Community Response Fund: Update

Last updated: October 5, 2020

Note: We are no longer accepting donations or new applications to the Community Response Fund at this time. We encourage further donations to address pressing community needs, such as COVID-19 response and recovery, through our Community Impact Fund.

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The Community Response Fund deploys essential relief to charities in BC that provide health and social services and arts, culture, and community benefits that have been impacted by COVID-19 and its economic consequences.

The Fund

• • Total granted out: $17.4M

• • Total fund amount: $17.4M

Founding Donors

• • Vancouver Foundation

• • Vancity Credit Union

• • United Way Lower Mainland

• • Anonymous individual donors to Vancouver Foundation

Grant Recipients

June 30

• • Ocean Wise Conservation Association‘s mission is to inspire the global community to become Ocean Wise by increasing its understanding, wonder and appreciation for our oceans.

June 19

• • Campbell River Hospice Society provides caring and compassionate support to children and adults experiencing end-of-life or grieving through a variety of services at no cost.

• • Vancouver Island University Foundation‘s purpose is to oversee management of the Foundation’s endowment and, working with the Office of Advancement & Alumni, raise money to support Vancouver Island University’s scholarship and awards program and VIU fundraising activities.

• • Bridges for Women Society is a gutsy, innovative nonprofit inspiring diverse women impacted by violence or abuse, to reclaim their lives and build economic stability.

• • Canadian Mental Health Association – Vernon and District Branch is a voluntary association that exists to promote Mental Wellness in the community of Vernon, and surrounding areas in the North Okanagan.

• • North Peace Community Resources Society (aka Community Bridge) offers a network of counselling and support services in the Peace River-Liard area and will adapt our services to best suit the needs of those we serve.

• • Disaster Aid Canada‘s mission is to provide and assist in delivering humanitarian aid, shelter, sustainable water systems and hygiene products to people affected by natural and other disasters.

• • Pacifica Housing Advisory Association‘s mission is to be a leading innovative provider of affordable homes and support services that contribute to the independence of individuals and families.

• • Fort Nelson Family Development Society provides services and support that enable children and families to achieve their optimal growth and development.

• • West Kootenay Environmental Centre Society is a non-profit community-driven organization that brings together local residents to protect the natural environment while building just, equitable, healthy, and livable communities in the West Kootenay region.

• • Salt Spring and Southern Gulf Islands Community Services Society is dedicated to strengthening and supporting individuals, families and communities.

• • Victoria Dandelion Society is committed to supporting our street family, one person at a time. We offer unconditional love to all who come our way and advocate for the voiceless, restoring hope in the places most affected by physical and relational poverty.

• • Kamloops Family Resources Society‘s vision is a community where families have the support and personal capacity to overcome life’s challenges and reach their desired potential.

• • Cowichan Green Community Foundation is a non-profit organization that has been focusing on environmental sustainability in the Cowichan Region since 2004.

• • Island Metis Family & Community Services Society serves the Métis community living on Vancouver Island, British Columbia since 1996. Our programming centres around child safety and family wellness.

• • Together Against Poverty Society (TAPS) is one of the largest providers of free, face-to-face legal advocacy for people with income assistance, disability benefits, employment standards, and tenancy issues.

• • The Farmlands Trust (Greater Victoria) Society was established in March 2008 to enhance the farming capability of Mt. Newton Valley, rehabilitate the stream ecology of Hagan Creek and create a community trail system.

• • Sooke Shelter Society is a grassroots charity working together to increase access to affordable housing for those with lower-income, to prevent and end homelessness in Sooke, BC.

• • Salvation Army Kelowna Community Church offers seniors’ drop-in programs, weekly children and youth programs, and emergency disaster services, and operates three thrift stores in the the Kelowna area.

• • Canadian Mental Health Association, South Okanagan Similkameen Branch promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness.

• • Hope for the Nations is a Kelowna-based NGO, empowering children at risk to become children of change.

• • Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley‘s mission is to enable life-changing mentoring relationships to ignite the power and potential to young people.

• • Okanagan-Similkameen Neurological Society‘s mission is to maximize the developmental growth, emotional health and creative capacity of children and youth in the South Okanagan Similkameen through early intervention and family centred care.

• • Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley exists to assist individuals and families in recognizing and accepting death as a part of life. We support individuals and families during the dying and grieving process.

• • Desert Valley Hospice Society is committed to supporting excellence in the delivery of hospice palliative care and end-of-life services for residents of the communities of Oliver, Osoyoos and Okanagan Falls.

• • Cariboo Pioneer Centre, Lac La Hache, BC OAPO 176

• • Central Okanagan Hospice Association exists to provide quality hospice palliative care programs and services in the Central Okanagan.</