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Sunshine Coach Grants

Our Sunshine Coach Program gives kids access to life-enriching education and experiences.

Apply for Sunshine
Coach Grant
Download Sunshine Coach
Evaluation Form

Our Legacy Since 1966

For over 55 years, we’ve awarded Sunshine Coach grants to organizations that enhance the lives of kids with special needs.

In partnership with Coastal Ford, we’ve awarded more than 600 of these grants over 15 years, providing safe and reliable transportation for kids.

First Sunshine Coach Van in Black and White
Coastal Ford Logo
600th Sunshine Coach in Red

Safe transportation for kids across BC

Providing safe, comfortable, and inclusive transportation to kids, Sunshine Coach vehicles are partially funded by Variety and awarded to eligible organizations throughout BC. These coaches can be adapted with special equipment, such as hydraulic lifts for wheelchairs, to allow children with special needs to join in the fun.
 
Sunshine Coach vehicles emphasize safety and comfort while enabling recipient organizations to offer inclusive programming. They range in size, capability. and cost as they can be customized with special equipment.
 
If your organization works with kids with special needs and is looking for safe and reliable transportation, please contact us to find out if this granting opportunity is the right fit for your program needs.

Eligibility Requirements

  • The Variety Sunshine Coach Program is a cost sharing program, applicant to be a provincial (BC) non-profit society with audited financial statements, and federally registered charity with Canada Revenue Agency.
  • The vehicle must be used for children, 25% of which should be children with special needs (low income and mental health are also eligible needs).
  • Applications are reviewed by our Board semi-annually and is dependent on available funds.

Sunshine Coach Grant 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 30% of their half is required when their application is approved. The balance 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 and Variety International, their directors, employees, agents, tenants, invitees, and licensees from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, costs, losses, liabilities, awards, proceedings or expenses which they suffer or incur or are liable for by reason of the operation of the vehicle or the acts or omissions of the recipient organization or those for whom it is at law responsible in connection with the vehicle or arising out of any default by the recipient organization under this agreement.
Download the full terms & conditions

Sunshine Coach Grant Application Process

1

Review Eligibility Requirements and the Terms and Conditions.

The eligibility requirements are listed above and you can download the Terms and Conditions.

2

Review Driving Policy and Guidelines

Download: 2021 SSC Driving Policy and Guidelines.pdf

3

Download an Application

Click on the button below to download an application form.

4

Fill out the Application Form and provide supporting documents.

See the below checklist for documents you also need to submit with your application.  This will include a signed Terms and Requirements form.

5

Variety will review your application

We will respond to your application within 2 weeks to tell you if we have enough information to present to our Board.

6

Variety Board will review your application.

Once our Board makes a decision, we will notify you.

7

If you have been awarded a Sunshine Coach Grant

The Variety Granting Team will work with you on next steps.

8

Annual Evaluation Forms

Each summer we will request that you fill out an evaluation form to ensure the coach is in good service and meeting the needs of your organization.

Checklist of Supporting Documents

Your complete, signed application

Most recent audited financial

Current list of officers and board directors

List of current funders

Download this current funders template to follow:

Download:  2023 SSC Funding Template

Signed Conditions and Requirements form

This form must be signed and submitted with your application.

Download: 2023 Conditions and Requirements Form

Provide two letters of reference

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

Signed Driving Policy and Guidelines

his form must be signed and submitted with your application.

Download: 2023 Driving Policy & Guidelines

Apply for a Sunshine Coach Grant

Get safe and reliable transportation for your organization so you can better serve kids with special needs and their families. Download our application form here:

Apply for Sunshine Coach Grant

Sunshine Coach Annual Evaluation Form

Download our Evaluation Form, completed it and email it back to us.

Download Evaluation Form
Email Completed Form:
[email protected]

Sunshine Coach Donor Naming Recognition Form

Donors that have given $1,047 or more, can choose to have their name recognized on a Sunshine Coach.

We try to recognize donations in the order we receive them however demand for coaches in some regions is greater than others and donations with fewer geographic restrictions can be recognized sooner.

We will work hard to honour your geographic requests in a timely manner, but if Variety has been unable to recognize your donation after a year, your name will be placed on a coach anywhere in BC as needed.

Donations will be recognized as new Sunshine Coaches are requested and approved.

You will need to tell us the following:

  • Your Name or Organization Name
  • Your email address
  • Recognition Name to have on a Sunshine Coach
  • Geographic location you’d like to have your name recognized in

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.

Learn More

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.