The Victoria Foundation has provided $5.35 million in community grants to 209 non-profit organizations in the capital region. This essential funding supports charities serving local needs, thanks to generous donors committed to improving their community.
The grants come through the Foundation’s flagship Community Grants Program called Vital Stream. The program offers flexible, general operating funds to help non-profits strengthen their services and build long-term community resilience.
Demand for support continues to grow. In 2025, the Community Grants Program received a record 346 applications, including 68 from groups applying for the first time. The total requested funding was $9.1 million, up nearly 7% from last year.
Sandra Richardson, CEO of the Victoria Foundation, said the rising demand reflects increasing pressures on charitable organizations to meet community needs. She added that thanks to donors, many small and medium non-profits will receive help to make a real difference.
Of this year’s grants, 70% are aimed at projects that benefit equity-deserving groups. These include Indigenous peoples, Black communities, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, women, children, youth, persons with disabilities, and newcomers.
The Foundation also prioritized groups working in areas flagged as urgent in the 2024 Vital Signs report. These include housing, health and wellness, safety, and standard of living, all of which earned low marks in community well-being.
For example, Silver Threads Service will use their grant to fund food security programs for seniors. These include the Silver Spoon Café, food bank support, soup socials, and prepared meals for takeout.
Youth programs also benefit. The Hockey Education Reaching Out Society (HEROS) will receive funding to secure ice time, equipment, and transportation for young players. Josh Delves from HEROS said the grant allows them to focus on building life skills and leadership for the youth they serve.
The W̱SÁNEĆ Lands Trust Society’s grant supports land return and cultural renewal efforts. Board member Adam Olsen said reconnecting W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples with their lands helps heal past wounds and protect the future. It restores a sacred relationship that has sustained generations.
Community involvement plays a key role in the grant program’s success. Most of the $5.35 million comes from funds held by the Victoria Foundation, where donors allow the Foundation to decide how to distribute grants each year. Additional funding comes from donor-advised funds and Community Action Funds, which allow individuals to support specific issues like housing and food security.
The Foundation’s grants help ensure that local non-profits have the resources to meet growing community challenges. This support strengthens the charitable sector and improves life for many people across the capital region.
