As the new year brings reflection on how we might improve over the coming year, we often turn to how we might help those around us – family, friends, neighbours and the greater community.
It’s a question the Victoria Foundation asks each year as it works to fulfill its vision of “connecting people who care with causes that matter.”
In fact, 2018 was a record year for the Foundation: the $23 million distributed last year equates to an average of almost $2 million granted each month!
“The reach of the Foundation is broad in scope as it takes the widest possible view of community challenges and opportunities, and makes grants to support the organizations committed to meeting them,” says Sandra Richardson, Victoria Foundation CEO. “So many people care about the ongoing betterment of our community that we currently hold more than $335 million in total assets and have awarded over $222 million in grants since our inception.”
How you can help your community:
The Victoria Foundation is a terrific resource for those who want to know more about the issues that matter to the community – read 2018’s Vital Signs Report here – and about the Vital Charities working to address them.
The Foundation also helps donors meet their charitable goals, whether that’s contributing to existing endowments or creating permanent endowments to support the causes important to them.
Among the Victoria Foundation’s recent highlights:
- Last year, more than $23 million in grants was distributed to 472 organizations in five key areas: arts, culture and heritage; community services; education; environment; and health and recreation.
- Included were a record 107 Community Grants totalling over $2.2 million to local charities.
- The Vital Youth program, involving more than 50 students in nine Victoria-area high schools, granted $22,500 to local charities.
- In October the Foundation published the 13th annual Victoria’s Vital Signs community report card, and in June the annual Pulse magazine, providing community news and information from the Victoria Foundation.
- Five Vital Conversation events engaged citizens on topics such as living with disabilities, youth mental health, moderate drinking and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- The Foundation co-ordinated 2018’s Random Acts of Kindness Day in Victoria.
What will 2019 hold for your community?
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Established in 1936, the Victoria Foundation is Canada’s second oldest community foundation and the sixth largest of nearly 200 nation-wide. Managing charitable gifts from donors whose generosity allows them to create permanent, income-earning funds, with proceeds distributed as grants for charitable or educational purposes. Learn more at victoriafoundation.bc.ca.
