Grant Application Guide
Whether you are applying for Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund (VSCF) funding for the first time or have applied before, this page will help you navigate the application process. Explore our step-by-step guidance, application tips, and frequently asked questions to prepare a strong submission.
Who can apply for an Adopt-a-School Grant?
Funding is available to:
- Schools and school districts in British Columbia
- CRA registered charities operating in British Columbia
- Other “qualified donees” as defined under the Income Tax Act (Canada)
Whenever possible, applications should be initiated and submitted by a school or school district representative, such as a principal, teacher, counsellor, or district staff member.
Community organizations and other third-party partners are encouraged to collaborate with school staff when developing applications. In most cases, the school or district should submit the application on behalf of the project.
Grant Application Process
The Adopt-a-School application process is split into two categories. Before starting your application, determine which category your program falls into.
Applications for Food, Clothing, and Necessities
We invite you to use our main application form if you are applying for funding for programs that provide students with:
- Food,
- Clothing
- Essential items and basic necessities
Step 1: Identify the Need
Your application should have a clearly defined challenge or opportunity that our funding will help address.
In your application, you should be able to explain:
- Who will benefit
- Why support is needed
- How the funding will be used
- What outcomes you expect to achieve
Before applying, check whether another department, school, or partner organization is already preparing an application for the same initiative.
Step 2: Prepare Your Budget
When completing your application, you will be asked to provide a basic breakdown of your budget and how it relates to the amount of funding requested. Having this information prepared ahead of time will help your application process go smoothly.
Applications are strongest when they include realistic, detailed budget information. If Adopt-a-School is only being asked to fund a portion of the program costs the “Total Program Budget” should include the overall costs, including those covered by other sources of funding, and “AAS grant request” should indicate how much you are applying to VSCF for.
If you receive funding from any other sources, list the sources and amounts in the “Funding Sources” section of the application.
Step 3: Register as an Applicant
Before you can complete and submit the application form, you will be prompted to either sign in or register as an applicant in our grant portal.
If you wish to review the application questions before creating an account on our system, click the button below to see our current grant opportunities.
Step 4: Complete Your Application
Applications do not need to be completed in a single session. Simply save your progress and return to your application when you are ready to continue. You may make changes at any time before submission.
If working with others on the program, the software allows you to invite collaborators to help complete the online application form before you submit it.
In order to complete your application, you will need to provide:
- An overview of your existing or new program, including the need it addresses and the outcomes it aims to acheive
- Basic data including the total number of students at your school and the total number of vulnerable students benefitting from the program
- Your proposed budget, including listing any other sources of funding
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Once ready, ensure you submit your application. Draft applications will not be reviewed by our team.
Step 6: Application Review
Our Review Committee reviews all applications and may contact applicants with follow-up questions or requests for clarification as needed before making a final decision.
Step 7: Funding Decisions
Funding decisions are generally made in mid- to late January. All applicants will be contacted once decisions have been finalized.
Step 8: Funding Distribution
Successful applicants will receive information about next steps and funding disbursement timelines.
Applications for Other Funding
Due to increasing demand, priority is given to requests that address food security, nutrition programs and basic necessities for students and families.
Requests may be considered when designated donor funding is available for items such as:
- Field trips
- Technology
- Other enrichment opportunities
If you are seeking support for a non-food initiative, please submit an AAS 2026 Non-Food Application Form.
Step 1: Submit a Letter of Intent
Using the AAS 2026 Non-Food Application form, submit a Letter of Intent outlining the need for funding and explaining how funding will be used to benefit students in BC.
Step 2: Review
The Adopt-a-School team will review all Letters of Intent. When appropriate, applicants may be invited to submit a full application. Funding decisions are generally made in mid- to late January.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can more than one application be submitted for the same school or program?
We encourage you to coordinate with you school or district team before applying. Duplicate applications for the same initiative may delay the review process or affect funding decisions.
If your school or district has multiple programs requesting funding, you may submit separate applications with clear project names.
We are a community organization partnering with a school. How should we apply?
Adopt-a-School most often works directly with schools and school districts. Where possible, community organizations should submit applications through the school or district they serve. The school or district can initiate the application, collaborate with partners on the content, and submit the final application on behalf of the project.
Our program serves all students. How should we report the number of vulnerable students?
Please include the total number of vulnerable students who will benefit from the program, even if:
- The program is available to all students;
- VSCF’s funding will support only part of the program; or
- The requested funding will not fully cover all vulnerable students served.
This information helps us understand the program’s overall impact and need.
What happens after I submit my application?
Applications are reviewed by VSCF staff and reviewers. We may contact you if clarification or additional information is required.
When will I hear back about my application?
Funding decisions are generally made in mid- to late January. Applicants will be notified once decisions have been finalized.
Can I apply if I am unsure whether my project is eligible?
If your project falls outside the VSCF’s core funding areas, consider submitting a Letter of Intent first. We can then determine whether a full application is appropriate.