About the HIV Community Wellness Initiative
The HIV Community Wellness Initiative supports First Nations communities in addressing HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. This program provides funding of up to CAD$25,000-50,000/ year, (maximum of two years) for community-led activities, including health promotion, education, capacity-building, and resource development.
FNHA recognizes the historical and systemic barriers to HIV services and is committed to fostering culturally safe, stigma-free, and trauma-informed spaces. BC First Nations communities and organizations are invited to apply for funding under the HIV Community Wellness Initiative. Successful applicants will receive financial support, technical assistance, and resources to implement culturally safe, community-focused health initiatives.
Who can apply?
We accept funding applications from land-based First Nations in BC or Indigenous-led not-for-profits serving First Nations communities (urban, rural, or remote). Land-based First Nations must be in the lands now known as BC, and Indigenous-led organizations must be serving First Nations located in BC.
What does the funding support?
- Community-Led Health Promotion – Supports initiatives that increase awareness, educate, and reduce stigma around HIV/STIs through school programs, workshops, and media campaigns.
- Improving Access to HIV Point-of-Care (POC) Services – Funds projects that identify and address barriers preventing community members from accessing HIV testing, treatment, and ongoing support.
- Wholistic Support – Provides funding for culturally safe counseling, community support groups, and programs that address the emotional, social, and practical needs of those affected by HIV.
How to apply?
To ensure equitable access, FNHA accepts both oral and written proposals. Applications will open May 1, 2025, and the deadline to apply is July 4, 2025.
Learn more about the HIV Community Wellness Initiative here.
Access the application survey here.
View scoring criteria here.
Application support
FNHA offers support for completing funding proposal applications. To schedule a consultation, email HIVProjects@fnha.ca.
FAQ
1. Who can apply for the HIV Community Wellness Initiative funds? BC First Nations and Indigenous-led non-profit organizations who provide HIV supports and services to First Nations and Indigenous individuals in BC.
2. Do applicants need to be registered charities or First Nations? Applicants must be BC First Nations or Indigenous-led non-profit organizations with charitable status. Funding Application will include confirmation of Charitable Number and/or Notice of Good Standing.
3. What can the funds be used for? Funds can be used for community programs to support HIV wellness initiatives through education, awareness and prevention activities. We support communities to self-determine best use of funds within their communities. There are some things that the funding cannot be used for; learn more about expenses that are not included.
4. Do I need to use the funds within a certain time frame? The HIV Community Wellness Initiative funds need to be used by February 26, 2027.
5. What is the maximum amount of grant funding that a First Nation or organization can apply for? Applicants can apply for up to CAD $25,000-50,000/ year, maximum 2 years.
6. When is the application deadline? May 1, 2025, applications will open and July 4, 2025, is the application deadline. To ensure equitable access, FNHA accepts both oral and written proposals. Applications will open May 1, 2025, and the deadline to apply is July 4, 2025.
HIV educational, awareness and prevention resources in BC:
YouthCO
Native Youth Sexual Health Network
Sexual and Reproductive Health Care and Education - Options for Sexual Health
Home | SmartSex Resource
My Health is Sexy
Home - PAN
Indigenous Health Resources
2S/LGBTQQIA+ Wellness
HIV self-testing information within BC:
BC Point of Care HIV Testing Program
Medicine Bundle - Community-Based Research Centre
Testing | Northern Health
Self-Testing Resources outside of BC:
Reach Nexus
GET FREE HIV SELF TEST KITS AND SUPPORT | I AM
Implementing HIV Self-Testing | CATIE - Canada's source for HIV and hepatitis C information
