The Victoria Foundation recently awarded 41 discreationary grants totaling more than $485,000 to local charitable organizations for a full range of community building programs and activities. The discretionary grants awarded will have positive impact on the local community and across the region.

The grants will support a wide range of initiatives across a broad range of sectors, including:

• Arts, Culture & Heritage
• Community Services
• Education
• Environment
• Health and Recreation

The Foundation's new granting process was a great success with the introduction of a new, shorter two page application form. The simpler form, combined with site visits and pro-active outreach to address Vital Signs priorities, resulted in a streamlined process for the non-profits and for the granting committee.

A number of grant requests were filled by pro-bono assistance provided by our team of community advisors or through connections or referrals made by the granting team. Below is a small sampling of some of the grants. Learn more about the 41 successful discretionary grants here.

BC Families in Transition $20,010   To assist with piloting First-Response Services for High-Conflict Families. This program will provide crisis intervention, vital information and referrals to 12,000 CRD residents.

Together Against Poverty Society $11,200   To create a new case for support, donor materials, and a more accessible website as part of strategic planning, involving long-term TAPS volunteers drawn from low-income people with disabilities.

Mayne Island Conservation Society $8,500   In cooperation with the Mayne island community and its plan for conservation and sustainability this project will allow MICS to deliver on conserving threatened marine ecosystems.

Belfry Theatre $9,500   To support the SPARK Festival, including cross-disciplinary work, professional development workshops, “mini plays” featuring local emerging artists, play readings, and Belfry 101 Live – a new piece of theatre conceived, developed and presented by high school students enrolled in Belfry 101.

Friends Living and Learning Through Loss $10,000   To enable two additional educational, healing and supportive programs to youth ages 13 to 18 years experiencing issues of grief and loss. The program is free and open to those who may otherwise not have access to healthy avenues for discussing and dealing with grief and loss issues.

Hulitan Social Services $20,010   To assist George Jay school with piloting Journeys of the Heart – a cultural educational program for preschool Aboriginal children.