We believe that communities are the experts at identifying their greatest needs.
Funding provides capacity-building support for communities to develop new, or build upon existing peer support and mental health and well-being services for trans, gender diverse, and Two-Spirit community members, including their parents/caregivers and families.
What are community grants?
Since 2017, Trans Care BC has provided community grants to over 50 unique peer support projects across BC. Projects have included youth and adult peer groups, parent/caregiver and family supports, and Gender Journeys groups.
In 2020, Trans Care BC launched a new funding opportunity – the Peer Support and Mental Health and Well-Being Services Grant. This funding was extended to support peers and clinical mental health and well-being service providers working collaboratively to build capacity in their communities.
Keep an eye on this page and our
Facebook page for future funding announcements and information.
Impacts of Community Funding
Through community grants, projects were able to provide one-to-one and group peer support and counselling, including 'Gender Journeys', and cultural healing spaces. The projects support children, youth, adults, and families, and several focus on supporting specific community needs, including BIMPOC (Black, Indigenous, Mixed Race, People of Color), Two-Spirit community, as well as sex workers and immigrant/newcomer and refugee communities.
Projects offer a range of important community resources including food security programs, I.D. change clinics, gender-affirming garment distribution, community consultations, and training opportunities for peers.
We have had the privilege to work alongside peers and peer support providers to improve equitable access for peer-led and gender-affirming support services. We have the honour of sharing some of their stories:
