Financial Assistance
Camps For Kids Grants
The “Camps For Kids” grants were established by the BC Foster Parent Association to alleviate some of the costs Foster Parent members encounter when sending their foster, adopted, or birth children to camp.
Who Can Apply
Any BCFPA foster parent member in good standing who requires assistance to send their foster, adopted or birth child/youth between the ages of 6–19 to camp (ie. day camps, sports camps, away camps).
Amount of Grant
An annual grant of $300.00 per member family will be awarded and may be used to cover costs for one or more eligible family members to attend the camp of their choice.
Application Dates
Applications will be accepted from February 1 – May 31 of each year for the Summer cycle. Awards will be made in June. Applications for the Fall cycle will be accepted from August 1 – October 31. Awards will be made in November. The foster parent member must provide proof of payment of the camp deposit, along with all other relevant documentation, prior to the awarding of the grant.
How to Apply
The foster parent member must complete the Camps for Kids Application Form outlining the name, type of camp, and proposed dates of attendance for each participant in the family, and the full cost for each child/youth to attend. Grants will be awarded to applicants chosen at random who have applied with all relevant documentation.
Education Bursaries for Youth with Lived Experience in Care
Many of our bursaries are accessible by youth in and from care to assist them with the costs associated with pursuing post-secondary education.
The Ames Family Foundation Bursary
The Ames Family Foundation Bursary is a low-barrier bursary designed to provide financial resources to youth from government care who are pursuing post-secondary education. Bursaries will be awarded based on need, individual circumstance, and academic and career goals. We encourage diverse and equity-deserving individuals to apply, specifically those who are Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+ identified, persons of all abilities, and the intersections of these identities.
Fine Arts for Kids Fund
In 2014 BCFPA received two generous donations to support the establishment of the Fine Arts for Kids fund. This fund is available exclusively to BCFPA member foster parents in order to assist them with the costs of involving their foster children in the arts. The fund will cover costs including (but not limited to) art supplies, paints, easels, canvas, paper, dance shoes, costumes, lessons of all varieties, musical instrument rentals and purchase, drum making, carving, fabric arts and regalia making supplies. This fund is for support of extracurricular programs (excluding sports endeavors) and not available to support school district art program activities.
Applications for the Fine Arts for Kids Fund are accepted from September 1 – December 1 and from February 1 – May 1 each year. See the application for more details!
The General Scholarship Fund
BCFPA occasionally receives funds from donors who request that the funds be put toward scholarships for children and youth who were formerly in care. The Board of Directors has outlined a General Scholarship Fund into which we can place donations from these generous donors. Unless directed to do otherwise, scholarships will be distributed under the name of the donor(s) until the funds are expended.
One bursary will be distributed annually to any youth who is or has been in the care of the Ministry and wants to pursue further education.
The Merv Davis Bursary
The Merv Davis Bursary is for any child in care of the Superintendent of Family & Child Services, residing in Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody or Pitt Meadows, and reaching the age of 19 years, who shows an interest in extending their education, whether to finish high school, attend business or vocational school, college or university, and where other funds available are inadequate, is eligible to apply. The highest marks, although considered, will not be the only determining factor in the awarding of the bursary.
The Natural Child Bursary
The Natural Child Bursary was founded in 1991 by Region ‘K’ for the birth or adopted child of a BCFPA foster parent member in BC who has completed Grade 12 and wishes to continue his/her education.
The William Curtis Memorial Fund Bursary
The William Curtis Memorial Fund, which is awarded annually, has been established for youth formerly in care who wish to continue their education.
Medical Travel Grant for Caregivers
This grant is accessible to BCFPA member foster parents who travel to hospital for medical appointments outside of their home community with the children/youth in their care. Applications can be submitted twice each calendar year for a $250 grant.
See the Medical Travel Grant Form (PDF) for criteria and submission guidelines!
Get Support
Don't foster in isolation! Our Solutions Program Team is here for you.
If you need urgent help in the event of an EMERGENCY or CRISIS, please call:
1-800-663-9122
Donate to BCFPA
Donate to support our grant/bursary programs which will enable us to keep providing financial assistance to children and youth in and from government care and foster families.
Learn more about the programs and services your donations help support and other ways you can help out financially here.
Become a Foster Caregiver
Right now, there are more than 4,000 kids across BC who need temporary foster families when they can’t live at home.
Phone
Main:
604-544-1110
Toll-Free Foster Parent Line:
1-800-663-9999
Office hours: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday
PROVINCIAL CENTRALIZED SCREENING
Foster parents are encouraged to call this number in the event of an EMERGENCY or CRISIS occurring after regular office hours:
1-800-663-9122
REPORT CHILD ABUSE
If you think a child or youth under 19 years of age is being abused or neglected, you have the legal duty to report your concern to a child welfare worker. Phone 1 800 663-9122 at any time of the day or night. Visit the Government of BC website for more info.
address
BCFPA Provincial Office
Suite 208 - 20641 Logan Avenue
Langley, BC V3A 7R3
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106778079 RR 0001
Our work takes place on the traditional and unceded Coast Salish territories of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Matsqui and Semiahmoo First Nations. BCFPA is committed to reconciliation with all Indigenous communities, and creating a space where we listen, learn and grow together.
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