Just in time for the holidays, the Victoria Foundation has approved a record high $2,005,232 in annual community grants to 98 non-profit organizations on Vancouver Island.
The region’s largest non-government funder, the Victoria Foundation has awarded over $15 million so far this year and over $175 million since the foundation began in 1936.
“What struck me with this year’s grants is the impressive breadth of local issues being addressed,” said Victoria Foundation CEO Sandra Richardson. “From welcoming newcomers, to supporting homeless youth and women at risk, to restoring our natural environment and improving access to healthy food, the range is incredible. Our congratulations go to all of the recipients and our thanks also go to all of the committee members, donors and board members whose enthusiastic participation makes these grants possible.”
Supported by the Foundation’s Vital Victoria Fund, community grants are awarded each December. Individual donors and fund holders also contribute significantly, providing almost $750,000 of the total $2 million.
The Victoria Foundation board has established food security and homelessness as the three-year strategic granting priorities for the Vital Victoria Fund. The latest grants range from $2,500 for the Camosun College Foundation to support the S’TENISTOLW Conference for Indigenous adult education, to $40,000 for St. Vincent de Paul to support long-term housing outcomes for at-risk women and single mothers at Rosalie’s Village in Saanich.
“We are overjoyed to receive this grant from the Victoria Foundation,” said Angela Hudson, executive director at Saint Vincent de Paul. “This funding will be directed toward the single mothers and at-risk women who make up the resident community at Rosalie’s Village. With a focus on long-term housing stability, we will work with our residents to co-create a life-giving community where social connections and self-esteem are developed, and individuals are empowered toward healthy futures.”
Other Saanich groups to receive funding include $25,000 to the Broadmead Care Society for its creative arts program Engaging Minds and Souls; $15,000 to the Saanich School District for the WSANEC Youth Media Project: Truth and Reconciliation; $15,000 to the Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team Society for the Back to Our Roots Gardening for Nature Project; $20,500 to Habitat Acquisition Trust for the Community Conservation Program; $25,000 to Haliburton Community Organic Farm Society for its Ecofarm School; $18,000 to Kaleidoscope Theatre for a bilingual production of The Little Prince; $15,000 to the Peninsula Streams Society for the Creating Young Stewards environmental education project; $30,000 to Saanich Neighbourhood Place for the Child and Youth Health Network; $15,000 to Shelbourne Community Kitchen for its Sustainability Project; and $20,000 to the University of Victoria for its University 101 Volunteer Leadership Project.
A full list and description of all 98 projects funded is available at www.victoriafoundation.ca.