$320,000 available to Greater Victoria organizations through Fund for Gender Equality
Victoria, BC – The Victoria Foundation will provide $320,000 to local organizations working to support women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse individuals working towards a future grounded in equity, inclusion and justice.
The Fund for Gender Equality is part of a five-year initiative to advance gender equality in Canada. The Victoria Foundation is one of several community foundations across Canada that are taking part in this partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, with funding through the Equality Fund with support from the Government of Canada.
“To ensure a more inclusive future, it is more pressing than ever to invest in women, girls, Two-Spirit people and gender-diverse people,” said Sandra Richardson, Victoria Foundation CEO. “We’re pleased to be taking part in this funding initiative, while also looking at systems-level change through our investment and institutional policies.”
From October 3 to October 31, 2022, the Victoria Foundation will accept applications for funding from organizations at the “heart” of the women’s movement, with a focus on ones that have demonstrated a long-term commitment to empowering women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people through their mission, activities, or partnerships.
“Women, girls, and gender-diverse people deserve to be free of barriers that prevent them from participating in social, economic, and political life”, said The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth. “To tackle these barriers, our government has partnered with Community Foundations of Canada, Canadian Women’s Foundation, and Grand Challenges Canada to strengthen the feminist movement. Because we know that when we work together and share best practices, we’re making Canada a stronger and more equitable place for everyone.”
Grants can be used for a variety of purposes including piloting new initiatives, addressing long-standing community needs, or supporting a just recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. The initiatives may touch on a wide range of areas that are affected by gender equality, including food insecurity, income inequality, racial injustice, domestic violence, and more. In particular, the Fund will prioritize initiatives and organizations that are ‘self-led’ — those that are led by the same groups that they focus on serving.
“At Community Foundations of Canada, pursuing a future where everyone belongs is our purpose,” said Andrea Dicks, Community Foundations of Canada President. “A sense of belonging fosters community. From coast to coast to coast, advancing gender equality will ensure communities feel safe and supported. Investing in women, girls, Two-Spirit people and gender-diverse people is not just the right thing to do, it is the strategic choice. By funding organizations led by these communities or organizations that serve them, we can make an incredible impact. We’re grateful for the financial support from the Government of Canada and the leadership of local community foundations like the Victoria Foundation who are taking part in these efforts.”
Applications will be reviewed in November and funding is expected to be issued in January 2023. Charities and community organizations are invited to visit the foundation website for eligibility and application details.
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About the Victoria Foundation
Established in 1936, the Victoria Foundation is Canada’s second oldest community foundation and the sixth largest of nearly 200 nation-wide. The Victoria Foundation manages charitable gifts from donors whose generosity allows them to create permanent, income-earning funds. The proceeds from these funds are then distributed as grants for charitable or educational purposes. To date the Victoria Foundation has invested over $287 million in people, projects and non-profit organizations that strengthen communities in BC and throughout Canada.
Media Contact
Matthew Williams, Communications and Media Relations Specialist
E. mwilliams@victoriafoundation.bc.ca
P. 250.381.5532