Just over $6.19 million is being distributed this year to 243 organizations in the capital region, through the Vital Stream of the Victoria Foundation’s flagship Community Grants Program.
This annual program aims to help strengthen the charitable sector and long-term resilience of the community by providing eligible organizations with flexible, general operating and program funding. This ensures they can focus on strengthening their services, uplifting the communities they serve and achieving their wider missions.
This year, the 2026 Community Grants Program’s Vital Stream received a total of 329 applicants, with 42 of these submissions from first-time applicants. The total number of successful applicants represents an overall 76 per cent success rate.
“After stepping into the role of CEO in June, I’ve been meeting with community members to discuss the major issues that impact quality of life in the region,” says CEO Ian Bird. “In a time when more people than ever face food insecurity, housing uncertainties, economic challenges and more, the Community Grants Program helps alleviate the burdens that many charitable services face to supporting our community.”
Funds to benefit equity-deserving groups
Overall, 76 per cent of grants will support organizations or projects that significantly benefit equity-deserving populations, including Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+, women, children and youth, persons with disabilities and newcomers.
“Because of so many generous donors and fundholders who truly care about this region, the Community Grants Program continues to help uplift charitable causes that serve every kind of person in our community,” says CEO Emeritus Sandra Richardson. “I’m pleased that these grants will bolster organizations, including those small- and medium-sized, to respond to increases in demand.”
The Architects of Belonging study finds that the charitable sector now contributes $5.4 billion annually to the capital region’s economic activity – nearly on par with the local technology sector.
Despite these profound contributions, charitable organizations still face financial shortfalls amid increasing demand for their services. The report finds that 88 per cent of charities today need reliable core funding in order to meet the community’s needs for the long term.
The Community Grants Program is one avenue that helps address these challenges.
Funds will boost programs, services and wellbeing
Suzanne Cole, Executive Director of the Burnside Gorge Community Centre, says a 2026 Community Grant is bolstering how the centre helps youth overcome barriers to the “experience, skills and networks needed to succeed independently.”
“Our Youth Self Sufficiency (YSS) Program helps youth secure stable housing, employment or education, ensuring they have the foundation needed for long-term success,” explains Cole. “YSS is important now and into the future as many youth face increasing barriers to the factors that determine stability.”
Likewise, Logan Swain, Artistic & Managing Director at Theatre SKAM, says that with arts and culture at risk of losing funding, support from the Victoria Foundation “ensures we can continue supporting performing artists across the region while planning for the future without making programming cuts.”
“It enables us to continue offering our Rental Access Program, which provides equity-deserving artists with free access to creation and rehearsal space,” Swain says.
Alison Colwell, Executive Director of the Galiano Club, says this support will greatly benefit the residents of Galiano Island.
“This funding allows us to continue the Community Food Program, which is a vital part of the Galiano Island community fabric. It provides everything from frozen meals to seniors, to weekly lunches, to running the Galiano food bank, to creating a teaching garden at the school, among other initiatives,” says Colwell.
To see a full list of organizations funded, click here.
The Victoria Foundation works closely with generous donors in our community to provide funding for the program. A majority of the $6.19 million distributed came from funds held and managed at the Foundation, where donors have given the Foundation the discretion to distribute annual grants.
Other funding comes from donor-advised funds and Community Action Funds where individuals can donate directly to issue areas, including housing, arts and culture, food security and more.
About the Victoria Foundation
The Victoria Foundation seeks to create a sense of belonging that inspires philanthropy, essential partnerships and collaboration and makes a lasting contribution to our community.
Established in 1936, the Victoria Foundation is Canada’s second-oldest community foundation and sixth largest of over 200 nationwide. We manage charitable gifts from donors whose generosity allows us to create permanent, income-earning funds.
The proceeds from these funds are then distributed as grants for charitable or educational purposes. Over the years, we have invested over $400 million in people, projects and charitable organizations that strengthen communities in BC and throughout Canada.
Media contact:
Adam van der Zwan
Senior Communications Officer
The Victoria Foundation
(250)-381-5532 ext. 2460
Community contacts:
Suzanne Cole
Executive Director
Burnside Gorge Community Association
P: (250) 388-5251 ext. 238
E: [email protected]
Logan Swain
Artistic & Managing Director
Theatre SKAM
P: (250) 386-7526, Ext. 5
E: [email protected]
Alison Colwell
Executive Director
The Galiano Club
P: (250) 539-2175
E: [email protected]