The Victoria Foundation provides leadership by inspiring giving, by thoughtfully caring for the assets entrusted to us, and by investing in people, ideas and activities that strengthen our communities.
The Foundation Board of Directors recently gave final approval to provide $1,258,750 in welcome resources to 133 charitable organizations. Highlights include: 41 discretionary grants totaling more than $485,000 to local charitable organizations for a full range of community building programs and activities, 65 grants totalling $361,927 to organizations that have endowment funds hosted by the Victoria Foundation and another 93 designated grants from funds created by donors and entrusted to the Victoria Foundation. So far in 2009, the Foundation has provided 461 grants totaling more than $6.2 million.
In the days that have passed since the January 12th earthquake in Haiti, Canadians have made donations and contributions totalling in the millions of dollars to the relief effort. Although this is excellent news, much more is still needed to help the poverty-stricken nation.
Would like to make a gift of your publicly-traded securities to the Victoria Foundation? It is easy to do – and you will also eliminate the capital gains tax on any appreciated stock.
Over the past year our board has worked diligently to move forward revisions to our governing Act that will allow us to ensure sustainability of granting in the future. Our over reaching goal is to balance the protection and purchasing power of the endowments with the needs of the community today and tomorrow.
Young people of the region ages 15 - 24 took part in the first ever Victoria's Vital Signs® youth survey! As part of the annual community check-up conducted by the Victoria Foundation, youth were encouraged to grade our city and identify what they see as priorities in a broad range of areas. Thanks to the generous support of the TELUS Victoria Community Board, Greater Victoria youth have had an opportunity to share their thoughts, ideas and concerns.
Designed to advance two concepts in participating schools: engaging young people in supporting the capacity of charitable organizations and strengthening their communities.
Donors are as unique as the charitable organizations in our community. These stories illustrate a few of the many innovative ways we can all make a difference together.
As you will see, the theme of this year's annual report is "A Colourful Past..a Bright Future."
The Victoria Foundation is a public foundation established through an Act of the BC Legislature in 1936 and a registered Canadian charity.
Our Canada Revenue Agency Charity BN/Registration Number is 130650898RR0001.
