This year, 2024, is unfolding to be another remarkable year for the Victoria Foundation. More people are eager to connect with causes important to them and to learn about our region’s dynamic civil society sector.
There have been more conversations about the importance of this charitable sector, how challenging the work can be, and the need for more time, resources, and collaborations to make a lasting difference. We are grateful and honoured to have the support of our community as we look toward the future.
These ideas align with our new three-year strategic plan — a refreshed course of action that is propelling our community forward by being responsive to what we have learned over the years. The Victoria Foundation seeks to create a sense of belonging that inspires philanthropy, collaboration, essential partnerships, and makes a lasting contribution to our community. We are working “on purpose” to achieve change. This strategy is led by a diverse, forward-thinking Board of Directors who bring extensive care and expertise to our decision making. We’re honoured to have Tamara Napoleon as our Board Chair.
Tamara is a lawyer and member of the Saulteau First Nation, from northeastern BC. She co-leads Miller Titerle + Co’s Indigenous Law Group, and in 2020 was recognized as a Lexpert Rising Star — a leading lawyer under 40 in Canada. She also serves as a board member for the BC Cancer Foundation and is the former Vice-President of the Aboriginal Mother Centre Society, among other distinguished roles. Her lengthy experience in Indigenous rights and non-profit leadership has been invaluable to advancing the Foundation’s mission.
Several key areas that reflect our purpose are by further embedding trust-based philanthropy in all our work. After all, our community’s organizations know better than anyone what they need to thrive.
We want to continue building this community trust through listening, learning, and actively using community knowledge in our work.
Collaborations are key to embracing innovative approaches to long-term solutions. They’re also crucial as we advance equity and share power with community members. For example, we’re deepening our Truth and Reconciliation work by expanding the scope of the Indigenous Granting Advisory Pilot, which builds on our ongoing relationships with local Indigenous communities and leaders.
The Foundation is also embracing a new energy — a generation of donors and investors who are more interested in impact investing, where their capital can make positive social and environmental impact alongside a financial return.
This is an excellent opportunity for us to collaborate and make meaningful change for generations to come; where purpose and profit are increasingly interwoven. The Foundation plans to invest up to 15% of the Common Trust Fund by 2026 in impact investing.
As we embark on our bold new plan, we are growing our own organizational capacity to be responsive to the community’s needs, ensuring our technology is up-to-date, and that we have the right tools to continue safeguarding privacy and cyber security.
Of course, our ambitious strategy is truly only possible because of you. Your ongoing generosity accelerates the Foundation and our community toward a better future.
Thank you for continuing to care deeply for the wellbeing of Greater Victoria and helping ensure no one is left behind. With your dedicated support, our region continues to become more vibrant and sustainable.