Financial Aid for Participants
Below is a list of funding sources for participants and families (divided by area of interest/applicability) that may help cover or offset the user fees of CTRA's programs. This list is not exhaustive and the suitability of any funding sources and/or the outcome of any application is completely outside of CTRA's control. This list is only meant to be an informational resource for participants and their families/support networks seeking funding to support their participation in CTRA's program. If you require support in the creation of an application, CTRA is happy to provide information and assistance where we can. If you come across any funding sources you feel would be a good fit for CTRA's participants, please contact us so we can add it to our list. Good luck!
Therapy
At Home Program
At Home funding is available through the Ministry of Children & Family Development and supports eligible children who require long-term medical supports, services and continued assistance to address having “severe disabilities.”.
Five categories of therapy funding are available. Therapeutic Riding and related programs can fall under Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy.
For each category, $3840 annually may be provided.
Contact the Ministry for more information.
Autism Funding Unit
www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/autism/contact
Autism funding is available through the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Two separate categories, for children under age 6, and for children 6 to 18.
For <6 up to $22,000 annually may be provided. Age 6 to 18 has a maximum of $6,000.
Contact the Ministry for more information
Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island - Bear Essentials Fund
https://islandkidsfirst.com/bear-essentials/
Covers: Travel costs associated with receiving health care that is unavailable in a child/youth’s home community (e.g. transportation, parking, food, accommodation); Medical or therapeutic equipment to address special needs (e.g. Orthotics, insulin pump, specialized seating); Therapeutic resources to support a child/youth e.g. Specialized formula, non-insured medications, therapies not publicly offered
Referrals to program from health care professional
BC Rehab Foundation - Individual Grant Program
http://www.bcrehab.com/applications/individual-grant-programs
Funding for individuals living with physical disabilities
Includes equipment and therapy programs
BCGEU-CLBC scholarship fund benefiting adults with developmental disabilities
http://www.bcgeu.ca/BCGEU-CLBC-scholarship-application
People being served by CLBC can apply for the scholarship to support their personal and professional development.
Max of $2,500 contribution per person can go towards community recreation activities that promote quality of life and new skills
CKNW Orphan’s Fund
Provides funding for children with special needs in BC.
Funding can be used for therapeutic services (e.g. therapeutic riding), specialized/adaptive equipment, and education (bursaries).
Available for children under 19.
McAdams Foundation
http://www.mcadamsfoundation.ca/
Committed to enriching the lives of children/youth from families with limited resources
Assistance for special needs children to attend summer camps and other recreational pursuits
Presidents Choice Children’s Charity
www.presidentschoice.ca/en_CA/community/pccc
Helps families with a child with a physical or developmental disability who is 18 years old or under.
Grants can help with mobility equipment, and environmental modification or therapy.
The Sunshine Foundation
Aims to fulfill individual dreams to children with severe physical disabilities (such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy) as well as life threatening illnesses.
Variety, the Children’s Charity
Provides financial assistance for children who have special needs, with the costs of a wide range of equipment, therapies educational, social and recreational programs.
For children up to 19 years of age.
Dreamcatcher Foundation
Provides grants in the areas of: health, sports and recreation, and educational support for status members of First Nations communities
Preference given to youth under the age of 25
Cerebral Palsy Association of BC
https://www.bccerebralpalsy.com/programs/camperships/
Campership Program provides financial assistance to individuals of all ages for attending a special needs camp of their choice in BC
Other funding programs from CPABC include support for assistive devices & education bursaries
Shriners in Your Community Fund
https://www.cowichanvalleyshrineclub.org/norval-mackay-smith-fund-c1xq4
Funding for families to purchase orthopaedic equipment for children such as specialized wheelchairs, orthopaedic shoes, braces and other specialized equipment.
Sport
* CTRA is a member of provincial sport organization Horse Council BC. Some of the sport grants may ask for this.
Athletics for Kids
A privately funded charity to assist B.C. children ages 5 to 18 participate in amateur sport.
Child must be currently enrolled in school.
Basic registration fees are covered, up to an annual maximum of $600.
Camps are not covered.
BC Deaf Sports - Interpreter Grant
http://bcdeafsports.bc.ca/interpreter-grant
Register for funding for access to interpreters for the deaf/hard-of-hearing
Priority for athletes 17 and under, those involved in a community program, or those involved with high performance training
Applicants must be BCDSF members
Requests must be received 30 days prior to the start of the athlete's program
Canadian Tire/ Jumpstart
National Charitable Program that is dedicated to removing financial barriers that prevent children from participating in organized sport.
Call the phone number to find your local chapter for more information.
Check out this one-pager on how to apply for Jumpstart funding (for registration fees and equipment - e.g. helmets) (hard copy applications can be filled out and handed into CTRA if you are not able to apply online)
Kidsport British Columbia
A community based sport funding program to help kids age 18 and under participate in a season of a sport of their choice.
Grants are a maximum of $200, to go towards participation/ registration fees.
Sport activities must demonstrate a sustained sport experience (e.g. a season).
Camps are not covered.
Tax Credits
Children’s Fitness Tax Credit
A Tax Credit available to parents of children 16 and under who are in a prescribed program of physical activity.
Up to $500 of the participation cost per child can be claimed annually.
If the child is eligible for the disability amount, an additional $500 can be claimed.
Please talk to an accountant if you have any questions about this tax credit
Disability Tax Credit
Non-refundable tax credit that helps persons with disabilities or their supporting persons reduce the amount of income tax owed
Includes a supplement for persons under 18 years of age
Child Disability Tax Credit
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/child-disability-benefit.html
Tax-free benefit for families who care for a child under age 18 who is eligible for the disability tax credit
Employment
Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/of/index.shtml
Assistance for those that self-identify as having a permanent physical or mental disability to prepare for, obtain and keep employment or self-employment.