The Victoria Foundation grants millions of funding dollars to charities every year. Here’s what you need to know about our annual flagship program.
Youth housing projects, community centre food programs and theatre classes are just some of the hundreds of initiatives being supported by this year’s Community Grants Program!
This month, over $6.19 million was granted to 243 charities doing impactful work throughout the capital region. Organizations can apply for funding every year through our Vital Stream as part of our annual flagship Community Grants Program.
Curious to know more about the program, or how you can support it?
We’ve got you covered.
What is the Community Grants Program?
The Community Grants Program uplifts the charitable sector by supporting our community’s long-term resilience and social purpose missions. The program’s Vital Stream allows organizations to apply for grants of up to $30,000, to flexibly boost their general operations and services.
Grants are prioritized for local organizations that are led by and/or significantly benefit equity-deserving groups and have a strong financial need. The funding supports many cause areas including the environment, racial equity, food security, housing, health, gender equality, arts, recreation and more!
Who is eligible for a Community Grant?
Organizations can apply if they are a registered charity, First Nation or other qualified donee. They must work for the benefit of the people and/or the environment in the Capital Regional District.
Organizations must also have an official address in BC, as listed on the Canada Revenue Agency. Unless they are a First Nation or Indigenous-led organization, they must earn a revenue of under $15 million as reported in their previous year’s T3010 form.
The application portal opens in February for about a month, and the Foundation announces the grants in July.
What is eligible for funding?
Community Grants can help cover costs for operating, staffing and programming, along with adapting programs and technologies. Funding can also help organizations build capacity, including through staff wellness, training and professional development.
Grants can also cover modest capital costs critical to an organization fulfilling its mission. This includes buying or upgrading things like office equipment, safety gear, vehicles and technologies.
How does the Foundation assess applications?
The Foundation works hard to follow the principles of trust-based philanthropy. Some key values of this approach include equity, humility and transparency.
We know that different populations and causes are in greater need at certain times, so we adjust our focus each year to direct funds to where they’re needed most. As a broad-based funder, we are always out in the community, meeting people and understanding the opportunities for the charitable sector.
Our grant review process is comprehensive. We intentionally include community experts with an array of perspectives, as part of setting our grant priorities.
Click here for a full timeline of our grantmaking process!
Does every applicant receive a grant?
The Victoria Foundation works hard to ensure as many organizations as possible can receive funding. This year, there was a 76 per cent success rate for all eligible applications.
We’re seeing a growing demand in funding calls across the charitable sector because of increasing operating costs, reduced revenues and skyrocketing demand for services. The Foundation recognizes the tremendous need and the barriers many organizations face. We are committed to continuing to strengthen the sector throughout our community.
How can I support the Community Grants Program?
Funding for the Community Grants Program comes right from the community itself, thanks to so many generous donors and fundholders!
Donating to Community Action Funds (CAFs) is one of the most effective ways to contribute. You choose the cause area and the Foundation directs your gift to where it’s needed most within that area. Here’s a simple breakdown of the CAFs.
You can also connect with Philanthropic Services to set up your a Donor-Advised Fund, a Discretionary Fund or to discuss other giving options that may interest you.
I have more questions. Who can I talk to?
If you’re a registered charity, our friendly Granting Initiatives team is always here to explore the Community Grants Program and other opportunities with you. Email them at [email protected].
If you’d like to support the causes that matter most to you, our Philanthropic Services team will be happy to help. Send an email to [email protected].
Or you can always call us at 250-381-5532.