Submissions open for Consumer Initiative Fund Projects (Canada)

The Consumer Initiative Fund (CIF) is a unique and progressive program that funds and supports projects that are proposed, managed, and run by people with lived/living experience of mental illness and/or substance use challenges. CIF embodies the Philosophy of Recovery with the belief that:

• Recovery is possible
• People can have purpose in their lives
• People can improve the quality of their life through self determination

CIF projects allow peers to take the expertise they have acquired through lived experience, identify activities that could benefit peers in the community of Vancouver, and then bring their vision into reality. Participation in this initiative fosters inclusion and community integration while decreasing isolation. Participants can take part in project activities for free and can gain inspiration from seeing peers in action.

Benefits

• Participants: CIF projects offer a valuable service to the community, and the public can take part in project activities for free. Participation in this initiative fosters inclusion and community integration while decreasing isolation. Participants can also take inspiration from seeing peers in action.
• Project Leaders: For project leaders and assistants, CIF projects provide an opportunity for personal growth. It can involve learning how to do new things such as booking venues, monitoring an ongoing budget, registering participants, and navigating obstacles that may arise along the way.
• Build Capacity: Taking part in project activities can support recovery, whether it is developing an artistic skill, gaining inspiration from peers, or building confidence through group discussions. For project leaders, skills like problem-solving, managing finances, interpersonal communication, and leadership can really stay with an individual long after a project has ended. Participants and project leaders alike can apply these skills to other work or life opportunities in the future.

Eligibility Criteria

• Projects:
  • Promote development of accessible and diverse peer group projects on a term basis
  • Encourage physical activity, creativity, learning and/or social interaction
  • Build skills, capacity and opportunities for personal, professional and/or community growth
  • Empower individuals rather than organizations
  • Address an identified need in Vancouver but do not duplicate an existing CIF project
• Project Leaders and Assistants:
  • To be a project leader or assistant you must have a Criminal Record Check completed (they cover the cost)
  • You will receive a T4A slip for taxes for the tax years affected. Your SIN number will be required for this purpose
  • Project leaders and assistants are required to complete some surveys for program statistical purposes
  • The project starts once the CIF program receives the results of the record check and contracts have been signed
• Project Participants:
  • Projects are open to participants in recovery who have self-identified as having a mental health and/or substance use issue
  • No referral is required participate in CIF project activities
  • There are no fees to participate in CIF project activities.

For more information, visit Spotlight on Mental Health.