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Helping Greater Victoria charities, community move toward recovery

Victoria Foundation eyes resiliency-building through COVID lens
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Many of the recent grants distributed by the Victoria Foundation through the Rapid Relief Fund have focused on providing local residents with access to healthy food.

BԪַWhat a caring city we live in. The compassion and thoughtfulness behind all these donations is a miracle BԪַ indeed, to spread hope and love at this particular time is crucial.BԪַ

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Called upon to help in face of COVID-19 challenges, Greater Victorians responded.

For some, their Rapid Relief Fund donations recognized the needs of isolated seniors or hungry families; for others, concern for victims of domestic violence who suddenly had restricted access to their usual support system. Others gave in memory of someone who would have stepped forward themselves, given the opportunity.

BԪַI give in memory of my parents who like many ordinary citizens were not able to give large sums of money but gave of themselves and in support, friendship, lessons for citizenship and other little ways,BԪַ one donor wrote to the , which is administering the Fund.

Launched by a coalition of Greater Victoria business and philanthropic partners in response to the immediate needs created by COVID-19, the collected an amazing $1 million in less than 36 hours.

Those same donations were then quickly distributed to local charities serving those in need, approved by the Victoria FoundationBԪַs Board of Directors. Today, nearly two months after the Fund launched, grants to local charities have totalled $5,646,700, including $550,000 in grants .

Moving toward the next phase of recovery

Today, as businesses, charities and the community pivot to address the next phase of our COVID-19 reality, the Victoria Foundation also offers a simple way for donors to continue supporting those essential local organizations.

From senior care to youth services, the longstanding supports projects, programs and services that are among the most important in our community, allowing the Foundation to proactively respond to critical needs as they arise.

For the coming months, the Fund will support Greater VictoriaBԪַs recovery from the effects of the pandemic.

BԪַThe Vital Victoria Fund has always allowed us to support the areas of greatest need within our community,BԪַ says Sandra Richardson, Victoria Foundation CEO. BԪַFor the next six to 18 months, as the effects of COVID-19 continue to unfold, grants from the Fund will be viewed through the lens of recovery efforts and building short- and long-term resilience for our local charities.BԪַ

Providing more help where itBԪַs needed

Last week, the Victoria Foundation and United Way Greater Victoria also announced theyBԪַll jointly administer local distribution of the federal governmentBԪַs new , providing additional much-needed assistance to charitiesserving vulnerable populations.

Through the ECSF, the two organizations will invest $1.6 million in local registered charities and qualified donees. Organizations can apply for funding through a single application process, with applications accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis through July 27 or until funds are fully allocated.

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Established in 1936, the is CanadaBԪַs second oldest community foundation, managing charitable gifts from donors whose generosity allows them to create permanent, income-earning funds. The Capital RegionBԪַs largest non-government funder, the Foundation distributes proceeds from funds as grants for charitable or educational purposes.



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