Funding and Financial Support

Families sometimes ask about funding options that may help offset the cost of learning, cognitive, or social-emotional support for children and youth. While funding availability varies widely based on location, eligibility, and individual circumstances, the resources below may serve as a starting point for families exploring possible financial support.

Please note that West Coast Centre for Learning does not administer, assess, or guarantee funding, and eligibility decisions are made solely by the organizations listed. This list is informational only, not exhaustive, and is subject to change.

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Government & Public Funding (Canada & British Columbia)

Autism Canada - Funding Information

https://www.autismcanada.org/funding

  • Provincial programs exist in each province to support individuals and families with a formal autism diagnosis
  • Funding structures, eligibility, and covered supports vary by province

BC Disability – Funding & Benefits (B.C.)

https://www.bcdisability.com/funding

  • Centralized overview of provincial disability benefits, supplements, and funding programs
  • A helpful starting point for families navigating B.C.-based supports

Government of British Columbia – Camp Fees Supplement

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/general-supplements-and-programs/camp-fees-supplement

  • Income-tested assistance toward eligible camp fees
  • May apply to certain structured or therapeutic camps, depending on program criteria

Government of Canada – Disability Benefits & Supports

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/disability.html

Commonly referenced programs include:

Jordan’s Principle (Indigenous Children)

https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1568396042341/1568396159824

  • Supports First Nations children with unmet cognitive, developmental, or mental health needs
  • Funding is needs-based, not diagnosis-based, and may include learning or social-emotional supports

Community, Non-Profit & Charitable Funding

Canadian Tire Jumpstart – Individual Child Grants

https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/pages/individual-child-grants

  • Supports children facing financial barriers to participation
  • May apply to some structured skill-building or wellness programs (approval is program-specific)

CKNW Kids' Fund

https://www.cknwkidsfund.com/

  • Provides financial assistance for B.C. children with physical, mental, or social challenges
  • Often used to support therapy, tutoring, or program participation

Variety – The Children’s Charity of BC

https://www.variety.bc.ca/

  • Offers funding support for children with special needs
  • May assist with counselling, program participation, or other developmental supports
  • Typically requires a diagnosis and supporting documentation

Disability Benefits Wayfinder

https://disability.benefitswayfinder.org/

  • Interactive tool to help families identify federal and provincial benefits they may qualify for

Other Areas for Exploration

Faith-Based Organizations

  • Churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and other faith communities may offer benevolent funds for members or local families

Local Community Foundations & Service Clubs

  • Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, and regional community foundations sometimes provide small grants or sponsorships

Private Extended Health Benefits

  • Workplace benefit plans may offer partial reimbursement for psychological services, counselling, or group-based programs

School-District or Indigenous Funding

  • Some families may access funding through school boards, Indigenous Services Canada, or band-based supports
  • Availability is highly individualized and not centrally listed

Have an additional funding source you’d like to suggest?

Please contact us with details so we can review it for possible inclusion.

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