In an ideal world, philanthropy is on our minds B次元官网网址� and in our hearts B次元官网网址� every day. But the fact is, sometimes life gets busy; sometimes a little reminder of the value of giving back, helping out and working together to create a strong, vital community goes a long way.

On Nov. 16, the joins the Association of Fundraising Professionals for . Held virtually this year, the mid-day event brings together people from across Vancouver Island to share a meal, ideas and perspectives on all things philanthropy.

With breakout sessions encouraging participants to delve into topics impacting the philanthropic sector, executive coach Diane Lloyd facilitates Courageous Conversations in Philanthropy, while local change-maker, storyteller and activist Asiyah Robinson leads a discussion on Amplifying Voices within BIPoC Communities through Philanthropy. A facilitated networking session concludes the event.

Philanthropy is at the heart of the Victoria FoundationB次元官网网址檚 mandate of connecting people who care with causes that matter.

As the community continues to reel from the impacts of COVID-19, the Foundation is supporting local charities with initiatives like the B次元官网网址� helping the charitable sector survive and build resilience, says Sandra Richardson, Victoria Foundation CEO.

Building on the initial success of the Rapid Relief Fund, which addressed the sectorB次元官网网址檚 immediate needs at the outside of the pandemic, the Community Recovery Program builds capacity across various sectors, from arts and environment to education and health.

Funding the program are donations to the FoundationB次元官网网址檚 new , allowing quick response to evolving community needs. In addition to the general Vibrant and Caring Community Fund, nine more focused funds allow donors to target their giving, knowing funds will address the most pressing needs: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; .

Helping guide the FoundationB次元官网网址檚 philanthropic efforts are local residents, through the annual Vital Signs survey. A measure of community wellbeing, survey results are compiled into , which identifies concerns and supports action on critical quality of life issues. This yearB次元官网网址檚 report will be launched to a virtual audience Nov. 5.

B次元官网网址淭his yearB次元官网网址檚 Vital Signs report is a little different from previous years in that itB次元官网网址檚 been informed by the impacts of COVID-19 on areas of importance to Greater Victoria, like housing, food security and transportation. As always it will be a crucial tool guiding local governments and community philanthropists over the next year and beyond,B次元官网网址� Richardson says.

Support philanthropy in your community

• Donate today: Donate to the Community Action Funds , or contact the Foundation about other options. Learn more at .
• Register for Philanthropy Day: for an early-bird rate of just $25 for AFP members and $45 for non-members ($35/$55 from Nov. 1) , including the option for a catered meal to be delivered or picked up in advance.
• Join VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 Vital Signs Report launch: of the 15th annual VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 Vital Signs, beginning at 9 a.m. Nov. 5

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Established in 1936, the is CanadaB次元官网网址檚 second oldest community foundation and the sixth largest of nearly 200 nation-wide. To date the Victoria Foundation has invested more than $259 million in people, projects and non-profit organizations that strengthen communities in BC and throughout Canada.