What We Do

Connecting people who care with causes that matter®

Since 1936, the Victoria Foundation has been managing charitable gifts to create permanent, income-earning funds that support hundreds of charities each year. We grant nearly a million dollars a month, and to-date we have distributed more than $243 million to support charities locally and across Canada.

The Victoria Foundation is a registered charity accredited by Imagine Canada, and the second oldest of Canada’s 191 community foundations (view our CRA Registered Charity Return). Our work allows us to invest in people, projects and non-profit organizations that make our communities stronger – now and for the long-term.

We work closely with both donors and charitable organizations and conduct the annual Victoria’s Vital Signs community report, which gives us a bird’s eye view of the most pressing concerns and needs in this community.

Each year, through the generosity of our donors, we fund hundreds of initiatives, both large and small. In doing so, we help charitable organizations succeed in Victoria – and increasingly, throughout British Columbia and Canada.

What inspires us, year after year, is the opportunity to make a difference in virtually every aspect of community life, including the five key areas where we believe we can have the greatest impact:

  • Arts, Culture and Heritage
  • Community Services
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Health and Recreation

 


Our endowment

Since our start in 1936, the value of the Victoria Foundation’s total assets under management has increased to more than $343 million. Our growth has enabled us to support and develop innovative programs to help keep Victoria well. Through our knowledge of the charitable sector, we provide information to donors and manage their financial gifts to ensure their philanthropic wishes are met.

Our grants

With our close connections to the non-profit sector, we provide insightful, effective grant distributions to improve the quality of life in our community. Grants are distributed to registered charities via donor-directed funds, bequests, and through the Vital Victoria discretionary fund. To date, we have distributed more than $240 million across the region and beyond.

Our work with donors

We make it easy for our donors to support causes that are important to them. Whether it’s establishing a fund in your area of interest, or giving where the need is greatest through federally-registered charities, we’ll ensure prudent financial management results in maximum returns for legacies that are respected in perpetuity.

Our work with organizations

We manage endowed funds on behalf of numerous registered charities and several provincial programs including the Youth Education Assistance Fund, the Lex Reynolds Adoption and Permanency Fund and the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Action Fund.

Honorary Patron

Her Honour, The Honourable Janet Austin, OBC

Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia