The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction is launching a new funding opportunity – the Work Experience Opportunities Grant. This is part of government’s Stronger BC for Everyone: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan.
Program overview
The Work Experience Opportunities Grant supports an inclusive labour market recovery for 2,000 individuals. The grant helps people gain experience in the labour market, and who are qualified to receive:
- Disability assistance under the Persons with Disability (PWD) designation
- Income assistance through the Person with Persistent Multiple Barriers to Employment (PPMB) benefit
The grant is available for non-profit organizations to deliver a 12-week work experience placement that can include support for:
- The development of life skills
- The development of essential skills
- Skill development that will aid in connection to the labour market
- Enhanced community benefit
Applications are now open and will close on Monday, December 7, 2020.
Funding
Non-profit applicants can apply for up to $5,000 per participant, to a maximum of up to five participants, totalling $25,000. Participant stipends must be a minimum of $300 per week per participant for a minimum of $3,600 for the complete 12-week placement. The remaining $1,400 per participant must be used to remove barriers and provide supports for participants, and administration costs.
This grant can also be used along with other funding sources to support a participant in their work experience.
Applicants and Participants
Applicants who are eligible for the grant include:
- Registered non-profit societies based in or operating in British Columbia
- Registered non-profit societies that own, operate, or administer a social enterprise
Participants do not need to be actively receiving income assistance but must be qualified to receive it at the time of the work placement.