For its second year, Spark Funds grants from the Victoria Foundation are helping support local organizations that work to foster safe, inclusive and affordable communities.

The 2024 Spark Funds are looking to provide a total of $80,000 in funding to six local organizations in increments of $5,000 and $15,000. 

Using discretionary funds, the foundation provided $60,000 of the grant money, with the remaining $20,000 contributed by Coast Capital.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e hopeful these funds will act as a catalyst to the creative, innovative projects community members are embarking on to tackle complex issues like affordable housing, youth jobs, food security, and more,B次元官网网址� said Victoria Foundation CEO Sandra Richardson in a news release. B次元官网网址淢any community members continue to face barriers to meeting their basic needs as costs of living rise. But many members also have the motivation and the will to put their heads together to meet these challenges. WeB次元官网网址檙e thankful for all those who applied to the Spark Funds for support in achieving their innovative solutions."

Beacon Community Services is leading one of the six projects that have been granted funding B次元官网网址� a study that explores affordable housing models for BeaconB次元官网网址檚 13 properties, which includes co-living, co-housing, home-sharing, cooperative housing, and others.

B次元官网网址淭he study will focus on identifying housing solutions that meet the diverse needs of younger residents, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, while examining the barriers, funding models, density requirements, and best practices needed for implementation in Victoria,B次元官网网址� said Tricia Gueulette, CEO of Beacon Community Services, in the release.

Along with Beacon Community Services, the Intercultural Association, the Community Social Planning Council, the Big Wheel Community Foundation, the Victoria Community Food Hub and the Mayne Island Food Bank all received grants from the foundation.

The Spark Funds are meant to act as a catalyst for ideas sparked at a Vital Conversation event, held at the University of Victoria in June, where more than 80 leaders from various sectors in the community attended. The foundation says they invited the community together to explore how they can work across sectors to support young people in their 20s and 30s, including newcomers, who want to stay and thrive in the Capital Region for the long term.