Grants to our community
At Vancouver Foundation we recognize that communities are complex and that many factors go into creating a healthy and vibrant place for all to live. That's why we take a very broad view of our community and it's why we fund a wide variety of programs and projects.
1. Our Grants
In general, Vancouver Foundation supports growth and innovation through project-based grants for new initiatives that:
1. are community self-directed
- demonstrate commitment from applicants and their partners
- link to the organizations’ mandates and strategic plans
- build upon community strengths
- show evidence of collaboration with others in the same field
- are funded by 50% or more from other sources
- involve those affected by the proposal in the development, implementation and evaluation of the proposal
- use, enhance, mobilize or expand the skills, capacities and assets of local people and communities
2. lead to measurable and sustainable impact
- are likely to be effective and to serve as a model for others
- address root causes
- respond to identified needs and priorities
- show evidence of significant, appropriate and local support
- provide realistic plans for longer-term funding, if the project will be ongoing
Vancouver Foundation will consider requests for multi-year funding for initiatives or activities that may take longer than one year to fully develop, and/or to achieve/document results that are meaningful, or to build sustainability. Applications of this nature should generally not exceed a three-year time frame.
We don't offer community grants for:
- ongoing operational or core expenses
- retroactive funding, or for any project expenses to be incurred prior to the Foundation’s decision date
- debt retirement or reserves; mortgage pay-downs
- endowment matching grants
- office equipment and furniture
- activities of religious organizations that serve primarily their membership and/or their direct religious purposes, unless the community at large will benefit significantly
- large-scale capital and public infrastructure projects (e.g. libraries, schools, health care facilities)
- league- or club-based sports programs
- sabbatical leaves, student exchanges
- travel to/attendance at conferences, competitions, symposia or annual events
- bursaries, scholarships and awards
To be considered for a Vancouver Foundation community grant, applicants:
- must be a registered charity or other qualified donee defined under the Income Tax Act
- must demonstrate fiscal responsibility and effective management
- should demonstrate inclusiveness and respect for cultural diversity
- should demonstrate a commitment to the project through a meaningful contribution of their own human and/or financial resources
Other than the Endowment 150 and Giving in Action programs, Vancouver Foundation does not make community grants to individuals or businesses, nor will we consider new requests from previous grantees that have not yet met all reporting requirements.
Multiple Requests from the same Applicant(s):
Under exceptional circumstances, Vancouver Foundation will consider multiple requests for distinct projects and initiatives from a single applicant organization within one year, or for more than one project or initiative being funded at once.
The intent of this policy is to ensure equitable and fair distribution of funds to all communities in British Columbia. Generally, exceptions will be made in the case of large community service organizations, particularly in smaller communities, that have broad mandates and serve diverse populations.
Exceptions will also be made for organizations that represent a coalition, partnership or collaborative initiative. Such requests must be compelling, strategic in nature and in line with Vancouver Foundation priorities.
3. Our Fields of Interest
With our donors and partners, we provide funding for projects in the areas listed below. Please click on the link to find out more about the funding criteria and the grant application process in each of these areas.
Community-Based Health Research
Disability Supports for Employment Fund
Other Special Projects
4. How to Apply
Vancouver Foundation has a two-stage application process. The first stage is a Letter of Intent, which consists of a brief proposal to determine basic suitability. The second stage is the submission of a full grant application by a specific date.
Grants and Community Initatives
Upcoming deadlines
Review letter of intent and application deadlines
FAQ
Read our most frequently asked questions.
Grants Search
Search previous grants in all our funding areas.
How To Apply
Learn about the steps in our application process.
How to RePOrt
