MEMBER AGENCIES - LEADERSHIP

BCACDI Innovation Project

In the Spring of 2023 BCACDI had a meeting with the Premier where we expressed our concerns regarding the Family Connection Centre pilots procurement process, and outlined ongoing systemic issues impacting the contract relationship between MCFD and agencies that deliver services to children and youth with support needs. Following this meeting BCACDI received a grant from MCFD to “pursue research, sector engagement, and pilot projects to further develop and later inform the continuous improvement of the children and youth with support needs services framework in BC. Specifically, this grant will allow BCACDI to explore inclusive and early intervention strategies, invest in innovative service practices, and provide insights into hybrid-based models for autism and other neuro-cognitive support needs.”

We spent the Spring and Summer of 2023 engaging with membership to identify key priorities to explore with this grant funding, and in the Fall of 2023 engaged with several experts in the sector to lead work in the following areas: 

1. Community-based non-profit led Autism services  

2. Transition to Kindergarten

3. Clinician Access to Resources 

4. Culture of Innovation Project

5. Training Opportunities (e.g. F-Words workshops)

Now it’s your turn! We are pleased to announce the BCACDI Opportunities Fund, resources that are available for our member agencies to pursue an innovative idea that you have learned about through this work and would like to initiate at your own organization. 

How much money is available?

There are two tiers of funding available. Tier 1 (enhance an existing project/program) grants provide up to  $10,000, and Tier 2 (seed funding to start new project/program) grants provide up to $25,000

Can I apply for more than one grant?

Yes you can! Applications are reviewed by the board and will be ranked and selected based on a standardized scoring system. 

What are the criteria?

The criteria are that you have to be a BCACDI member, and your proposal has to support an innovative idea and/or practice that aligns with one of the following:

1. Improving Service Access

2. Improving Treatment Effectiveness

3. Improving Care Continuity (e.g. - transitions, navigation, building relationships)

Review the reports above to get your inspiration, or apply for funding to support something unrelated to our project work but still aligning with the 3 criteria!

What is the project timeline?

The application deadline is December 15th, 2024, recipients will be notified before the end of January 2025 and will have 12 months from the date funds are received to carry out the project. A brief report (template provided) will need to be completed within a month of project completion.

Is it just money, or are other resources available?

We have engaged with Denise Watson, formerly of the Queen Alexandra for Children’s Health, to be a BCACDI representative available to assist with any questions or concerns you may have as your organization works to implement your project. Denise can be reached at Denise@bcacdi.org.