Variety Schools Grants
Our application window is closed. Applications will reopen in fall 2026.
We want to help schools unlimit their spaces so all students can enjoy them. Apply to have Variety match your fundraising efforts and we’ll build more inclusive environments together.
We're here to help fund your inclusive upgrade.
Let’s create more accessible spaces together. Here are a few examples we’ve contributed to:
- Sensory rooms & equipment
- Indoor & outdoor sensory paths
- Inclusive & accessible playgrounds
- Outdoor communication boards
- Adaptive classroom furniture
- Buddy benches
Eligibility Requirements
Grant Application Process
Please follow the instructions below carefully.
1
Develop your project plan
Develop a project to be partially funded by Variety based on our criteria listed. Your school administration must approve your project before you apply for funding.
2
Finalize a quote from one vendor
Finalize a quote from your chosen vendor. See our preferred vendors below for ideas and resources.
3
Develop a fundraising plan
Develop your fundraising plan to implement your project by the end of the school year. All applications must include a fundraising plan.
4
Apply
Applications are reviewed during the application window. Your application must include a quote from your selected vendor in CAD, a fundraising plan, and a list of all sources of funding. Only one quote per vendor is permitted.
Important to note:
Your application must include a formal quote from each vendor you plan on working with which is valid for at least 60 days from the date of estimate.
Quote(s) must include the total purchase amount in CAD (including all applicable taxes and shipping costs). Please note that some vendors located out of province may not include PST on quotes or estimates. As a registered charity, Variety BC must remit PST on all goods purchased and schools will be asked to consider their portion of PST in the total project cost.
- Variety does not accept screenshots of online shopping carts or itemized wish-lists. Quotes from e-commerce, hypermarket, outlet and discount stores are also not accepted.
- Variety will review your application within 4-6 weeks after the deadline closes.
- Variety will match your efforts and issue a single purchase order to your vendor(s) with the combined funds up to a maximum of $10,000.00 CAD.
- Vendors will be provided with EFT Authorization instructions and will be asked to invoice Variety BC directly.
Contact Us
To learn more about the Variety Schools Grant Program, please contact us by clicking below or call us at 604-268-3898.
Variety Schools Preferred Vendors
Variety regularly works with a number of trusted vendors to deliver quality equipment and services to your school with reliability and efficiency. These vendors also support Variety’s mission as corporate donors.
CDI creates tailor-fit furniture solutions for school environments to help kids thrive.
Therapy Freedom Happiness (TFH Canada) provides products that enable the “Power of Play” through functional intervention, learning opportunities, and play for everyone.
Swing Time strives to create inclusive, sensory-rich play spaces where children of all ages, stages and abilities, needs and preferences can experience the joy of outdoor play.
Whether it’s a forest trail, snowy path, or the ocean’s edge, Spark Adaptive’s equipment, including the TrailRider, Josi Stroller, and Hippocampe All-Terrain Chair, empowers students to explore and participate fully alongside their peers.
Sensory paths provide children with a fun outlet to get moving and regulate behaviours, reinforce literacy, feel a sense of accomplishment, and reduce anxiety and stress.
Forever Kind Communication Boards are designed with diversity in mind, incorporating sign language, numbers, braille and universal symbols to ensure children of all abilities can express themselves and interact with peers in meaningful ways.
Natural Pod designs and manufactures beautiful, inspiring and sustainable natural wood furniture for learning spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the application requirements for the Variety Schools Grant Program?
Along with the application, schools must submit the following supporting documents: quote(s) from your vendors of choice and a fundraising plan including an outline of your school’s planned fundraisers for the year and a list of your school’s current funders and grants. We also welcome letters from school staff and/or parents of students who will benefit most from your project!
Please note that Variety BC only accepts quotes from Canadian vendors, and does not fund items from hypermarket, e-commerce, discount or outlet stores.
What is the application process for the Variety Schools Grant Program?
Apply online by the deadline listed on our website. Variety reviews all applications within 4-6 weeks after the deadline closes. If your application is successful, Variety BC will e-mail you an official approval letter and require you to sign a Conditions and Recognition Agreement to accept the grant.
The Variety Schools Grant Program matches school fundraising to help bring your inclusive project to life. Once your school has reached its fundraising goal (50% of the total project cost), your school will be required to submit these funds by cheque to Variety BC. Please note that Variety BC pays only your chosen vendor, not the school directly. Once your cheque has been received, Variety BC will match your fundraising efforts dollar for dollar, and issue a single purchase order using the combined funds to the vendor.
Variety works with your vendor(s) directly to be invoiced directly for all equipment funded by this program. You will be required to submit the contact information for your vendor(s) with your application.
If our school is already receiving government funding, are we still eligible to sign up for the Variety School Grants Program?
Yes! It can take a village to transform our communities into accessible and inclusive spaces for all. Variety BC is happy to support your school as a partial funder for larger projects which require multiple sources of support. Please disclose your current funders and grants in your application.
Is there warranty on the equipment funded by the Variety School Grants Program?
Variety BC works with several preferred vendors for the Variety Schools Grant Program whom we have vetted as reliable sources of quality equipment and services. If you experience any issues with the quality of equipment from any of your chosen vendors, please follow up with them directly. You will be copied on the purchase order Variety BC sends to the vendor by e-mail when issuing your grant. Schools are responsible for liaising directly with their vendors regarding delivery and installation logistics, and for delayed or damaged items.
Will our school or supporters receive a tax receipt?
- Schools will receive an unofficial tax receipt by mail acknowledging your donation to Variety BC.
- Parents and supporters who require an official tax receipt can receive one from Variety BC:
- For those who donate directly to your school’s online fundraising page set up by Variety BC, a tax receipt will be issued immediately by e-mail.
- For those who prefer to donate offline, a personal cheque can be made payable to Variety – the Children’s Charity and mailed to 4300 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, BC V5C 6C6. Please ensure your school’s name is written in the cheque memo. We’ll add donations made by personal cheque to your school’s fundraising total, and a tax receipt will be mailed to the individual donor.