$80,000 in Spark Funds granted to innovative projects tackling complex problems in Greater Victoria
For Immediate Release
December 9, 2024
Victoria, B.C. – For its second year, Spark Funds grants through the Victoria Foundation are helping to spark local organizations working to create safe, inclusive, affordable communities for everyone. The 2024 Spark Funds aim to provide initial support to six local groups that are exploring ideas, possible partnerships, and initiatives related to issues such as housing, food security, sustainability, and more.
This year’s grants have been given in increments of $5,000 and $15,000, for a total of $80,000.00 in funding. $20,000 of that funding was contributed by Coast Capital, while $60,000 came from the Foundation’s discretionary funds.
“We’re hopeful these funds will act as a catalyst to the creative, innovative projects community members are embarking on to tackle complex issues like affordable housing, youth jobs, food security, and more,” said Victoria Foundation CEO Sandra Richardson.
“Many community members continue to face barriers to meeting their basic needs as costs of living rise. But many members also have the motivation and the will to put their heads together to meet these challenges. We’re thankful for all those who applied to the Spark Funds for support in achieving their innovative solutions,” she said.
The Spark Funds act as a catalyst for ideas sparked at a Vital Conversation event, held in partnership with Coast Capital, at the University of Victoria in June, where more than 80 leaders from various sectors in the community attended. The Victoria Foundation invited the community together to explore how we can work across sectors to support young people in their 20s and 30s, including newcomers, who want to stay and thrive in the region for the long-term.
The discussions held at the event also explored some of the opportunities to support young people through collaborative solutions that strengthen affordability, inclusive community economies, belonging, and connection.
The Vital Conversation theme on retaining young people was selected because the community identified the migration and immigration of people ages 20 to 35 in Greater Victoria as a key issue to dive into, based on data from Victoria’s 2023 Vital Signs report and from their direct work in the community.
The Victoria Foundation has announced the Spark Funds in conjunction with Vital Conversations, because while these conversations are an important start, it takes more than discussion to create lasting change. The Spark Funds underlines the Foundation’s commitment to action by encouraging workable solutions that emerge from the discussions and relationships begun at the Vital Conversation.
Beacon Community Services, in Greater Victoria, is leading one of the six projects that have been granted funding – an intergenerational housing study that explores affordable housing models for Beacon’s 13 properties. These models include co-living, co-housing, home-sharing, cooperative housing, and others.
“The study will focus on identifying housing solutions that meet the diverse needs of younger residents, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, while examining the barriers, funding models, density requirements, and best practices needed for implementation in Victoria,” said Tricia Gueulette, CEO of Beacon Community Services.
“This research will provide actionable recommendations for addressing the housing crisis through sustainable, community-oriented approaches. The Spark Fund’s contribution will drive innovative solutions and practical strategies that can be shared with other communities facing similar challenges – contributing to stronger, more resilient communities,” Gueulette explained.
We’d like to give a special thank you to Coast Capital for contributing $20,000 in support of the Spark Funds program this year.
For more information on the Spark Funds and our full list of fund recipients, we encourage you to visit victoriafoundation.bc.ca/spark-funds.
About the Victoria Foundation:
Established in 1936, the Victoria Foundation is Canada’s second oldest community foundation and the sixth largest of over 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 $340 million in people, projects, and non-profit organizations that strengthen communities in BC and throughout Canada.
Media Contact:
Adam van der Zwan, Senior Communications Officer
E: avanderzwan@victoriafoundation.bc.ca
250-381-5532