Professional Investment Advisor Program

The Victoria Foundation recognizes that individual donors bring different perspectives on how they want to achieve their philanthropic goals. And this may involve working with their trusted advisors, including their investment advisors.  

The Foundation’s Professional Investment Advisor Program allows assets gifted to a newly created permanent or long-term fund to be invested outside of the Foundation’s Common Trust Fund. 

When the assets are gifted and the fund is established with a minimum capital contribution of $2 million, ownership and legal control of the assets are with the Foundation. The donor’s chosen investment firm establishes an account in the name of the Victoria Foundation. The advisor manages and reports on the performance of the fund in keeping with the policy guiding the program.  

In turn, the donor receives a donation receipt for the value of the gift, which may be in cash or through a transfer of publicly listed securities. Beyond the initial capital contribution of $2 million, additional contributions to the fund may be made at any time.  

The relationship between the Foundation and the investment firm continues for the lifetime of the donor (subject to provisions for termination of the investment firm). After this time, the funds are invested in the Foundation’s Common Trust Fund.  

Advisors and their clients who have engaged in this program enjoy the option of keeping the trusted advisor relationship for personal investments, while engaging in an in-depth way with the Victoria Foundation.  The Foundation builds a relationship with the donor, as the fund holder, and offers guidance and research for exploring grant opportunities to any registered charity in Canada. 

“It has been an honour to help clients facilitate their impactful support in the local community after extensive planning and discussions,” says Cody McMullin, Senior Investment Counsellor, RBC Phillips Hager & North Investment Counsel in Victoria.  “As a steward of capital for their fund held at the Victoria Foundation, the clients are given the opportunity to see their philanthropic investment in their community managed by the same person as their personal investments.” 

At the same time, Cody says, “in my conversations with clients, I ensure they are well-informed and comfortable with the decisions made throughout the granting process. Working with Foundation staff, clients have learned about needs and opportunities to provide support within the community. It is a pleasure to help them realize their philanthropic goals and the enjoyment it brings as clients witness the significant impact their legacy has on the community. Discussing strategies for accomplishing charitable giving during clients’ lifetimes has strengthened my relationships with clients.” 

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Sara Neely, Senior Director, Philanthropic Services at donorservices@victoriafoundation.bc.ca or call 250-381-5532.