Vancouver Pride Society Bursary Program FAQ

Learn more about the Bursary Program before applying.

The Vancouver Pride Society is a not-for-profit committed to supporting community partners, groups, and individuals in various capacities. The Vancouver Pride Society Bursary Program is an opportunity to redistribute funds to local Queer-serving organizations, projects, or initiatives. This Bursary strives to support Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour initiatives by providing funds to community organizations that serve equity-deserving identities in the 2SLGBTQAI+ community. 

CRITERIA

  1. Applicants and organizations are grassroots or community serving. 

  2. Be a QTBIPOC organization and serving QTBIPOC communities, priority for Indigenous and Black individuals, community groups, and organizations; because we recognize the disproportionate impact of institutional and systemic racism on Indigenous and Black communities both historically and currently.

  3. Must be based and serving QTBIPOC communities in Vancouver/ British Columbia.

APPLICATION PROCESS

  1. Ensure you’ve read the criteria and FAQ to determine eligibility.

  2. Apply for the Bursary Program using this application form 

  3. Once we receive applications there will be a review period to determine if the applicant will receive a Bursary amount. 

  4. Applicants will be notified at least 2 weeks after the application period is closed of status and bursary amounts. 

  5. Applicants will receive bursary by cheque or e-transfer. 

FAQ

When should I apply for the Bursary Program?

The Bursary Program will have three intakes a year - May, September, January. The Bursary Program will attempt to support initiatives depending on our fund capacity. 

Who are these bursaries for?

These bursaries are for organizations, groups, individuals, or initiatives based in and serving QTBIPOC communities in Vancouver/BC. 

Priority is made for organizations that have an explicit focus or mandate to serve QTBIPOC

communities in British Columbia. We recognize identity is rich and complex and in addition to self identifying, mutual accountability within one’s community is equally important.


How do I apply?

All applications can be submitted online using this application form 

Our organization is not QTBIPOC but we serve mostly QTBIPOC peoples. Are we still eligible?

You can still apply, but QTBIPOC organizations, groups, individuals, or initiatives will be prioritized. The Bursary Program is one lever to advance racial equity by distributing funds back to BIPOC groups and communities. We invite non-BIPOC groups to consider what it means to share resources and power and address historical inequities within our community and find ways to support and celebrate BIPOC communities. 

What is the maximum/minimum amount I can request?

There is no minimum amount, but you are able to request up to a maximum of $1500 for your organization. 

Does everyone get a Bursary?

Not every applicant is guaranteed a Bursary for their initiative nor will the full amount be matched. The goal of the Bursary Program is to equitably redistribute funds to QTBIPOC organizations, groups, individuals, or initiatives. 

What is considered as an unacceptable application? 

Any application that directly or indirectly funds any of these initiatives, we will, unfortunately, dismiss your application:

  • If the initiative does not support the 2SLGBTQAI+ Community

  • If there is any sign that your organization or agenda is not actively anti-racist and shows signs of exclusion of any Black, Indigenous, People of Colour.

What can the Bursary Program be used for? 

These are flexible operating funds to support the priorities of your organization and initiative. We are not asking for budgets, nor for final reports based on principles of trust and to service the need for QTBIPOC organizations, groups, individuals, or initiatives to have access to funding to actualize their goals and objectives.

The funds are to be used to support the QTBIPOC community, not for individual expenses (ie. salaries). 

Here are some examples of ways you can funds to support your organizations or initiatives :

  • Access needs- ie., ASL Interpreters, audio descriptions, etc.

  • Sensory support - ie., headphones, stim toys/ fidget toys, etc.

  • Activation support - ie., decor, food, Artist/Performer/Speaker Fees, venue, tech, etc.

  • Project support - ie., tech, art materials, etc.

  • Harm Reduction 

What kind of reporting requirements does the Bursary Program have?

There will not be any final reporting for these grants. Instead, we will ask that you commit to collective learning and feedback with VPS which could include a feedback form, participating in a learning day and sharing feedback with VPS staff and other community partners.

How do I receive the funds?

Once your application has been approved and you have been notified, you will receive the funds via cheque or e-transfer.