UAH Funding Initiative

About the Funding Initiative​​

​​The Urban and Away From Home (UAH) Funding Initiative provides grants of up to $25,000 to support the UAH population in areas of primary care, mental health and wellness, the toxic drug response, addressing anti-Indigenous racism and promoting cultural safety in health care.

Consideration will be given to initiatives that have a direct impact on the UAH population, reach a broad range of First Nations people that live in a UAH setting or improve the availability, quality and accessibility of health and wellness services for the UAH population.

Eligible recipients

We accept funding applications from BC First Nations communities, First Nations education institutions and health and social organizations that provide services to the UAH population in BC.

Please note that for-profit organizations, Métis Chartered communities and organizations and organizations that are not run by First Nations are ineligible for funding.

The UAH population includes status and non-status First Nations people in BC who live in:

  • a city, urban, rural, remote or isolated area that is not in a First Nations community or on a reserve
  • a reserve that is away from their home community​ 

Funding spotlights

The UAH Funding Initiative began in 2023, and since then, we're proud to have supported some incredible causes supporting the UAH population in BC. Check out some of the positive work being done below:

Sq'ewlets Nati​on wellness app

Warming and cooling stations at Central Interior Native Health Society

2023/24 UAH Funding Initiative grant recipients 

Applications now clo​​sed

The application period for the 2024-2025 UAH Funding Initiative is now closed. Successful applications will be announced in the coming months.

Grant funding availability for the UAH Funding Initiative is reviewed annually, with amounts dependent on available resources. Please note that the program may not run every year. ​​

  • Frequently asked questions

1. Who can apply to the UAH Funding Initiative?

Applications for the UAH Funding Initiative must be received from:

(1) a First Nations community, or

(2) Urban Indigenous Organizations supporting First Nations clients living in UAH settings in BC, or

(3) a BC First Nations school or educational institution (schools/colleges)

Please note, for-profit organizations, Métis Chartered communities/organizations, non-BC First Nations not-for-profit organizations, and non-BC First Nations educational institutions are ineligible for the UAH Funding Initiative.

2. Can an individual apply for a grant?

No. The funds cannot be distributed to an individual. The FNHA encourages people with an idea or concept to connect with a group that meets the eligibility criteria described above.

Please note, for nation-run organizations (including health centres), funds will be distributed to the host nation.

3. What are some items not eligible for funding?

Funds cannot be used for the following: (1) the purchase of alcohol or any other substances, (2) the purchase of concession items, (3) prize money, (4) illegal purchases or (5) administrative costs such as the cost of computer equipment or office equipment and supplies.

4. Can funding be used for other forms of prizes, including gift cards?

Yes, grant funds can be used for other forms of prizes, including gift cards.

4. Can I use the funds for honoraria for an Elder?

Yes, funds can be used to provide honoraria to an Elder for their services.

5. Am I eligible to apply and receive funding if we have been awarded funding through this initiative in the past?

Yes. There are no restrictions on how many times an organization can apply for and receive funding from the UAH Funding Initiative. However, due to limited funds, previous funding awards will be taken into consideration during the decision-making process, which may reduce your chances of being funded again.

6. Who can I contact for more help or to answer other questions?

Team members are available during regular business hours by email and can set up a phone call if necessary.

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If you have any questions, please email UAH@fnha.ca.

Contact
​​Urban and Away from Home ​Team
Email: UAH@fnha.ca​