Sunshine Coach Grants

Our Sunshine Coach Program unlimits communities by providing safe transportation connecting BC kids to life-enriching education and experiences.

Safe transportation for kids across BC

The Sunshine Coach program is a cost-sharing agreement that enables organizations to apply for partial funding for a Sunshine Coach.
 
These coaches can be adapted for an organization’s needs with special equipment, such as hydraulic lifts for wheelchairs, to ensure every child has access to safe transport within their community.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Applicants must be a BC-based charity or First Nations organization with audited financial statements.
  • The vehicle must be used for programs that support BC youth, including children with complex health needs.

Application Process

1

Confirm eligibility

Review application requirements, the program terms and conditions, driving policy and guidelines.

2

Complete application and provide supporting documents

Review required documents below. Email your completed application and documents to [email protected]

3

Variety will review your application

We will respond to your application within two weeks to confirm that you have met all the requirements and provided the necessary documents. Incomplete applications will be denied.

4

Variety will contact you

We’ll contact you whether your application is approved or denied with next steps.

Sunshine Coach Terms & Conditions

Sunshine Coach grants are subject to the following terms & conditions:
 
  1. The recipient organization will share in paying half the cost of the vehicle. A deposit of their half is required when their application is approved. Any final cost difference will be due prior to the delivery of the vehicle.
  2. The recipient organization will assume all responsibility and ownership for the vehicle and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Variety – the Children’s Charity.

Checklist of Supporting Documents

Your complete, signed application

Most recent audited financial

Current list of officers and board directors

Provide two letters of reference

These can be from participating families and/or community partners.

Signed Driving Guidelines

This form must be signed and submitted with your application.

Sunshine Coach Annual Evaluation Form

All Sunshine Coach recipients are required to complete and submit our Evaluation Form annually via email.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can we apply for a Sunshine Coach?

Variety opens the Sunshine Coach Application with 2 yearly submission deadlines, one in April and another one in September.

How does the Sunshine Coach program work?

Variety Sunshine Coach Program is a 50-50 cost sharing program, and once granted, the vehicle is owned and operated by the organization.

How many seats are available for the coach?

We have a 7 seater, 15 seater and 24 seater coaches.

Any warranty on the coaches, and any maintenance provided?

Each vehicle is covered by a standard manufacturer warranty. However, maintenance is the responsibility of the recipient organization.

Can an organization apply for more than one Sunshine Coach?

Yes, an organization can apply for more than one Sunshine Coach.

Do you meet the following criteria:

  1. Child seeking help is between birth and their 19th birthday. (Note: for autism assessment, the child seeking help must be 4 years or under.)
  2. B.C. or Yukon resident for a minimum of three months with a valid Health Care Card.
  3. Qualified special need (medical/developmental) as recognized by a designated professional. (This does not apply to private autism and psychoeducational assessments or mental wellness requests)
  4. Financial circumstance that limits the ability to afford the item or service required (Variety is currently able to consider requests from households with an annual income of up to $85,000).
You answered no to either or both questions above, click Close and refer to the Child Grant Supporting Document Checklists.

To be considered, the grant application must be completed together with supporting documents.