Spring is a busy time for the team at the Victoria Foundation. At the heart of many of its programs is the Vital Signs Citizen survey, an annual community check-up that measures the vitality of our region, highlighting both areas of success and those needing more attention.
The results of that survey, which explores everything from transportation and cost of living to the arts and connections among seniors, are then married with local statistics to create the annual Victoria's Vital Signs publication to illuminate issues critical to our quality of life in the capital region.
In 2024, for example, the publication posed the question: "Can you imagine Victoria for the next generation?" In 2023, it featured some of those people and organizations actively working to move from hope to meaningful change in these various issue areas.
Beyond showcasing the people and programs working to make the region a better place, Vital Signs also serves as an essential guide for donors and for local jurisdictions exploring areas of need in their communities. To have your say and support the future of your community, watch for this year's survey, opening April 8 and continuing through late May.
The Pulse of the community
While the Vital Signs survey and report explore the state of these various issue areas, the Victoria Foundation's Pulse magazine and blog act as a kind of response, highlighting concrete impacts formed in answer to the highlighted challenges – impacts made possible because of visionary ideas, innovative programs and the support of donors.
2024's Pulse magazine, for example, showcased the next generation of philanthropists, brought together by the Victoria Foundation's Gadsden Initiative. Other features highlighted programs like the Indigenous Granting Advisory Pilot that emerged from the Reconciliation Task Group, climate-resistant forest restoration and impact investing – focusing on generating positive, measurable social and environmental benefits, in addition to financial returns.
Watch for the 2025 edition of Pulse magazine this June.
Stay connected
To stay up-to-date with the latest initiatives from Canada's second-oldest community foundation – established in 1936 to connect people who care with causes that matter – visit victoriafoundation.bc.ca and subscribe to their monthly eNewsletters. You can also connect with them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.