Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the difference between a Major Investment and the Partner Program?

   There are two key differences between a Major Investment and the Partner Program: the amount of funding and the time frame for that funding. Major investments tend to be donations to capital campaigns and longer in duration.

   In addition, Partner Programs look for opportunities to include Pacific Blue Cross, i.e. staff volunteering.

2. Can we apply for funding at any time of the year?

   Yes. However, the Foundation Board will only review Kick Start applications twice per year and Partner Program applications once per year so please ensure you’re aware of the application dates.

3. Can we apply for funding under more than one category or submit more than one application at a time?

   Yes. We do not penalize you for submitting funding requests in multiple categories, but the Foundation Board will not approve funding for more than one application for the same organization.

4. What program or project expenses are eligible for funding?

   Eligible program or project expenses include operating costs directly associated with the proposal, which must be itemized in the proposal.

   Capital investment requests may be considered for new equipment, infrastructure buildings, networks or renovations that directly support the wellbeing of the recipients of community organization.

   Partnership requests have a few other requirements:

   • The program or project must have defined and measured outcome.

   • To be eligible applicants will need to submit a project budget, indicate a strong likelihood of successfully launching the proposed project (indicating other funders), submit a measurement plan for projects supporting clear objectives and expected outcomes, and agree to adhere to the terms and conditions of the Foundation.
5. Are there any program or project expenses that are ineligible for funding?

   Programs or projects that do not have a BC footprint and do not focus on chronic disease or mental health will not be considered for funding. The Foundation does not fund core business operations, including current operating costs such as office rents, salaries, and wages.

   Ineligible program or project expenses include:

   • Playground construction or renovations
   • Requests for in-kind donations such as travel insurance.
   • Auction items, door prizes or giveaways.
   • Endowments to community foundations.
   • Goodwill advertising, travel expenses or events outside of BC.
   • Retroactive requests, debt reduction, fundraising or business funding.

   At the discretion of the Health Foundation Board, wages may be funded under the following circumstances:

   • Wages of core staff that are dedicated to a recruitment initiative to train volunteers that are the main service delivery agents.
   • Facilitator wages for the period of the program delivery
   • Reasonable honorariums for speakers or volunteers where these are the smaller part of an event cost.
6. Are there any programs or projects for which the Foundation will not approve funding?

   The Foundation will not sponsor luncheons, conferences, or golf tournaments. Funding for galas is generally not provided; however, an exception may be made if the gala event advances the Foundation’s objectives.

7. Can we apply again if we were previously denied funding?

   Yes. If your application has been denied in a given year you can apply again in that same year. Sometimes organizations will reapply for a different program or project, or they’ll refine the original application to try and improve the request, or they come back to us with a request for a smaller funding amount.

8. Can we apply for new funding if we’ve previously received Foundation funding?

   Yes. However, the Foundation will not provide additional funding to an organization that has already received Foundation funding during that same calendar year and will not normally provide funding in the following year(s) unless it’s been approved as part of a multi-year agreement.

   There may be exceptions to this policy. Funding may be considered if the applicant can demonstrate that the program’s high value should be immediately replicated or if the organization has an innovative new initiative that is significantly different from the previous initiative.

9. Is there any other information you need to help with the funding application?

   Whether you’re applying for Kick Start, Partner Program or Major Investment funding, we would appreciate learning how you will acknowledge the Pacific Blue Cross Health Foundation’s donation.

   In addition, the Pacific Blue Cross Corporate Communications department will work with you to help amplify your program or project to our members and other stakeholders, including on our social media channels.

10. Can you help me decide on the best category for my program or project?

    We hope the information on this website will help clarify the best option for your organization or program.