COVID-19 has affected every aspect of our lives, including our mental health. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 38% of Canadians say their mental health has declined due to COVID-19, and people already struggling with their mental health were 2 times more likely to say their mental health has declined due to the pandemic.
This year’s Bell Let’s Talk Day on January 28th shines a light on the actions that we can all take, because now more than ever, mental health matters. Whether you’re staying virtually connected with family, working remotely, providing patient care or taking care of your own mental health, every Canadian can play a part in their communities, workplaces, schools and at home.
Cyan Solutions is proud to work with many important charities and associations that are involved with the development and delivery of vital health, wellness and mental health initiatives. We are grateful for all these dedicated teams who work to support wellness in our local communities.
Did you know that Bell Let’s Talk encourages registered charities to apply for a grant up to $25,000 to support local mental health programs? This $2 million annual program supports registered charities working to improve access to mental health care at the local level in communities throughout Canada.
Applications for grants are now being accepted for the 2021 Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund until March 15, 2021.
Organizations will hear back on the status of their applications by July, 2021 and all grants will be disbursed before December 31, 2021.
Over the past 10 years, the Community Fund has invested more than $13 million in grants to 775 organizations.
Eligibility
Canadian registered charities are eligible for consideration. Successful grant recipients will only be eligible for another Community Fund grant one year after the date of any previous grant. If you received a 2020 grant, you are not eligible to apply again until the 2022 cycle.
Please note only one application per organization will be accepted.
Criteria
The Community Fund supports projects that improve access to mental health care, supports and services for people in Canada. Preference will be given to applications that:
- Leverage, expand or replicate proven programs and services already being offered by other mental health agencies
- Have clear objectives and a measurement plan
- Are evidence-based or evidence-informed
- Include a detailed budget and have secured funding from other sources for the project
- Specifically address project sustainability post-funding
- Identify community impact and specify the number or increased number of individuals helped through the project
Applicants must agree and adhere to the terms and conditions as stated in the online application form.
Terms of grant
The Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund only provides annual funding. The grant year starts on October 1 and ends September 30 the following year. Stewardship reports are due October 15, one year after grants are awarded.
The Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund may provide a grant amount for less than that requested; when this happens, the grantee must submit a revised budget within the amount approved.
For more information about the Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund please send an email to mentalhealth@bell.ca.
Find out more about these funding grants and criteria here:
https://letstalk.bell.ca/en/funding-opportunities#community-fund
When it comes to mental health, now more than ever, every action counts.
In our own workplace, Cyan prioritizes employee wellness by promoting a healthy work life balance. We host weekly team building activities, provide flexible work from home options, and offer a wellness room for staff to find some quiet space when needed. Every action counts.