Apply for CIF Education and Leisure Fund (Canada)
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The CIF Education and Leisure Fund provides opportunities for individuals to enhance their personal growth, improve their lifestyle, gain job skills, access education, and prioritize their well-being.
This fund is designed to support people living with mental health and substance use challenges by helping them pursue education and leisure activities that contribute to self-improvement. It offers up to $400 in funding for eligible courses or programs, with the payments made directly to educational institutions or leisure centres.
The Education & Leisure Fund can be used for a wide range of opportunities. On the educational side, it includes university, college, and continuing education courses, as well as certifications such as First Aid and FoodSafe training. Other options extend to language learning, computer skills, dog training, and landscaping courses. Leisure activities supported by the fund include access to gym memberships, yoga, swimming, dancing, ice skating, tennis, and pickleball lessons. Additionally, applicants can apply for creative and skill-based classes such as music, acting, painting, sewing, pottery, woodworking, jewelry making, metalworking, and equine therapy.
The bursary has clear guidelines on what it cannot be used for. Supplies, equipment, textbooks, instruments, sports gear, and other materials are excluded. Subscription-based programs with recurring payments are also not eligible.
Eligibility requires applicants to be adults with lived or living experience of mental health or substance use challenges, residents of the City of Vancouver, and not having received an Education & Leisure Fund bursary within the last three years.
Applicants must plan their courses or activities in advance, as start dates should be at least six to seven weeks after the draw date. Timing is tied to academic semesters, with the winter draw funding courses in spring or summer and the summer draw supporting those beginning in fall or winter.
Successful applicants should note that payments can take up to six weeks to process, reimbursements are not provided, and funds must be used within six months of the draw. The application process is straightforward, with completed forms entered into a random draw. Winners are notified by phone or email, with two draws held each year in January and during the summer.
