External Financial Support

Rental Assistance Programs

Current Rent Supplement Programs

The Rental Assistance Program (RAP)—part of the Federal Community Housing Initiative, Phase 2 (FCHI-2)—is the successor to CMHC’s older programs.

The program targets low-income households that can’t afford a co-op’s maximum housing charges without exceeding 30% of household income. As income fluctuates, the level of support may also fluctuate, but the total number of supported households is generally fixed at the time of program sign-up.

RAP creates some obligations for participating co-ops including some around reporting, addressing overhousing and filing action plans. The program is currently scheduled to end March 31, 2028.

CHF BC, CHF Canada and other community housing organizations are advocating for an extension for RAP. Please visit youholdthekey.ca for more information.

Note: the program may not be compatible with some grants offered by other levels of government.

Download some additional resources:

• CHF BC guide to RAP
• Sample RAP agreement
• CMHC  Resources
  • CMHC reference guide
  • Request for Rental Assistance Annual Household Declaration
• Rental Assistance Resources (FCHI-2) from The Agency for Co-operative Housing
  • Overview of Rental Assistance (FCHI-2) for S95 co-ops
  • Over-Housing under RAP
  • Guide to RAP Obligations (visit Agency site)
• Notes from CHF BC Town Hall on RAP (2020-11)*

Note 1:  The Agency has confirmed that the BC Recovery Benefit is excluded from income under FCHI-2/RAP.

Note 2:  The CMHC and Agency materials may be updated from time to time to clarify any program guidelines. Please ensure you use the most recent versions available.

This program is broadly open to non-profit housing co-ops and housing societies. It provides supports for studies and for capital project supports. There are options for Opportunity Assessments (which expand what was previously available as Level 1 energy audits); Feasibility Study Funding; and Equipment Upgrade Funding.

CHF BC works closely with this program and especially in conjunction with broader planning exercises.

CHF Canada is a sector organization, not an arm of government, but it will fund small projects from $500 to a limit of $4,000 to support the protection of the environment.

This program has been operating for some years and many co-ops have benefited from it.

In a given year, an individual co-op can only make one application, but you can apply again in other years (even if you’re a previous recipient).

There are some reporting requirements and all CHF Canada member housing co-ops can apply.

The application window can vary, but is generally open March and April.

Funds are limited, visit CHF Canada’s website for more.

CHF BC and Vancity have partnered on an initiative that offers incentives for benchmarking participation. If your non-profit housing co-op is a Vancity member, it may be eligible for up to $500!

• $100 for eligible participants that provide digital building plans
• $200 for eligible participants that register for ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager access through CHF BC
• $200 if your co-op qualifies for automatic utility data upload

Existing ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager participants are also eligible for the incentive. Eligibility for the incentives vary, but all require Vancity membership.

Talk with us for incentive details and to see what’s possible!

Incentive applications and payments are processed quarterly, while funds last. Eligible co-ops need to submit required paperwork and documentation to complete benchmarking setup by one of the following dates to receive their incentive payment in the quarter after:

• January 15
• April 15
• July 15
• October 15

Disclaimer: Co-ops that meet the minimum requirements for energy benchmarking can participate even if they are not eligible for the CHF BC-Vancity incentive. To receive the incentive, co-ops must be eligible for both energy benchmarking and the CHF BC-Vancity ESPM Support Program, as well as complete one or more steps required to qualify for the incentive. CHF BC cannot guarantee a set timeline for co-op receipt of incentive funds; a range of factors can impact set up of benchmarking, even where necessary information is available, including but not limited to changes made by utility providers, updates to the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager platform, complexities with co-op properties, and technical issues.

Who can apply?

Vancouver Island Impact Grants are open to Island housing co-operatives that are members in good standing with CHF BC. Any co-op member can create an application, but it must be approved by the co-op’s board of directors.

Projects must be new initiatives, not previously started, and must be completed within one year of approval. You may apply for another project once you complete your project and submit your project story to CHF BC.

There is no deadline to apply. Applications will be reviewed and grants awarded on a rolling basis until all funds are dispersed. Even distribution of funds across Vancouver Island co-ops is a priority.

Eligible projects

Projects eligible for funding must impact one or more of the following areas:

• Reducing environmental footprints
• Enhancing social inclusion and community engagement
• Encouraging co-operation among co-operatives
• Pursuing reconciliation with Indigenous communities
• Promoting sustainable food systems and food security

Project ideas

• Install rain barrels or composting infrastructure to reduce environmental impact.
• Host a cultural celebration or create a public art project to enhance social inclusion.
• Develop a shared tool library with other local co-ops to encourage cooperation.
• Collaborate with local First Nations to celebrate the history of traditional lands.
• Start a community garden or bee hive to promote food security.