​Apply by January 31

As we enter into the seventh year of the toxic drug crisis, it continues to be important to support innovative, community-based and grassroots harm reduction initiatives that address the causes and effects of the crisis, such as intergenerational trauma and the overall mental wellness of the people who are impacted.

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is committed to supporting community-driven, Nation-based initiatives that seek to improve the health and wellness of First Nations in BC. First Nations organizations and groups situated both on and off-reserve are well positioned to understand their local community's unique strengths and challenges and identify innovative, appropriate and culturally relevant solutions to addressing local issues. By providing funding to enhance promising programming or to implement a new initiative, communities will be supported to strengthen knowledge and capacity, advance innovative practices and meet new and emerging needs.

Community-based grant programs are a well-established way to provide flexible funding to organizations and communities to fill gaps, develop new programs or services, bring supports closer to those who need them, and strengthen existing programs and services to meet unique needs.

The FNHA Policy on Harm ​Reduction acknowledges that harm reduction informed services involve a range of nonjudgmental approaches and strategies aimed at providing and enhancing the knowledge, skills, resources, and supports for individuals, their families, and communities to make informed decisions to be safer and healthier. This First Nations Harm Reduction Grant funding is intended to provide direct support to harm reduction informed initiatives benefitting First Nations individuals, families and communities.

Grant eligibility

First Nations communities, organizations, and peer/drug user groups that are engaged in direct health service delivery to First Nations in BC may be eligible for funding to provide a community-driven harm reduction event or initiative. To be eligible, the event or initiative must be held between March 1, 2022  March 31, 2023. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2022.

Grant funding maximum

Maximum funding available through the First Nations Harm Reduction Grant is $50,000 per application.

Applications will be weighed against the following criteria

The proposed event or initiative:

• Provides mental wellness and substance use support services, framed within a harm reduction context, to support people who request them
• Improves upon the range of harm reduction services available, as an enhancement and not duplication
• Provides support, programming and/or events for family and friends impacted by the outcomes of the toxic drug supply
• Incorporates people who use drugs as much as possible into the planning and delivery of services
• Demonstrates collaboration or partnership with other First Nations communities, health or social organizations providing health services to BC First Nations at the regional or sub-regional level
• Is fair and equitable within and across the five regions

Note that First Nations communities and organizations that are focusing on culturally safe harm reduction practices will be prioritized for this funding.

​Application form

To apply for a grant, please complete this application form. Funds may be used for any required costs necessary to carry out the event or initiative with the exception of those listed as ineligible costs. Only fully completed application forms will be considered. Note: to fill out the form please select "Tools" and select "Fill & Sign"

Applications can be submitted via email to HEM@fnha.ca no later than January 31, 2022.​