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The Trans Fund supports members who identify as trans with expenses related to transitioning, including surgery and everyday necessities. The Trans Fund is administered three times per year except in emergency situations where members can apply to the committee on an ongoing basis. The Trans Fund Committee understands ‘trans’ to be a broad and inclusive term that includes gender queer, transgender, transsexual, and gender variant among others.
This is a fund of $40,000 administered three times a year (except in emergency situations where members can apply to the committee on an on-going basis). Members can draw on this fund to an annual maximum of $7500 and a lifetime maximum of $22,500; with a lifetime clothing maximum of $1000.
The Committee recognizes that surgeries can be very expensive and will consider adjusting the yearly maximum based on need. We also recognize that some materials are expensive and that applicants may be unable to pay the costs up front. If you are in this position, we encourage you to apply to the fund prior to your purchase – indicate your expected need in your statement.
Deadlines: September 30, January 31, May 31
Response Time
The Committee will do its best to review each claim within two weeks of each fund application deadline, and recognizes that some claims may be time-sensitive. Please be assured that we will do our absolute best to resolve claims in as rapid a manner as possible. If you have a concern or are submitting an emergency application, please contact us at 3903transfund@gmail.com.
Priority and Previous Claims
Only current members of CUPE 3903 are eligible to apply for funding. Priority will be given to first time applicants. Provided applicants were members at the time expenses were incurred, applications for past expenses will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Members whose previous claims were adjudicated by Ways and Means will also be reconsidered. If the total expense of a member’s claim has not been met, they can reapply in subsequent years.
Appeals
If you would like to appeal the decision of the committee, please complete another claim form and indicate any additional information that you feel was not adequately taken into consideration.
Foreseeable Expenses
The committee recognizes that some materials are expensive and that applicants may be unable to pay the costs up front. The committee encourages applicants in this position to apply to the fund prior to purchase and to indicate their expected need in their statement. The committee will also consider adjusting the yearly maximum for those applicants with particularly expensive surgeries.
In the case of surgery, the committee will notify applicants of the funding amount to be distributed, thereby allowing applicants to book their surgery. Funds will be released once an alternate form of documentation (e.g. confirmation letter from surgeon) is supplied. Applicants should note that they will be expected to provide receipts after surgery is completed.
How to Apply
Apply using the Trans Fund Online Application. If you need to apply using a hard copy form, please contact the committee. All information given on the application form is strictly confidential. You will be notified of the Committee’s decision by email.