Introduction to Financial Support
Microboard and Individualized Funding
Microboards and Individualized Funding are tools that can assist people with disabilities to take greater control of their lives; living the life they choose. Vela Canada is a not-for-profit based in British Columbia that offers support for these tools.
Microboard
What is it?
A Microboard is a small (micro) group of committed family and friends (a minimum of five people) who join together with a person with a disability to create a non-profit society (board). Together, they help the person:
- plan their life
- brainstorm ideas
- advocate for what they need
- monitor services and ensure they are safe
- connect to their wider community
- do fun things together
Funding
If you choose to, a Microboard can also access funding and deliver the services that the person needs. Together you can create services that are creative, flexible and reflect the needs of the individual.
Funding may come from a government agency such as the Ministry of Children and Family Development, Community Living BC, the Ministry of Health, a trust or a settlement (i.e. ICBC, WorkSafeBC).
If the Microboard does not want to access funding and deliver the services, the individual may still choose to access Individualized Funding.
There is no charge for the services in British Columbia.
Individualized Funding
What is it?
Individualized Funding (IF) is a payment option for people served by Community Living BC (CLBC). IF lets you use the money given to you by CLBC to create new, different kinds of services that will support you in your community. With IF the person can be their own Agent or choose a trusted family member or friend to be the Agent.
Funding Info
The Agent can access the info in 2 ways:
1 – Direct Funding
- Agent (person) is employer
- Agent can hire and employ staff
- Funds provided directly to the Agent
- Non-taxable funds for Agent
2 – Host Agent Funding
- Agency is the employer
- Agency can hire and employ staff
- Person (Agent) has contract with Agency
- Administers funding on behalf of individual and their Agent
- Submits financial reports to Agent and CLBC every 3 months
Person Centred Society
It is a small non-profit created outside of the Vela Microboard model using a self directed/guided process. Person entered societies (PCSs) are governed by the societies act and their contract.
Person Centred Societies create their own constating documents and process to guide the work they are hoping to do with their society. They are also required to set up and maintain their society, as well as understand the requirements of their contract and any other governing agencies (societies department, CRA, WorkSafe, employment standards, etc.) that may be relevant.
By Family Support Institute of BC & Vela Canada
