98 Local Charities Receive Over $2M in Grants
For Immediate Release December 8, 2016
Latest grants bring total for the year to over $15 Million
Victoria, BC – 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 $770,000 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 $3,000 for a produce cooler for the Food Bank at St. John’s Church, to $40,000 to St. Vincent de Paul to support long-term housing outcomes for at-risk women and single mothers who are moving into transitional housing.
“As a member of the Food Share Network, we can’t say enough about the work of the Victoria Foundation,” noted Peggy Wilmot, Volunteer Coordinator at the St. John’s Food Bank. “Our new cooler will enable us to offer much-appreciated fresh produce and other perishable foods, greatly improving our client health by increasing fresh fruits and vegetables as well as other products such as cheese and yogurt in their diets.”
“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.”
Community Grants have ties to Victoria’s Vital Signs®, an annual community report card produced by the Victoria Foundation and sponsored by Island Savings. All of the grants have a connection to one or more of the 12 issue areas identified in the report that contribute to the vitality and wellbeing of our community: Arts & Culture, Getting Started, Standard of Living, Learning, Belonging & Engagement, Safety, Sports & Recreation, Economy, Transportation, Housing, Environment, and Health & Wellness.
A full list and description of all 98 projects funded is available at victoriafoundation.bc.ca
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Editors Please Note: Full list of 2016 Community Grants are available at:
Background
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 more than $175 million in people, projects and non-profit organizations that strengthen communities in B.C. and throughout Canada.
Media contact:
Robert Janus, Director of Communications
Victoria Foundation
P. 250.381.5532 C. 250.886.6112 E. rjanus@victoriafoundation.bc.ca