for the Crisis Grant ensures fairness and transparency. Eligible applications are entered into a random draw, with six grants awarded every two weeks, totaling twelve per month. The deadline for application is 16 September 2025.

For more information, visit Spotlight on Mental Health.

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