The Victoria Foundation’s motto is ‘connecting people who care with causes that matter.’
And every donation, large or small, is greatly appreciated, carefully considered, and allocated according to the donors’ wishes.
Sandra Richardson, CEO of the Victoria Foundation, says “the total for the year is $20 million dollars, which is an all-new high for us.”
And the community grants, including undesignated donations “just gave out, this week, 2.3 million dollars – which is an incredible selection of grants” says Richardson.
To 104 grateful organizations, such as Ballet Victoria, Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group, Herowork, and the Victoria Native Friendship Centre.
Kim-Marie Rumley, Director of Youth Programs at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, says “this money that the Victoria Foundation has made available to us has enabled us to keep our doors open this year.
“Without the Victoria Foundation we wouldn’t have been able to do that.”
Board members consider each application using the twelve Vital Signs as a guide, “so if an organization is writing to us” explains Richardson, “they reflect of which area in Vital Signs that they’re addressing.”
Which ensures that the Victoria Foundation is able to help address issues that matter to the community.
The BC Cancer Foundation received money toward a Tissue Processor to support immunotherapy clinical trials.
Dr. Brad Nelson is the Director of the Deeley Research Centre at the BC Cancer Agency. He says “the equipment that the Victoria Foundation is helping us purchase is going to allow us to really look inside patient’s tumours, and look at that battle between the immune system and the cancer, and that will give us the better ideas of how to treat this disease.”
Funding is from the Vital Victoria Fund, as well as many foundation donors.
Richardson is grateful for the incredible support from the community. “It’s just a huge vote of confidence in the non-profits in our community when donors step forward and say ‘I would like to give this to that project.”
You can donate to the Victoria Foundation here.
Veronica Cooper
