Call for Proposals: Individual Grant Program (Canada)

Deadline: 20-Mar-2026

The BC Rehab Foundation Individual Grant Program provides financial assistance to individuals with physical disabilities who need mobility aids, accessibility equipment, and assistive technology. Funding is prioritized based on financial need, medical assessment, and demonstrated impact on independence and quality of life. Applicants must submit a complete application with professional assessment and vendor quotes.

Overview

The BC Rehab Foundation Individual Grant Program supports persons living with physical disabilities by funding essential equipment and services that improve:

• Mobility

• Accessibility

• Independence

• Participation in daily life

This is a needs-based disability grant program. Applications are reviewed multiple times per year by an allocation committee.

The program does not automatically fund all requests. Each application is assessed based on eligibility, financial need, and available resources.

Funding Amounts and Coverage

Maximum Funding Limits

• Up to $2,500 for a back-up wheelchair

• Up to $1,000 for scooters

• Up to $1,000 for lift chairs

• No fixed cap for other equipment (case-by-case decision)

Funding decisions are made by the allocation committee based on:

• Severity of need

• Equipment necessity

• Financial circumstances

• Availability of funds

What Types of Equipment Are Funded?

The foundation supports both new and used equipment.

Commonly funded items include:

• Power wheelchairs

• Manual wheelchairs

• Back-up wheelchairs

• Specialized seating systems

• Ramps and home accessibility modifications

• Portable lifts

• Scooters

• Walkers

• Assistive technology devices

• Driver rehabilitation lessons

• Recreation therapy programs

• Equipment repairs

Less common devices may also be considered if they significantly improve quality of life and mobility.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must:

• Be living with a qualifying physical disability

• Demonstrate financial need

• Be unable to secure funding from other sources

• Submit a complete application package

Eligible Physical Disabilities

Qualifying conditions include:

• Spinal cord injury

• Acquired brain injury

• Stroke

• Cerebral palsy

• Muscular dystrophy

• Spina bifida

• Multiple sclerosis

• Polio

• Amputation

• ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

• Guillain-Barré syndrome

Other comparable physical disabilities may also be considered.

How Applications Are Evaluated

Applications are reviewed by the allocation committee several times per year.

The committee prioritizes:

• Demonstrated financial hardship

• Type and severity of disability

• Impact of equipment on independence

• Efforts to seek alternative funding

• Submission of at least two equipment quotes

• Expected longevity of equipment use

Important: Equipment already purchased is not funded, except for back-up wheelchairs.

Required Documents and Application Process

Step-by-Step: How to Apply

1. Review the BC Rehab Foundation program guidelines carefully.

2. Obtain an assessment from an occupational therapist (OT) or physiotherapist (PT).

3. Request two detailed quotes from separate vendors.

4. Complete the official application form in full.

5. Attach your latest tax assessment.

6. If applicable:

   • Homeowners must submit property tax assessment

   • Applicants living with parents or children may need additional financial disclosure

7. Submit the complete application package.

Only complete applications move forward for review.

Mandatory Documentation

Applicants must include:

• Completed application form

• Occupational therapist or physiotherapist assessment letter

• Two vendor quotes

• Latest income tax assessment

• Additional financial documents if required

If funded equipment is no longer used, recipients must notify BC Rehab and return the equipment upon request.

Why This Program Matters

Mobility equipment and accessibility devices are often expensive and not fully covered by public healthcare systems.

This program helps:

• Reduce financial barriers

• Improve independence

• Enhance community participation

• Support long-term quality of life

• Enable access to employment, education, and recreation

For individuals with severe disabilities, access to proper equipment can significantly reduce physical strain and increase safety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants often face delays due to preventable errors.

Avoid these mistakes:

• Submitting incomplete applications

• Forgetting therapist assessments

• Providing only one vendor quote

• Applying after purchasing equipment

• Omitting financial documentation

• Failing to demonstrate financial hardship

Carefully reviewing guidelines before submission improves approval chances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the BC Rehab Foundation Individual Grant?

Individuals living with a qualifying physical disability who demonstrate financial need and meet documentation requirements.

2. What is the maximum funding available?

Up to $2,500 for a back-up wheelchair and up to $1,000 for scooters or lift chairs. Other equipment has no fixed funding cap.

3. Can I apply for reimbursement of equipment I already bought?

No. Equipment already acquired is not funded, except for back-up wheelchairs.

4. Is a medical assessment required?

Yes. An occupational therapist or physiotherapist assessment is mandatory.

5. How many quotes are required?

Two detailed quotes from separate vendors are required. Demo or lightly used equipment quotes are encouraged when available.

6. How often are applications reviewed?

Applications are reviewed several times per year by the allocation committee.

7. What happens if I no longer need the funded equipment?

You must inform BC Rehab Foundation and return the equipment upon request.

Conclusion

The BC Rehab Foundation Individual Grant Program provides targeted financial assistance to individuals with physical disabilities who require essential mobility and accessibility equipment. Funding decisions are based on documented financial need, professional medical assessment, and demonstrated impact on independence.

Applicants should ensure that all required documentation is complete and clearly demonstrate why the equipment is necessary. A well-prepared application that highlights severe need and lack of alternative funding significantly increases the likelihood of approval.

For more information, visit BC Rehab Foundation.