Can a Vehicle Be Held While We Secure Funding?

Have you found the perfect wheelchair accessible van or mobile medical unit, but the funding isn’t ready yet? It’s a stressful spot to be in. The gap is obvious. You know the vehicle could change lives, yet you feel stuck waiting. Many organizations across Canada ask the same thing: 

Can a vehicle be held while you secure funding? No, cannot be held until you secure funding.

If the van or unit sells before you lock in funds, your program could be delayed months, leaving people without the care or transportation they need. On the other hand, being able to hold the right vehicle while funding is finalized creates peace of mind and helps you move forward with confidence.

At MoveMobility, we’ve seen this challenge often. For over 20 years, we’ve worked with organizations like yours and Transdev across Canada to design vehicles that remove barriers to care and transportation. Our team holds Ford QVM and Stellantis QPro certifications, and every vehicle carries the National Safety Mark for safety and reliability. You care deeply about your community, and so do we. While we’re proud of our expertise, we also know we’re not the only manufacturer, which is why our goal is to give you clear and unbiased answers.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• Why a vehicle can’t be held while you secure funding

• Considerations to keep in mind

• How long you can expect to wait for customized vehicles

Can you hold a vehicle for us while we secure funding?

As we mentioned earlier, the short answer is no, a wheelchair accessible van or mobile medical unit can’t be held while you secure funding.

Here’s why: Funding applications in Canada can take months to process. If a vehicle sat on hold that whole time, it could mean other organizations ready to move forward would be waiting too. That wouldn’t be fair, and it would slow down everyone’s ability to get care and transportation to the people who need it.

That said, we do keep select wheelchair vans and mobile health units in stock throughout the year. These vehicles are ready for programs that have secured funding and want to hit the ground running. Once your funding comes through, we’ll work with you to get your vehicle moving as quickly as possible.

A lot of organizations are surprised at how fast our lead times actually are. Many expect to hear that they’ll be waiting a year or more for a customized vehicle. Instead, they learn that it’s often less than 6 months before their wheelchair van or mobile clinic is on the road. That’s a huge relief when you’re under pressure to launch or expand your program.

Here’s the good news:

• No long waits: Our production times are shorter than most people expect.

• In-stock options: We keep some vehicles available throughout the year.

• Ready when you are: Once your funding is approved, the process moves quickly.

So while we can’t put a “reserved” sign on a vehicle, we will work closely with you so that once your funding is ready, your vehicle will be too.

5 considerations to keep in mind while you secure funding

Even though a wheelchair accessible van or mobile medical unit can’t be held while you secure funding, there are smart ways to plan ahead so you don’t feel stuck in limbo. Think of it as setting the table before the meal—if everything’s ready, you can dig in the second the food arrives.

Here are some key things to keep in mind:

• Funding timelines vary: Depending on your program, province, or funding source, approval can take weeks or even months. Knowing the average timeline for your funding stream helps set realistic expectations.

• Vehicle demand is high: Wheelchair vans and mobile clinic vehicles are in high demand across Canada. The faster you can move once funding is confirmed, the better your chance of getting the vehicle that fits your program.

• Quotes matter: Most funding applications require cost quotes. Getting these early saves time and prevents delays when you’re ready to submit.

• Lead times are shorter than you think: Many organizations expect a year-long wait for a vehicle. In reality, you could see your van or mobile health unit in under six months after funding is secured.

• Stock availability helps: Some vehicles are in stock throughout the year, which can shorten the wait even more.

Planning for these considerations now means less stress later. It bridges the gap between waiting on paperwork and getting your program on the road. Plus, you’ll feel more confident knowing you’ve already prepared for the common roadblocks others run into.

Can we speed up lead times once we secure funding?

Sometimes organizations ask us if they can speed up lead times after their funding gets approved. We always do our best to get your wheelchair accessible van or mobile medical unit out as soon as we can. But here’s the thing: Speed will never come at the cost of safety, craftsmanship, or proper manufacturing. Every vehicle has to meet the highest standards because, at the end of the day, lives depend on it.

That said, there is one way to streamline part of the wait: Canoe Procurement. While it doesn’t speed up your funding approval, it does cut out the drawn-out tendering process. If you’ve ever been through tendering, you know it can feel like running a marathon in flip-flops. It’s slow, frustrating, and full of paperwork. Canoe makes that a whole lot easier.

Here’s how Canoe Procurement helps you move faster once your funding is ready:

• Fast approvals: No need to wait months for tenders to run their course.

• Less paperwork: They handle the heavy lifting, saving you hours, days, and weeks of forms and follow-ups.

• Rule aligned: Everything is checked against Canadian trade rules, so you stay compliant.

• Organized process: Instead of chasing documents, you follow a smooth, structured path.

When you’ve already spent months waiting for funding, the last thing you want is more red tape slowing you down. Canoe Procurement helps clear that hurdle so you can get your program moving without the extra headaches.

What can we do while we wait to secure funding?

Even though your wheelchair accessible van or mobile medical unit can’t be held while funding is processed, there are a few things we can do together to make the moment your funding clears as smooth as possible. Think of it like prepping for a road trip. You can’t start driving yet, but you can pack, plan your route, and check your maps so you hit the road without delay.

Here are some ways we help you stay ready:

• Confirm your vehicle specs: We can go over your program’s needs, layout preferences, and equipment options so your van or mobile clinic is tailored to your goals.

• Prepare quotes and documentation: Many funding applications require detailed cost breakdowns. We can provide accurate, ready-to-use quotes to include in your application.

• Check stock availability: Some vehicles are in stock throughout the year. We can identify what’s ready now, so you know your options once funding arrives.

• Plan logistics: We can discuss delivery options, registration, and any provincial requirements, so nothing surprises you later.

• Explore procurement solutions: If Canoe Procurement applies to your situation, we can guide you through it so the tendering process is already handled by the time funding is approved.

While waiting for funding might feel like being stuck in neutral, using this time strategically ensures you hit the gas as soon as the money is available. You’ll save time, reduce stress, and get your program on the road faster.

Got any questions about the purchase process?

You’re here because you’re tired of the waiting game with funding. You want a wheelchair accessible van or mobile medical unit that’s ready when you are, not months down the road.

Here’s what you’ve learned:

• Funding takes time: It can’t be rushed, but you can prepare everything else.

• Canoe Procurement helps: It streamlines the tendering process and reduces stress.

• MoveMobility delivery: Our lead times are fast without compromising quality.

At MoveMobility, we partner with organizations across Canada to remove barriers to healthcare and transportation. With over 20 years of experience, we design and build wheelchair accessible and mobile medical vans that meet the unique needs of your community. From Indigenous health programs to urban outreach initiatives, our vehicles are made to serve where they’re needed most.

We understand the urgency and the impact your program has. That is why we are committed to delivering vehicles that are ready when you are and built to last. Your mission is our mission.

If you’re ready to take the next step, click here to talk to a mobility expert. We’re here to guide you through every step.

Not ready to chat yet? Here are a few resources to help you move forward:

• How to get more funding for your wheelchair van: Explore additional funding opportunities to support your purchase.

• How long does it take to get a wheelchair van? Learn what’s involved in the process of getting your vehicle.

• Your payment options with MoveMobility: Understand the different payment plans and financing options available.

These articles will help you take the next steps and prepare for your mobility solution efficiently.