Application Instructions

Description

Our BC Catalyst Grants are specifically aimed at supporting initiatives by non-profit and charity organizations that focus on the mental health impacts associated with climate change. The grants are designed to fund projects that:

  • Test innovative approaches, methodologies, or tools specifically designed to address the mental health challenges posed by climate change. This could include interventions, therapeutic techniques, community-based strategies, or digital tools.

  • Foster collaborations among teams and organizations dedicated to exploring the intersection of climate change and mental health. These collaborations should aim to develop multidisciplinary solutions and integrated approaches.

  • Support established organizations in launching new projects focused on the mental health aspects of climate change. These projects should have the potential to evolve into larger, impactful initiatives that offer sustainable mental health solutions in the context of a changing climate.

Through these grants, the goal is to fund activities that not only address the immediate mental health needs arising from climate change but also contribute to the development of long-term, resilient mental health support systems in the face of environmental challenges.

Funds Available

  • General Fund: $250,000 total, divided among selected projects.

  • Indigenous Communities Fund: $500,000 total, allocated specifically to projects led by or benefiting Indigenous communities.

Note: There is no restriction on project amount, however, we anticipate that the average funding per project will be approximately $10,000 per project.

Applicant Eligibility

  • Applicants must represent a non-profit or charity organization providing services to residents of British Columbia.

  • Organizations must be engaged in projects relevant to climate change.

  • The initiative for which funds are being requested must aim to address the mental health impacts of climate change.

  • For the Indigenous Communities Fund, applicants must either represent Indigenous communities or their projects must directly benefit such communities.

  • Funds must be utilized for the proposed project.

Eligible Expenses

Expenses can include, but are not limited to:

  • Operating costs associated with the study or project.

  • Materials and supplies for the project.

  • Salary support for project staff.

  • Specialist services 

  • Expenses related to project dissemination and community engagement.

Project Time Period

Projects should be designed to be completed within a 12-month timeframe.

Requirements

Recipients must:

  • Acknowledge the grant in any communications or publications related to the project.

  • Use Evaluation Materials Provided by the Mental Health and Climate Change Alliance 

  • Provide a final report including an academic and a lay summary upon project completion.

Review Process

Applications will be reviewed by a committee with expertise in climate change, non-profit sector, and Indigenous community projects (where applicable).

Review will focus on the project’s demonstrated need, relevance, potential impact, and feasibility. See our evaluation guide and evaluation form for more information.

Application Process:

  • Step 1: Applicants must first register their initiative in our Climate Resilience Initiative Registry. 

  • Step 2: Registrations submitted to the Climate Resilience Initiative Registry are reviewed by our Grant-Making Committee. 

  • Step 3: Eligible applicants are notified if the Grant-Making Committee is able to support their project and a meeting is scheduled to discuss funding needs and program requirements, including evaluation requirements. 

  • Step 4: A funding agreement is prepared and signed by the MHCCA and the applicant. 

  • Step 5: Funds are dispersed to applicants. 

  • Step 6: Applicants deliver their initiative, completing necessary evaluation activities throughout the duration of the program. 

Inquiries 

For inquiries, contact team@mhcca.ca.