2026 GRANTEES

MULTI-YEAR GRANTS

The following organization is an on-going multi-year commitment in 2024 and 2025 and will conclude in 2026.

Enderby and District Community Resource Centre, Enderby, $15,000

The largest service delivery charity serving Enderby and area, funding supports operational costs of the Outreach/Referral Community Support Worker. This liaison role is fundamental to the wellbeing of residents as it provides direct support to families in the community by offering intensive parenting and life skills support, referrals, crisis intervention and short-term counselling.  

IMPACT GRANTS

Impact Grants are unrestricted grants to support an organization’s greatest need.

NEXUSBC Community Resource Centre, Enderby, $15,000

The grant will support the launch of the Enderby & District Community Resource Centre’s caregiver program, providing a bi-weekly peer group and flexible 1:1 navigation/outreach to reduce caregiver isolation and strengthen wellbeing. Confidential meeting space is available through the Enderby WorkBC Centre, with planned expansion to Armstrong later this year. 

Literacy Alliance of the Shuswap Society, Enderby, $15,000

According to the National Summer Learning Association (USA), every year students from low-income households lose two-to-three months of their learning during the summer months. To break the cycle of low literacy levels and help close the gap for students in the North Okanagan-Shuswap school district region, LASS operates a 2-week summer program for at-risk children who have completed grades 1 to 3. Each year LASS serves 100 children through their Summer Slide Program.  

WITS Programs Foundation (Enderby & District and Valley First Regions), $10,000 

WITS Programs Foundation’s (WPF) mission is to empower children and youth to cultivate healthy relationships through community-based educational initiatives. The WPF vision is for all children and youth to be living, learning, and playing in safe and caring communities. The grant will support the running of the WITS Virtual Anti-Bullying Program across 3 schools in the Enderby region, reaching approximately 750 students.  

SOAR GRANTS

Our commitment to equity deserving organizations.

A.L. Fortune Secondary School, Enderby, $11,500

Providing after school activities for their community, A.L. Fortune will run a minimum of three programs, engaging more than 40 students in each program. Student participation will focus on increasing attendance by Indigenous students (38% of the school population). A.L. Fortune serves 370 students in its small rural community. 

MULTI-YEAR GRANTS

The following are multi-year commitments, entered in 2025: both will conclude in 2027.

BeMorr Society Mental Health and Suicide Awareness, Abbotsford, $25,000

The Mental Wellness Program supports enhanced access to counselling services, first aid training sessions and peer support groups. BeMorr Society supported over 750 counselling sessions in 2024. Funding will reduce wait times, improve access to services and expand partnerships with more contracted counsellors in additional communities. It will also support program administration, marketing and awareness efforts. 

BC Agriculture in the Classroom, Abbotsford, $25,000

Classroom Growing Programs provide K–12 teachers with the chance to learn about agriculture more easily. From “Spuds in Tubs” to “Common Ground: Strawberry Project with Indigenous Roots,” as well as Harvest Bins, the program creates a positive learning environment for growing. In 2024, the impact in agriculture and food education supported 396 classes and 11,880 students in the Fraser Valley. BC Agriculture in the Classroom has partnered with Food Banks BC to deliver fresh, local produce to 1,477 schools, serving 8.5 million portions annually and generating $3–$10 in economic returns through increased lifetime earnings, job creation and healthcare savings. 

CAPACITY GRANTS

Restricted grants to grow knowledge and organizational opportunity.

BeaYoutiful Foundation, $15,000, Multi-region: Kamloops, Kelowna and Surrey

The purpose of the Beayoutiful Foundation is to advance the health and education of female and non-binary children and youth through educational programs and workshops aimed at promoting healthy body image, mental health, self-esteem, resilience, critical thinking skills and leadership skills. Funding will be used to strengthen the internal volunteer mentorship program infrastructure by hiring a dedicated Volunteer Training Facilitator to design and lead in-person and online training sessions, advanced mentor workshops focused on emotional intelligence, trauma-informed responses, community building and effective youth communication. 

Crisis Center of BC, Vancouver, $15,000

The Crisis Centre of BC supports individuals affected by crisis and suicide, processing over 25,000 calls a year and supporting over 17,000 Community and Learning Engagement Participants. Following a period of significant leadership restructure, the grant will support the strengthening of organizational leadership capacity by providing six members of the leadership team—four managers and two program directors—with formal supervisory training. Participants will complete Essentials in Supervisory Skills through UBC Sauder School of Business, a comprehensive program designed to build foundational leadership, communication, and people management skills. 

Emotions BC, Surrey, $15,000

Emotions BC’s mission is to improve the emotional health and wellness of families in the community. The organization delivers its programs with the help of 30-55 volunteers, supporting approximately 250-400 family members and caregivers annually through peer-led support, monthly drop-in groups, essential skills programs and mindfulness workshops. The grant will provide capacity funding to develop and implement a comprehensive Volunteer Development Plan that strengthens the sustainability, quality and reach of their peer-led programs.  

Fraser Region Community Justice Initiative, Langley, $15,000

This initiative promotes peacemaking, reconciliation and the resolution of conflict through restorative justice values, principles and processes. This capacity grant will be used to strengthen Community Justice Initiative’s infrastructure by investing in training and professional development for staff and volunteers. Funding will support training in trauma-informed practice, complex case management, culturally responsive facilitation, advanced communication and de-escalation strategies, equipping staff and volunteers with skills to support individuals and communities impacted by trauma, systemic inequities, and cultural or intergenerational harm. 

Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS), Langley, $15,000

LAPS supports positive human-animal connections through leadership, education, programs and municipal services. Helping over 1,000 families in 2025, they find loving homes for abandoned animals, reunite lost animals with their families and offer social service programs to pet owners facing financial or housing challenges. The grant will be used to provide governance training to their Board of Directors, building confident, informed Directors who can provide robust oversight, strategic direction and financial stewardship, resulting in strengthened organizational compliance and decision-making. 

Mission Hospice Society, Mission, $15,000

Mission Hospice Society is a community-based charitable organization providing life-enhancing support to individuals and families living with terminal illness, death and grief. This grant will help train 40–50 volunteers, ensuring they are well prepared to meet the complex emotional and practical needs of individuals and families facing end-of-life care and grief. 

Run for Water, Abbotsford, $15,000

The grant will be used to relaunch and strengthen their teacher engagement program, which connects local schools in Abbotsford and the Lower Mainland to global clean-water initiatives through education and active participation. It will equip educators with updated, relevant curriculum that helps students understand global issues, social justice and the importance of clean water. Activities supported by the grant include hosting a teacher event, improving curriculum materials, printing classroom booklets and providing practical resources that teachers can implement with their students. In addition, it will enable the upgrading of their donor database and a brand refresh to help better communicate their mission and strengthen relationships with supporters for years to come. 

Sardis Doorway for Mothers and Children Society, Chilliwack, $15,000

Sardis Doorway’s mission is to journey with mothers of preschool-aged children who are parenting alone and under-supported toward healing. Funds will be used to provide training to program volunteers, as well as leadership training for four part-time staff members. The program serves 40 single-mother families with approximately 96 children. The organization also runs programs for young mothers and women who have experienced abuse. 

Surrey Hospital Foundation, Surrey, $15,000

The grant will fund specialized ongoing education for the Forensic Nursing Team at Surrey Memorial Hospital, training Forensic Nurses to identify and support patients who have experienced sexual violence, physical abuse, child or elder abuse, and neglect. The training also strengthens Forensic Nurses’ capacity to provide expert analysis in criminal cases and support victims during justice proceedings.  

IMPACT GRANTS

Impact Grants are unrestricted grants to support an organization’s greatest need.

Association of Neighbourhood Houses- Alex House – Surrey, $25,000

Alex House facilitates collective action on eliminating poverty and inspiring systemic change in Surrey. The grant will be used to kick off the new Youth Poverty Reduction Leadership Project, an initiative to support capacity building and mobilization of local youth leaders on poverty reduction in Surrey. The project will engage youth with lived experience of poverty in a paid needs assessment research opportunity with mentorship and support and will culminate with a Youth Presentation at the SPRC 2027 Annual Forum.  

Langley Meals on Wheels, Langley, $39,000

Langley Meals on Wheels provides meal programs for vulnerable individuals in the community and runs a social enterprise and Hub model. With this grant, the Foundation has the opportunity to help LMoW complete their Community Meeting Spaces and have two dedicated meeting rooms named in recognition of the Foundation. The grant will also enable strategic planning support at a time of rapid growth for the organization, guiding the next phase of their development and ensuring long-term sustainability. At this important stage of LMoW’s strategic growth and development, Management intentionally recommends a higher-than-usual grant to support this long-time trusted partner, in whom our investment has been very successful.  

 Surrey – North Delta Meals on Wheels, Surrey and North Delta, $15,000

Prepares and delivers nutritious meals to anyone who, by reason of age, physical or mental handicap or illness, cannot prepare adequate meals for themselves. The grant will support the Peace of Mind project, serving seniors, disabled, homebound and health-compromised individuals by providing mileage for volunteers. The program allows these residents to stay safe and healthy in their own homes for longer, providing them with proper nutrition as well as visits to help prevent isolation and loneliness. The program serves 90-120 people a year, helping reduce strain on the local medical and emergency services.  

Abbotsford Hospice and Grief Society, Abbotsford, $20,000

The grant will fund the 30-hour in-person Teen Grief Peer Support Training Program for Grades 11 and 12 students in the community, giving youth a basic introduction to grief and loss, practical hands-on skills, knowledge and strategies to provide peer bereavement support to other children and teens. The goal of the program is to give participants confidence, skills and knowledge, as well as provide a supportive learning environment regarding issues of death, grief and loss. The group runs three times a year and directly and positively impacts around 75 teens each year. 

Cythera Transition House Society, Maple Ridge, $25,000

Cythera Transition House Society provides support services, including counselling, outreach, advocacy and a 24/7 transition house to individuals who have experienced gender-based violence. The grant will help to sustain and expand no-cost trauma–informed counselling services for women and children impacted by domestic violence. In 2024, Cythera responded to 910 crisis calls, provided emergency shelter to 58 women and 42 children and provided support services to 544 women and children in their community.  

Heron Hospice Society, Delta, $20,000

Heron Hospice Society provides compassionate care and support to people with life limiting illnesses and their families, and supports individuals who are grieving the loss of a loved one. This grant will support the continued delivery of free grief counselling and community-based wellness programs. Grant funds will also help expand outreach and access in North Delta, and develop culturally responsive resources that reduce barriers to care. The Society supported approximately 2,400 individuals across Delta in the past year, helping ensure residents access timely, compassionate mental-health and grief support at no cost. 

Langley Senior Resource Society, Langley, $20,000

The Langley Senior Resource Society helps adults over 50 live active, connected and fulfilling lives, reaching 9,300 seniors and their families in 2024. They provide day programs, outreach services and recreation programs for vulnerable individuals in the community. This grant will support the operational costs of the Society’s catering business, helping grow and sustain this social enterprise, which in turn helps execute their strategic priorities and sustainably expand their operations. 

National Family Support and Restoration Society – Cherub’s Inn, Mission, $25,000

Provides a safe place and loving start for mothers, infants, children and families through holistic care and practical resources. The grant will fund the Maternity House program, a trauma-informed residential program offering up to two years of safe housing, emotional and spiritual care, parenting and life skills development and coordinated maternal-child health support for young pregnant women and new mothers. Funds will go toward operational costs, comprehensive care packages for mothers and transition-to-independence support, supporting approximately 10 individuals each year with intensive and long-term support. 

Sources Foundry, Surrey, $25,000

Sources Foundry’s approach is multi-faceted and includes services designed to uplift the spirits and circumstances of people who are struggling to get enough to eat, to put a roof over their heads, to cope with grief, loss and tragedy, and to overcome mental, physical, and addiction challenges. The grant will support the opening of the new Foundry South Surrey White Rock, scheduled for September 2027. The new centre will provide mental health support services to youth in the community, implementing the Foundry’s leading BC health and social service model.  

Spinal Cord Injury BC (Canadian Paraplegic Association), Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley, $7,500

Supports people living with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and related disabilities, along with their families, throughout BC. This funding will support their two core programs – Peer Support Services and Information Services – which provide resources and support across Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley Region, including direct one-on-one peer support, hosting support groups, adaptive activities and community events and providing solutions to navigate daily life with SCI. The program also provides capacity building for local healthcare providers, providing peer-based knowledge, resources and lived experience. In 2024-25, SCI BC supported 2,957 members, including more than 525 peers in the Fraser Valley Region.  

Stigma Free Mental Health Society, Kitimat, $25,000

Offers educational tools and training that foster awareness of mental health stigma, providing pathways to understanding and acceptance for diverse Canadian populations from schools to rural communities. The grant will support the “Rural Minds Matter” initiative, hosting online events to reach 3,000+ residents across the Kitimat-Stikine district, delivering virtual capacity-building training for 10 local Peer Supporters, establishing two virtual Peer Support Groups and enhancing project management capabilities. 

Take a Hike, North Delta, $25,000

Empowering vulnerable youth to believe in their potential and achieve success, Take a Hike supports youth with full-time mental health clinical counselling and well-being programs integrated into their school curriculum. Also included are outdoor wilderness trips and community engagement activities. Following completion of high school, an impressive 97% of youth plan to attend post-secondary education and 76% reported improved mental health and overall life satisfaction. After a multi-year grant that ended in 2025, this grant will help complete our investment in this organization, helping them navigate a financially challenging year.  

The No Society, Fraser Valley, $12,000

The No Society helps survivors of sexual violence find healing and justice, providing immediate trauma-informed crisis response, sustained emotional support and practical assistance that promotes safety, stabilization and long-term healing and well-being. The grant would expand the capacity of the organization to support 12 additional survivors of violence.  

Seniors Services Society, New Westminster, $25,000

Connects adults 60+ with individual support and housing navigation services to enhance their quality of life and well-being. This grant will go toward the SHINE program to prevent homelessness for vulnerable seniors, covering one-time costs such as emergency financial aid and allowing them to move into stable, affordable rental housing. The program supports approximately 232 seniors per month in New Westminster, with emergency financial assistance provided to around 180 seniors a year. 

Volunteers Cancer Drivers Society, Surrey, $25,000

Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society provides free transportation to cancer patients who lack the means to travel independently, do not have access to public transportation, or lack support from family and friends. Since its founding in 2016, over 219,000 patient trips have been provided. The grant will fund complimentary trips to and from cancer treatment for patients who need assistance accessing their essential treatments. In 2026, they project that they will provide 46,257 trips for 2,663 cancer patients in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. 

Junior Achievement of BC, Fraser Valley, $25,000

JABC inspires and prepares young people to succeed in the global economy. They deliver hands-on, immersive learning experiences focused on leadership, tech, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and decision-making skills. They have found that JABC alumni are three times less likely to spend more than they earn, earn 50% more on average than non-alumni and are 50% more likely to start a business. This grant will be used to expand their reach to underserved youth across B.C., delivering high-impact programs focused on financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Annually, JABC serves 86,000 youth across B.C. and partners with schools and community-based organizations, including YMCA and Take a Hike. 

Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, Vancouver, $5,000

The grant would support Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers’ “See Something, Say Something” School Program, a joint initiative between Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, police and school districts across the Lower Mainland. It delivers hour-long workshops in classrooms or assemblies for students in Grades 8 and 10, educating them on anonymous reporting and the risks of criminal activity, gang involvement and substance use. The program is especially valuable for vulnerable newcomers unfamiliar with Canadian laws or distrustful of authorities due to experiences in their home countries. This critical resource empowers youth to speak up without fear. The program targets Grades 8 and 10 because age 15 is a common entry point for gang recruitment and a time of heightened risk of being exploited for illegal activity. 

SOAR GRANTS

Our commitment to equity deserving organizations.

Abbotsford Association of Healthy Aging, Abbotsford, $25,000

The Association initiates and facilitates programming that promotes awareness regarding healthy aging and reduces isolation of at-risk populations. The funding will be used to continue the Seniors Social Cafes program, which promotes the mental health and well-being of seniors through socialization and interaction, including craft sessions, social gatherings, group activities and educational talks. It includes weekly programming for the South Asian community, providing culturally appropriate activities, topics of interest and foods. 

Moving Forwards Family Services, Surrey, $25,000

Moving Forward is a non-profit charity organization that offers free short-term and affordable long-term counselling options to folks across British Columbia. The grant would go toward operational and program costs to support low-income individuals accessing counselling who would otherwise not be able to afford private therapy. In 2025, Moving Forwards provided over 22,000 counselling sessions; 15,000 sessions were offered at no cost. For paid sessions, the average fee ranged from $5 to $7 per session. 

LDS – Learn, Develop, Succeed (Learning Disabilities Society of Greater Vancouver), Vancouver, $25,000

Delivers specialized educational support to individuals with learning and brain-based challenges such as dyslexia, ADHD and autism. The grant will cover the costs for 15 workshops across Envision-served communities, engaging more than 15,000 participants and equipping educators, employers and community professionals with knowledge and tools to support neurodivergent individuals in educational, workplace and community settings. The organization is expanding with consistent year-over-year growth, and in 2025, they directly served 1,012 students and reached an additional 16,211 people through workshops, events and community outreach. 

Lower Mainland Down Syndrome Society, Surrey, $15,000 (Capacity Grant)

The Lower Mainland Down Syndrome Society (LMDSS) exists to ensure that individuals with Down syndrome living across the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley, including those with co-occurring diagnoses such as autism, and their families have equitable access to information, resources, education and community supports that enable full participation in society. This grant will be used to strengthen internal infrastructure through the completion of strategic planning, strengthening internal operations and systems, modernizing their website and digital access, as well as providing targeted training to staff, Board and volunteers. 

Thrive Youth Development Canada, Surrey, $20,000

Thrive Youth Development Canada empowers underserved youth through leadership skill-building and arts-based programming designed to drive educational success and future-readiness. They currently serve 3,200 children and youth annually across the country and aim to expand their reach to 14,000 over the next five years. They provide critical interventions for youth facing systemic barriers, fostering the resilience needed for consistent school engagement. The grant will be used to stabilize and scale the organization’s work in Surrey, funding the delivery of 10 program cohorts during the 2026–27 school year and directly impacting 250 equity-deserving youth through their programs “Learn Create Explore,” aimed at youth ages 9–13, and “Built to Change,” aimed at youth ages 11–14. These programs seek to strengthen the “Graduation Pipeline” for youth impacted by poverty, many of whom are from newcomer, immigrant and lone-parent households. 

Vancouver Association for the Survivors of Torture (VAST), Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey, $25,000

The Vancouver Association for the Survivors of Torture (VAST) is the primary organization offering mental health services to newcomers who have arrived in BC with psychological trauma resulting from torture, political violence and persecution. They facilitate the healing process for over 2,000 survivors of war and torture each year, and their families, by providing accessible and culturally appropriate individual and group counselling and psycho-legal documentation. The grant will be used to sustain core community-based activities, including Community Kitchen gatherings that provide nutritious meals and reduce food insecurity, Connection Circles that foster peer support, social connection and emotional well-being, outdoor wellness activities that promote grounding, movement and stress reduction, and essential program costs, including staffing, interpretation, transportation assistance, food and materials. 

MULTI-YEAR GRANTS

Ongoing multi-year commitments, entered into in 2025 and concluding in 2027.

Human Nature Counselling Society, Victoria, $15,000 (SOAR grant)

The grant will support the promotion and enhancement of positive mental health outcomes among vulnerable Indigenous and non-Indigenous students struggling with social isolation. The Guam Guam Specums program is a unique program in partnership with School District 61, supporting mostly Indigenous students’ social and emotional well-being and engagement in the school environment. 

Cowichan Valley Youth Services, Duncan, $15,000 (SOAR grant)

Dedicated to providing counselling services and various mental health focused programs for youth and their parents/caregivers, to fill an existing service gap, CVYS will introduce the evidence–based “Connect Attachment Program” to the region. 

New Multiyear commitments entered into in 2026 and concluding in 2028.

BC Black History Awareness Society, Victoria, $15,000 (SOAR grant)

The British Columbia Black History Awareness Society preserves and shares Black history and culture while fostering belonging and equity in communities across Vancouver Island. This grant will support culturally affirming, multi-age programming at the newly opened Black & Here Community Centre, including early years activities, youth arts programming, and community gatherings. 

CAPACITY GRANTS

Restricted grants to grow knowledge and organizational opportunity.

Greater Victoria Citizen’s Counselling Centre, Victoria, $15,000

This grant will sustain the Citizens’ annual counselling training program, which trains 18 volunteers in the community to provide low-cost counselling to individuals who otherwise would face financial or social barriers to accessing these services. The training program results in trainees contributing 250 hours of counselling each, which represents thousands of hours of accessible mental health care for the community each year.  

Oaklands Community Association, Victoria, $15,000

The Oaklands Community Association provides programming, services and resources to its residents, businesses and visitors. The grant will enable leadership and staff participation in the Tools for Equity program offered by the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria, supporting organizations to embed approaches to anti-racism, equity and inclusion. This will enable the organization to better serve the growing needs of a diverse community. 

Social Impact Measurement Bursary, $3,675

These funds will be used to cover the costs for one organization serving the Island Savings region to take Impact Toolbox’s Social Impact Measurement course. This is a new capacity-building partnership that will help strengthen our charitable partners’ ability to understand, measure and report on the impact of their programs, increasing their communications, fundraising and programming capabilities.

IMPACT GRANTS

Impact Grants are unrestricted grants to support an organization’s greatest need.

FED Urban Agriculture, Victoria, $12,000

Creates community–based food systems projects that advance equitable access to local food and regenerative growing practices across the Capital Regional District. This grant will support the Community Harvest Program by expanding community engagement, volunteer coordination, and hands–on food–growing education that helps residents build long–term food security skills. 

Growing Young Farmers, Victoria, $15,000

Provides hands–on food literacy and agricultural education for youth and new–entrant farmers through experiential learning at the Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture. This grant will support delivery of the Growing Young Farmers Program by covering core operational and staffing costs that enable youth field trips, farmer mentorship, and the production and distribution of locally grown food. 

Nanaimo Community Kitchen, Nanaimo, $15,000

Promotes food security by delivering accessible cooking and food–skills programs that build confidence, connection, and well-being across the Nanaimo region. This grant will support the launch of Nourishing Futures, a youth–focused cooking and pre–employment program that develops practical food, farming, and workplace skills while strengthening pathways into the local food system. 

Crisis Intervention and Public Information Society of Greater Victoria, Greater Victoria, $10,000

Dedicated to preventing suicide by providing accessible emotional support and evidence–informed mental health education for children, youth, and the broader community across South Vancouver Island. This grant will support NEED2’s Youth Suicide Prevention Program, delivering school–based workshops that build mental health literacy, reduce stigma, and strengthen early intervention skills among youth ages 9–18. 

Family Services of Greater Victoria, Greater Victoria, $15,000

Works to strengthen community well-being by providing accessible, inclusive counselling and parenting support services for children, youth, adults and families in Greater Victoria. This grant will support the delivery and continuity of low–cost counselling services by stabilizing staffing and core operations, ensuring equitable access to mental health care during a period of workforce transition. 

Nanaimo Brain Injury, Nanaimo, $15,000

Supports individuals and families affected by acquired brain injury by providing low–barrier navigation, case management, and peer support services across the Nanaimo Regional District. This grant will strengthen fund development capacity to sustain these essential supports, helping ensure continuity of care and equitable access as demand for brain injury services continues to grow. 

Parkinson Wellness Project, Victoria, $15,000

Delivers and sustains free, evidence–based wellness programs for people living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. Funding will cover core program delivery and operational costs, including Parkinson’s–specific fitness classes, counselling, peer support, qualified staff and accessible in–person and virtual options, while enabling program growth to meet rising demand. This investment removes financial barriers for participants facing significant Parkinson’s–related expenses and strengthens health, well–being and community connection across PWP’s programs. 

Take a Hike Foundation, Nanaimo, $10,000

Empowering vulnerable youth to believe in their potential and achieve success, Take a Hike supports youth with full-time mental health clinical counselling and well-being programs integrated into their school curriculum. After a multi-year grant that ended in 2025, this grant will help complete our investment in this organization, helping it navigate a financially challenging year. 

The Circle Salt Spring Education Society, Salt Spring, $15,000

Delivers evidence–based programs that strengthen social–emotional learning, promote healthy relationships, and prevent violence among children and youth in island communities. This grant will support the Pass It On Boys program, providing free, school–year mentorship and mental health–focused programming that builds resilience, challenges harmful masculinity norms, and fosters positive community connections for adolescent boys. Includes 28 weekly workshop sessions and represents 70 hours of free mental health programming. 

The Men’s Centre, Nanaimo, $15,000

Accompanies men in navigating mental health, crisis, and life challenges through accessible counselling, peer support, and employment–readiness services across Central Vancouver Island. This grant will strengthen organizational capacity by sustaining core counselling, crisis intervention, support groups and the Boots to Suits employment–readiness program, ensuring low–barrier access for men experiencing financial and social instability. 

Saanich Neighbourhood Place, Greater Victoria, $12,000

Delivers caring, community–based programs that strengthen connections and support families across Greater Victoria. This grant will support specialized parenting programs for incarcerated fathers and fathers in residential recovery, providing essential education that helps strengthen family relationships and improve outcomes for children. One hundred fathers have accessed the program in the past two years. 

SOAR GRANTS

Our commitment to equity deserving organizations.

Victoria Disability Resource Centre, Victoria, $15,000 (capacity grant)

The Centre supports independent living for persons with disabilities and their integration within their communities. The grant will go toward ongoing program delivery costs as well as training for volunteers and will enable expansion of volunteer placements. 

Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society, Victoria, $15,000

Helps immigrants and refugees overcome settlement barriers and participate fully in community life across Greater Victoria. This grant will support the Digital Literacy Program for IBIPOC seniors, providing culturally responsive training that builds digital skills, reduces social isolation, and improves access to online services and community supports. 

MULTI-YEAR GRANTS

The following is a multi-year commitment entered into in 2025 and concluding in 2027.

Haugen Community Healthcare Society, Armstrong, Impact grant

Operating in Armstrong since 2009, the Society works in collaboration with community to increase access and to retain physicians and integrated health services for residents. Funding will help support the rental costs for one year (60% of total cost required has been secured). 

New Multiyear commitments entered into in 2026 and concluding in 2028.

Trinity Legacy Foundation (Helen’s Acres), Kelowna, Vernon, Armstrong, $15,000

Helen’s Acres Community Farm is dedicated to making a difference in the Central Okanagan by providing those facing food insecurity with the freshest produce available. The multi-year capacity grant will cover costs to hire an additional staff member to increase their capacity and meet rising community demand.  

Impact Toolbox, Kamloops, $20,00 (SOAR grant)

Impact Toolbox is a Black-led registered charity that co-creates capacity-building programs that equip communities with the knowledge, resources, and mentorship to turn ideas into sustainable pathways toward shared wealth. Impact Toolbox will use the grant to deliver workshops designed to enhance the organizational capacity and long-term sustainability of 150 to 200 changemakers and social-purpose organizations in the Okanagan region. 

CAPACITY GRANTS

Restricted grants to grow knowledge and organizational opportunity.

Launch Financial Education Society (Launch Okanagan), Kelowna, Vernon & Penticton, $15,000

The Society works with individuals and families to improve their financial confidence, knowledge, and skills, empowering them to see hope and possibility for their future. The capacity grant will support Launch Okanagan’s sustainable expansion of services in the South Okanagan, with a focus on Penticton, strengthening internal capacity through staff training, mentoring, and relationship building, ensuring high quality, trauma informed delivery of financial education, one–on–one coaching, and tax filing support while responding effectively to growing community demand. 

Upper Room Mission Society, Vernon, $15,000

The Upper Room Mission works to care for and improve the lives of people living in poverty, homelessness or addiction in the community by providing a place of belonging and hope. The grant will be used to update and enhance their existing Client Management System to include a robust case management tool set.  

The Penticton and Area Access Center, Penticton, $15,000

Helps people navigate the social system, breaking down systemic barriers in accessing support and services in the community. The grant will support capacity-building through improvement of monitoring and evaluation tools to better measure program outcomes and community impact, identify training needs for staff and gather clear impact data and client stories – ultimately resulting in enhanced organizational sustainability.  

IMPACT GRANTS

Impact Grants are unrestricted grants to support an organization’s greatest need.

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kelowna & District, Kelowna, $20,000

CMHA Kelowna creates opportunities and connections for people of all ages to understand and nurture their mental health and well-being through the creation of innovative programs and support across the entire Valley First region. CMHA Kelowna provides dedicated outreach and housing services to Kelowna’s unhoused population. They provide virtual counselling and have started providing in-person counselling. 

Desert Valley Hospice Society, Keremeos, Oliver and Osoyoos, $6,500

The Society supports excellence in the delivery of Hospice Palliative Care and End of Life Services. This Grant will be used to support an Art Therapy program for individuals and families who are grieving or receiving hospice and palliative care. It will cover facilitator costs, art supplies, and program delivery. Art Therapy provides emotional support, offering a safe, creative way to express feelings, reduce stress and enhance quality of life.  

Elevation Outdoors Experiential Programs Association, Kelowna, $6,500

Elevation Outdoors offers specially designed outdoor sports programs, personal mentorship and life skills coaching to local vulnerable youth who face barriers to participation. The grant will help stabilize and sustain the Association’s recently expanded therapeutic recreation programs that support youth mental health through year‑round, outdoor, evidence‑based activities, supporting increased access for BIPOC and underserved youth and the delivery of over 115 days of programming annually to approximately 100 youth. 

Take a Hike Foundation, Valley First Region, $10,000

Empowering vulnerable youth to believe in their potential and achieve success, Take a Hike supports youth with full-time mental health clinical counselling and well-being programs integrated into their school curriculum. Also included are outdoor wilderness trips and community engagement activities. Following completion of high school, an impressive 97% of youth plan to attend post-secondary education and 76% reported improved mental health and overall life satisfaction. In Vernon, 100% of grade 12 students graduated, with one student returning to ‘mainstream’ classrooms for their grade 12 year. After a multi-year grant that ended in 2025, this grant will help complete our investment in this organization, helping them navigate a financially challenging year.   

Third Space Charity Society, Kelowna and Vernon, $20,000

The Pay-What-You-Can Counselling for Youth program provides accessible barrier free mental health services to youth 18-29 in the Central Okanagan region. This year, the program is projected to serve over 400 young adults with more than 2,600 sessions. An additional component to the program is Third Space Charity’s practicum program which supports graduate-level counselling interns who deliver the services under best-practice clinical supervision. The intern program will see an increase of 17% in student counselling services.  

Allan Brooks Nature Centre, Vernon, $20,000

The Allan Brooks Nature Centre is committed to promoting the enjoyment of nature and increasing awareness of habitat conservation through environmental education and nature-related activities in the Okanagan region. The Allan Brooks Nature Centre (ABNC) seeks to use this grant to strengthen its curriculum-aligned environmental education programs, enhancing hands-on learning opportunities for students from preschool through Grade 7. Funding will expand the reach and frequency of both on-site field trips and Nature in the Classroom outreach sessions, ensuring more children across the region can experience meaningful, sustainability-focused learning. 

BeaYoutiful Foundation, $20,000, Multi-region: Kamloops, Kelowna and Surrey

The purpose of the Beayoutiful Foundation is to advance the health and education of female and non-binary children and youth by funding, facilitating and carrying out educational programs and workshops aimed at promoting healthy body image, mental health, self-esteem, and building resilience, critical thinking skills and leadership skills. Funding will directly support the delivery and growth of a Six-Week Confidence Program and Workshop Series. 

Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD), Kelowna, $5,000

Youth are disproportionally affected by impaired driving—in 2021, young drivers aged 16-24 accounted for 23% of all impaired driving incidents in Canada. The School Assembly Program keeps kids safe, empowering youth in grades 7-12 with a presentation that vividly illustrates the consequences of impaired driving. In 2024, MADD presented School Assembly Presentations to five schools in the Valley First region. 

WITS Programs Foundation (multi-region), Valley First Region, $10,000

WITS Programs Foundation’s (WPF) mission is to empower children and youth to cultivate healthy relationships through community-based educational initiatives. The WPF vision is for all children and youth to be living, learning, and playing in safe and caring communities. The grant will support the running of the WITS Virtual Anti-Bullying Program across 4 schools, reaching approximately 1,000 students. 

SOAR GRANTS

Our commitment to equity deserving organizations.

Autism Okanagan Association, Kelowna, $20,000

Autism Okanagan Association works to improve the quality of life for individuals and families living with autism or other neurodivergence by providing inclusive social and recreational programs. The grant will be used to launch and sustain new permanent programs in their newly secured Home for Belonging, expanding their programming by offering daytime and after-school support. Funding will support staffing, coordination and service delivery costs.  

Niteo Africa Society, Kelowna and Vernon, $14,000

Niteo supports children to develop the literacy skills needed to build bright & hopeful futures through fun educational camps focused on daily STEM and DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) activities. The grant will support with operating and administration expenses and provide scholarships to children facing financial barriers to access the program.  

Kamloops Sexual Assault, Kamloops, $15,000

Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre’s (KSACC) mission is to provide support to survivors of gender-based violence while working toward a world without violence. This grant will be used to provide immediate, one-on-one support to survivors of sexualized and/or intimate partner violence who are seeking counselling. This program will offer survivors 6 one-on-one sessions with a support worker.  

Vernon & District Immigrant and Community Services, Vernon, $20,000

Provides essential guidance and support to newcomers and their families as they adapt to Canadian life. The organization also enhances mental health outcomes by offering counselling services in newcomers’ native languages, particularly for those who have experienced trauma and violence, such as refugees coming from conflict-affected areas. 

Project Literacy Central Okanagan, Central Okanagan, $20,000

The Adult Tutoring Program helps adult immigrants, refugees and new Canadians improve their literacy skills with the support of a volunteer tutor. The One-to-One Children’s reading program supports children in grades 1-4 who are struggling to read at their grade level. 

Coming Fall 2026

Coming Fall 2026

Coming Fall 2026

Multi-year grants

Grantees entered into a two or three-year commitment with First West Foundation in 2024 and 2023 respectively.

Enderby and District Community Resource Centre, Enderby, $19,871
The largest service delivery charity serving Enderby and area, funding supports operational costs of the Outreach/Referral Community Support Worker. This liaison role is fundamental to the wellbeing of residents as it provides direct support to families in the community offering intense parenting and life skills support, referrals, crisis intervention, and short-term counseling.

Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD), Enderby, $3,000
Youth are disproportionally affected by impaired driving—in 2021, young drivers aged 16-24 accounted for 23% of all impaired driving incidents in Canada. The School Assembly Program keeps kids safe, empowering youth in grades 7-12 with a presentation that vividly illustrates the consequences of impaired driving. The program is delivered to AL Fortune students.

IMPACT GRANTS

Unrestricted grants to support an organization’s greatest need.

A.L. Fortune Secondary School, Enderby, $15,000
Providing after school activities for their community, AL Fortune will run a minimum of three programs, engaging more than 40 students in each program. Student participation will focus on increasing attendance by Indigenous students (38% of the school population). AL Fortune serves 370 students in its small rural community.

Kingfisher Interpretive Centre, Enderby* $10,000,
Funding will enable the Society to continue offering free educational programs to all participants, removing financial barriers to attendance. Experienced staff deliver high-quality, hands-on environmental education. Through the tireless efforts of volunteers, Kingfisher Interpretive Centre raised 50,000 Chinook salmon and offered educational programming to thousands of school children and visitors in 2024.

Literacy Alliance of the Shuswap Society, Enderby, $15,000
According to the National Summer Learning Association (USA), every year students from low-income households lose two-to-three months of their learning during the summer months. To break the cycle of low literacy levels and help close the gap for students in the North Okanagan-Shuswap school district region, LASS operates a summer program for at-risk children. The Summer Slide Reading Program fosters continued learning and educational experiences throughout the summer for approximately 100 students. Each year LASS serves over 6,500 individuals.

Literacy Alliance of the Shuswap (LASS)** Enderby & area, $26,000
The First Nations Technology Council and LASS have joined to share their commitment to enhancing digital literacy, Internet accessibility, Online Safety, and inclusion for Indigenous communities across BC. This partnership with Rise Up Indigenous ensures culturally relevant programming is developed and delivered in a meaningful way to Indigenous learners in the Shuswap.

Multi-year grants

Grantees entered into a two or three-year commitment with First West Foundation in 2023 or 2024, and all will conclude in 2025.

Delta Hospital and Community Foundation, Delta, $25,000
Building a state-of-the-art long-term care community, this new facility will replace the dated, 92 bed extended care residence at Delta Hospital built in 1977. A new 200 bed community will provide single rooms in homes and neighbourhoods with 12-13 residents in each home unit. A living room, dining room, den and kitchen space in each home unit will offer improved safety, privacy and greatly improve resident’s quality of life.

EmotionsBC Health and Wellness Society, Surrey, $25,000
The Essential Skills Program empowers individuals to navigate their mental health challenges. In 2024, EmotionsBC hosted 168 support skill sessions with 1,735 program participants, impacting 4,338 people through family relationships, and reaching people in 29 communities across B.C. The grant will help pay wages for a supervisor, coordinator and facilitator and includes program operating expenses, and volunteer support.

Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, Envision Financial region, $5,000
Youth are disproportionally affected by impaired driving—in 2021, young drivers aged 16-24 accounted for 23% of all impaired driving incidents in Canada. The School Assembly Program keeps kids safe, empowering youth in grades 7-12 with a presentation that vividly illustrates the consequences of impaired driving. In 2023-2024, this program delivered 12 presentations across the Envision Financial region, reaching more than 9,500 students.

Take a Hike Youth Foundation, North Delta, $25,000
Empowering vulnerable youth to believe in their potential and achieve success, Take a Hike supports youth with full-time mental health clinical counselling and well-being programs integrated into their school curriculum. Also included are outdoor wilderness trips and community engagement activities. Following completion of high school, an impressive 97% of youth plan to attend post-secondary education and 76% reported improved mental health and overall life satisfaction.

IMPACT GRANTS

Unrestricted grants to support an organization’s greatest need.

Abbotsford Youth Commission, Abbotsford, $25,000
The Youth Drop-In Centre offers a minimum of 27+ hours of direct service each week. In 2024, AYC welcomed 20,589 entrances to its programs. More than just a place to gather, AYC programs equip youth with the skills they need to care for themselves, build resilience, and work toward self-sufficiency. From leadership training to life skills workshops, youth are empowered to make healthy choices, develop confidence, and navigate life’s challenges. The grant will go directly toward youth worker wages and program supplies.

Association of Neighbourhood Houses Surrey/White Rock, $25,000
This funding, as part of a new larger disrupting racism project, will support the hiring of a Semiahmoo First Nation Cultural Liaison in partnership with Semiahmoo First Nation. The Cultural Liaison role will collaborate with internal teams and participate in programs, with a focus on deepening understanding of land-based learning and the Coast Salish worldview. Through these efforts, they aim to foster greater understanding by creating opportunities for people to come together, participate in learning experiences, and host Peace of the Circles to facilitate meaningful conversations about racism.

BC Agriculture in the Classroom, Abbotsford, $25,000
Classroom Growing Programs provide teachers K-12 the chance to make it easy to learn about agriculture. From “Spuds in Tubs” to “Common Ground: Strawberry Project with Indigenous Roots” as well as Harvest Bins, the program creates a positive learning environment to get growing. In 2024, the impact in agriculture and food education supported 396 classes, and 11,880 students in the Fraser Valley. BC Agriculture in the Classroom has partnered with Food Banks BC to deliver fresh, local produce to 1,477 schools, serving 8.5 million portions annually, generating $3-$10 in economic returns through increased lifetime earnings, job creation and healthcare savings.

BeMorr Society Mental Health and Suicide Awareness, Abbotsford, $25,000
The Mental Wellness Program supports enhancing access to counselling services, first aid training sessions, and peer support groups. BeMorr Society supported over 750 counselling sessions in 2024. Funding will reduce wait times, improve access to services, and expand partnerships with more contracted counsellors in additional communities. It will also support program administration, marketing, and awareness efforts.

Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, Provincial, $25,000
Project funding supports the development of a sustainable, equitable mental health and suicide prevention system across the province, benefiting all British Columbians. Marginalized groups—including Indigenous Peoples, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities—face greater challenges accessing care. This initiative will improve access to culturally appropriate support. In 2024, their self-care and wellness programs reach over 8,000 BC youth.

Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver, Delta and Surrey $25,000
The Elizabeth Fry Society supports vulnerable and marginalized women, children and families through housing, advocacy and wraparound services. Funding will support and expand the Reach Home program in Delta and Surrey. An increase in staff capacity will better address the complex and urgent needs, including homelessness, mental health resources and employment supports. In 2024, Elizabeth Fry supported 15,693 individuals, including 2,418 children.

Feels like Home Newcomers Society, Surrey, $25,000
Programs are dedicated to supporting newcomer refugee families as they rebuild their lives in Canada. Through the Foundations Language and Life Skills Program (with tandem early years support for parents), and additional programs including community outreach, parenting sessions, community orientation, and afterschool programming, participants are offered no-cost, holistic, wraparound services that meet both immediate and long-term needs. In 2024, FLH welcomed 249 refugee newcomers, held 235 hours of language classes, delivered 576 boxes of groceries and rescued 36,171 pounds of food.

Food for the Soul Project Society, Maple Ridge, Abbotsford, $25,000
Dedicated to supporting individuals in recovery from addiction and mental health challenges through a comprehensive approach, this grant will increase support with food deliveries, assisting clients to important medical appointments, and providing workshops on financial literacy, mental health, and healthy living. Over 200 individuals receive support through the existing housing project and outpatient treatment program.

Fraser Region Community Justice Initiatives, Langley, $20,000
CJI’s Restorative Action Program serves both students and staff across the Langley School District equipping them with effective conflict resolution skills. Fostering a restorative atmosphere, schools are becoming healthier and more productive places which benefits the whole community. Students develop strong self-esteem as they learn and grow without fear, take responsibility for their actions, and mature into responsible adults with a strong sense of values. In 2024, CJI’s Action Plan supported 1,600 students in the Langley School District.

HeadsUp Guys, Envision Financial region, $25,000
HeadsUpGuys supports men’s mental health in a positive, inclusive, and mutually supportive way with and for people of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation. An online resource, the grant will support the ongoing maintenance and further development of the HeadsUpGuys Therapist Directory, the world’s only therapist directory focused specifically on supporting the mental health care of men. In 2024, a total of 4,350 users in Envision Financial communities accessed the directory with 5,782 connections facilitated to HeadsUpGuys and therapists, thus emphasizing its unique role as a conduit for men to access life-saving professional help.

Heron Hospice Society, Delta, $20,000
A provider of compassionate care and support to people with life-limiting illness and their families, the Society seeks to expand and strengthen community education efforts surrounding grief and bereavement. Serving approximately 2,450 individuals each year, the grant will be used to develop comprehensive educational sessions on death and loss, facilitate targeted support groups, and create accessible informational materials in both paper and digital formats.

Kitimat General Hospital Foundation, Kitimat, $25,000
CT Scanner for Kitimat General Hospital.

L.I.N.C. (Long-term Inmates Now in the Community), Mission, $25,000
Emma’s Acres is a thriving sustainable agriculture system supporting local food security in the District of Mission. Proceeds from the farm are sold at farmers’ markets in Mission, to local non-profits, stores and restaurants as well as being donated to local food programs and the food bank. LINC uses the principles of transformative justice, equity, community and diversity to assist offenders who are accountable for their actions, to safely reintegrate back into society after years of being inside prison. LINC gives individuals opportunities to give back to the community whereby prisoners travel to the farm on various forms of conditional release. Incarcerated participants receive employable skills, community, an opportunity to provide community service and receive hands-on learning experiences. Approximately 1,500 people are impacted by LINC every year.

Langley Meals on Wheels, Aldergrove, $25,000
Continuing its support of Langley Meals on Wheel’s (LMOW) meals programs, social enterprise and Hub model, these funds will help LMOW expand their freezer capacity and provide infrastructure needs for their new demonstration kitchen. These investments enable an increase in food programming to meet the ongoing need in the community. In 2024, LMOW delivered 65,570 hot meals to 2,763 individuals, and realized an increase of 372 new clients over the previous year.

LIFE Recovery Association, Abbotsford $25,000 
Life Recovery Association empowers women to break free from addiction through a comprehensive support system that includes dedicated staff, volunteers, a physician, and connections to community resources such as AA and NA meetings. Their holistic approach focuses on emotional, physical, social, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, guiding clients to understand and address the underlying causes of addiction. Deeply committed to supporting each woman on her journey to recovery, Life Recovery Association has assisted more than 2,000 women to-date.

M2/W2, Abbotsford, $25,000
No One Leaves Alone Program (NOLA) delivers vital post-prison support, helping individuals transition successfully by linking them with essential resources and fostering meaningful relationships. Acting as a bridge between incarceration and reintegration, NOLA guides participants through five key areas: housing, health, employment, education, and relationships. To date, 107 people have received guidance from 70 prison mentors through the Prison Mentorship program. Through the NOLA program, 62 individuals have secured stable housing, found employment, and reconnected with their families.

Mackie’s Place Youth Social House, Surrey, $50,000
Mackie’s Pie Club, an initiative connected to Mackie’s Place, aims to create meaningful job opportunities for vulnerable youth by providing them with practical employment skills, boosting their confidence, and offering supportive mentorship in an authentic culinary setting. Through the Pie Kitchen, participants gain direct baking experience, develop customer service skills, and learn about operating within a social enterprise, helping them acquire both technical know

Mission Community Services – Dunsmuir Neighbourhood Association, Mission, $25,000 
This grant will support the development of the recently established multicultural community garden, offering an inclusive environment for gardeners of all ages and skill levels throughout the Fraser Valley. The initiative emphasizes education, accessibility, and community engagement, and is undertaken in collaboration with partners including the City of Mission and its Wellness Strategy.  In 2024, the growing season cultivated enough produce to support 150 community members throughout the seasons and contribute surplus harvests to the Mission Community Services Society’s food pantry.

Mission Literacy in Motion, Mission $3,000
More than 1,000 persons benefit annually from the literacy programs delivered to children and adults. The Science of Reading program will be expanded helping children build foundational literacy skills, improve reading levels and provide adults with literacy assistance and language support. Programs are delivered to Deroche Elementary School, and extend to Dewdney, Lake Errock, Leq’a:mel, and Sq’ewlets First Nations.

Nightshift Street Ministries, Surrey, $25,000
Nightshift’s programs include mobile nursing, counselling and outreach services, all operating 365 days a year. With over 400 active volunteers, their meal program serves over 47,000 meals annually in Surrey and Langley, with more than 9,000 visits in 2024 to the daily Welcome Centre Program for coffee, food and community. The Chillanthropy Kindness Cooler is essential to their food programs and will replace the existing outdated cooler.

Rick’s Heart Foundation, Fraser Valley, $20,000
The Heart for Music program equips seniors’ care homes with complete music therapy programs. Studies highlight the “benefits of providing music therapy and music-based care for nursing home residents…including measured changes in well-being like levels of enjoyment, mood and engagement in the residents…” (Ray, October 2018). In 2024, Rick’s Heart Foundation supported 45 care homes, with 13,000 seniors impacted by 26,000 hours of outdoor music therapy. The grant will enable a permanent installation of outdoor therapy programs at three centres, impacting more than 300 seniors.

Ridge Meadows Child Development Centre, Maple Ridge, $15,000
Providing no-cost, publicly funded early intervention services to children, youth, and families in Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and the Katzie First Nation community, RMCDC seeks to increase accessibility to its programs through reduced wait times and the increase of hours for their part-time administrative staff. RMCDC serves over 1,000 children and their families each year.

Spinal Cord Injury of BC, Provincial, $5,000
There are approximately 12,000 individuals in B.C. who are living with an SCI with 500 new injuries seen each year. SCI-BC’s peer support programs help individuals return to daily routines, participate in activities or hobbies that they might not have tried since their injury, and become active members of their communities again. Each year, approximately 2,900 peers (people living with SCI or related physical disabilities), plus family members and friends participate in peer support programs and associated events and activities in Envision Financial communities: Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Delta, Langley and Surrey.

Surrey North Delta Meals on Wheels, North Delta, $15,000
This grant will support the volunteer mileage reimbursement program. In October 2025, 177 volunteers delivered 3,320 meals to 102 clients, traveling 3,820 kilometers; between January 1-October 31, 2025, a total of 39,865 kilometers have been logged. The reimbursement program ensures volunteers can serve clients with some recovery of gas and vehicle maintenance. Meals on Wheels programs are a key service designed to provide nutritious meals to seniors and individuals with low or limited mobility; volunteers also act as a vital resource for clients’ well-being and reduced isolation.

Union Gospel Mission, Langley, $25,000
Union Gospel Mission’s new Women’s Recovery Centre in Langley reiterates their commitment to offering a holistic approach fostering hope, acceptance and lasting change. In late 2023, UGM was approached by Wagner Hills Farms, a peer organization in the Fraser Valley, to consider assuming responsibility of their 12-bed women’s recovery facility. Women can reside in the facility for up to 12 months. Wagner Hills has stewarded a 57-acre property and supported women in recovery with care for over a decade. This grant will enable UGM to walk alongside women to help them break cycles of trauma and addiction and rebuild their lives and families.

Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society, Surrey, $25,000
Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society provides free transportation to cancer patients who lack the means to travel independently, do not have access to public transportation or support from family and friends. Volunteer drivers utilize their own vehicles; thus, the grant will support a reimbursement allowance for the volunteers helping to keep volunteer drivers on the road. In 2025, VCD aims to provide 43,000 patient trips to and from treatment centers across our region. Since its founding (2016), 197,395 patient trips have been provided.

Wagner Hills Farm Society, Langley, $25,000
A unique men’s, one-year recovery program on a 45-acre working farm, Wagner Hills encompasses a multi-pronged approach, the practical work of maintaining a thriving farm is used to develop skills, encourage teamwork and create purpose. Residents are empowered in recovery to make life sustaining decisions through established programs focused on counseling and nutrition. The Market at Wagner Hills sells artisan products created onsite by residents and volunteers. The Market is a not-for-profit entity, designed to equip Wagner Hills’ residents with life and workplace skills.

CAPACITY GRANTS

Restricted grants to grow knowledge and organizational opportunity.

Autism Support Network Society, Envision Financial region, $10,000
Funding will support and enable the Parent Education Coordinators to continue working with parents of autistic children. In 2024, almost 900 families received mentoring with one-to-one support (services are delivered in English, Punjabi, Mandarin and Farsi). Many of these families experience intersectional challenges related to race, ethnicity, family structure, and financial circumstances requiring access to accurate information and consistent support.

Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Education, Hope, $10,000
Hope Mountain Centre provides free programming to all school children from StrongStart to grade 6 in every school within SD78, serving approximately 24,000 individuals each year, with more than 100,000 persons indirectly benefiting from their work. The grant will support re-certification for staff and volunteers, ensuring safe delivery of programs. Recertification includes Wilderness First Responder, Remote First Aid, Leave No Trace Master Educator, chainsaw operation, Xwelítem Siyáya: Allyship and Reconciliation Building, and White-Water Rescue Technician courses.

Ishtar Women’s Resource Society, Langley, $15,000
Ishtar Women’s Resource Society has been at the forefront of providing comprehensive women and children fleeing violence since 1973. With two emergency transition houses and free counselling services for both women and children, to victim services and advocacy, Ishtar addresses the multifaceted needs of domestic violence survivors. Financial support will enable the creation of a strategic plan, developed in partnership with the Ishtar board of directors, employees at all levels, and with input from clients. This collaborative approach has the potential to galvanize action, strengthen team unity, and provide clear direction for our goals and initiatives. Engaging a strategic planning consultant will be essential to guide the team through the formulation of its 2026–2029 strategic plan.

Langley Animal Protection (LAPS), Langley, $10,000
Leadership development, board training, and fundraising education will strengthen the organization’s capacity to sustain and expand vital programs. By building a skilled and compassionate team, LAPS ensures they can continue to promote good health and well-being for both people and animals, fostering stronger, more connected communities. In 2024, LAPS partnered with 408 families, serving 858 animals in their shelter.

Langley Senior Resources Society, Langley $10,000
Advancing its new Strategic Plan, a facilitator will conduct three sessions with the Leadership Team and Board of Directors to create a comprehensive implementation plan, including tactics, success measurements, resources needed, and timelines to meet their established goals. The sessions will also help identify operational investments needed, improve collaboration and develop a scorecard to track progress against the plan. LSRS delivers programs to approximately 5,700 seniors each year.

Lumara Grief and Bereavement Care Society, Envision Financial region, $10,000
Developing a new website will include content development, building a new platform, developing accessibility compliance, donation functionality and interactive tools like a program finder and events calendar. More than 40% of the funding needed for this project has been secured. This grant will help support the fee of the web developer for the new site.

National Family Support and Restoration Society, Mission $10,000
Providing safe stable housing for mothers in crisis, known as Cherub’s Inn, NFSRS strives to create a supportive and safe atmosphere. In 2024, NFSRS opened its maternity house in Mission, serving 20-28 women and their children with comprehensive services (counselling, trauma informed care, and workforce training). A daycare centre which opened in 2022, provides childcare for women in residence and the wider community; the daycare contributes to the sustainability of the organization. Funding will support the creation of a strategic plan to develop clear and effective strategies to guide sustainable growth over the next three years positioning Cherub’s Inn for long-term success.

Step Forward Health Society, Delta, $10,000
A grassroots charity dedicated to removing financial barriers to mental health care in the Delta region, Step Forward Health Society’s sustainability will be enhanced and supported with a capacity grant focusing on fundraising knowledge and operational efficiency. In 2024, the Foundation’s impact grant of $25,000 funded two group programs over a duration of 20 weeks, with 20% of the grant supporting administrative costs. For every woman receiving counselling, at least three persons are impacted.

Surrey Cares Community Foundation, Surrey, $10,000
A vital philanthropic contributor in Surrey with annual funding to more than 300 charities over the past 30 years, this grant will help the Foundation hire an online content expert to review and update its website content to align with their Strategic Plan and Communication Strategy.

SOAR GRANTS

Our commitment to equity deserving organizations.

Big Sisters of the Lower Mainland, Surrey and Delta, B.C., $25,000
The Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds program is a school-based group mentoring initiative for individuals identifying as girls and gender-diverse youth in grades 4-7. Facilitated by trained mentors, sessions include group discussions and educational activities that encourage self-reflection and positive conversations about healthy living in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. Delivered throughout 2024, 41% and 22% of participants live in Surrey and Delta. Overall, in 2024, Big Sisters provided programs to 494 youth with 315 volunteers.

EmpowerED Support Society, Hope, $25,000
EmpowerED Support Society serves individuals and families across the community by making information, education, and support services accessible to all. Guided by principles of social justice and equity, the Society works together with partners, stakeholders, and the broader community to address the diverse needs present within our society. In 2024-2025 EmpowerED Support Society supported 269 clients between their four core programs addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals and families, providing tailored support that advocates for dignity and self-determination.

First Nations Emergency Service Society of BC, Envision Financial region, $10,000
FNESS supports BC First Nation in developing and sustaining safer, healthier, and thriving communities. Funding will facilitate the convening of 204 first nations bands and communities for an Emergency Management forum and tradeshow where FNESS and partners share educational and training opportunities on disaster risk reduction. Programs are delivered through four pillars of Emergency Management: Preparedness, Mitigation, Response and Recovery. Nations will learn from Emergency Management professionals and hear firsthand experiences from other nations.

Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation, Abbotsford, $25,000
Funding will support the launch of a pilot project, the Health Passport program for three Fraser Canyon First Nations communities. This project provides a user-friendly health record, available in print and on USB, to track clinical visits and medical history, with the goal of improving care coordination. In partnership with local organizations, the Foundation will distribute passports, assist families in their use, and collect data on outcomes.

Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association, Surrey, $15,000
FRAFCA, is the first point of contact for Indigenous people seeking services and support. Their approach and philosophy bridge the best of both Western and Traditional knowledge to provide a place of support, healing, and advocacy. FRAFCA offers Indigenous people a wide range of services and support including, a Youth Safe House, outreach support to vulnerable youth age 16-24, First Response Youth Addition Outreach Program, Aboriginal Homeless Prevention Program, and additional Elder Counselling services.

Leave Out Violence (LOVE) Society, Fraser Valley, $35,000
A youth-driven organization focused on violence prevention, skill-building and creative expression will expand its programs into Envision Financial communities including Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Delta, Langley, Mission, and Surrey. LOVE BC is deepening its youth programs, workshops and arts-based activities that provide safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for underserved youth to build social-emotional skills, enhance well-being, and fully engage with their education. Additionally, ensure program accessibility, including meals, materials, and staffing support will be funded.

MOSAIC, Fraser Valley, $25,000                                                                                                                                               
MOSAIC supports immigrants, refugees, newcomers, migrant workers, refugee claimants and people from diverse backgrounds of all ages at multiple locations throughout British Columbia. Experts in employment services for newcomers, a First West Foundation grant will help MOSAIC fill gaps in the following areas: Family and children’s services/programs; Employment Reskilling and Mentoring; Social and Civic Opportunities:  Pathways to Equity Program (SCOPE); and the Refugee and Migrant Workers Program.

Qmunity, Fraser Valley, $25,000                                                                                                                                              
QMUNITY provides a supportive haven for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies, with a profound commitment to enhancing lives through inclusivity, resilience, and personal growth. QMUNITY’s Counselling Program encompasses a range of options tailored to meet the varying needs of community members. From free counselling sessions led by practicum students to low-cost counselling provided by registered professionals, the program aims to ensure accessibility and affordability for all. The counselling program has a consistently long waitlist; additional funding will help reduce the wait time. Qmunity reported in 2023 14,000+ individuals received support through their programs.

Reach Child and Youth Development Society, Delta, $25,000
The Punjabi-speaking peer support group has grown in five years from four families to over 100. In 2025, REACH will expand the program to support more newcomer families with education on critical topics such as accessing funding, translation services, health care/mental health services, and provide online and in-person peer support networks. REACH serves approximately 1,300 individual families annually; and in most instances several family members are part of more than one program, and most are seen multiple times for services.

Seabird Island Band, Fraser Valley, $25,000,  
The funding will equip the Cultural Centre’s Kitchen, making it possible to run food skills programs throughout the year and improve access to nutritious, culturally significant foods. This initiative broadens the range of services available to families from Seabird Island and nearby Fraser Valley communities such as Chilliwack, Hope, and Mission. It also creates employment opportunities by offering training in food safety, basic catering, and event services, while enhancing collaborations with local organizations for referrals, joint workshops, and volunteer engagement. During 2024, 114 clients found jobs, 10 clients moved into training initiatives, 110 individuals were connected with potential employers, and 294 referrals were issued to various other services and programs.

SHER Vancouver, Delta, $10,000
A recent multi-year grantee, SHER Vancouver, through program design and delivery, supports queer South Asians and their families, friends and allies in our community. The grant will facilitate the development of a comprehensive volunteer training program which includes recruitment, orientation, training, engagement, and recognition. The Volunteer Program will support Sher Vancouver’s capacity to recruit a diverse volunteer base, provide essential training in various areas, and ensure volunteers have the ongoing support they need to succeed. SHER actively supports or serves more than 30,000 individuals each year through its varied programs.

Technology for Living, Envision Financial region, $25,000
TFL provides need-based assistive technology and innovative ideas that create or enhance social inclusion and belonging. Three signature programs help increase independence, the autonomy, and safety of people with physical disabilities: the Youth Assistive Technology (YAT) initiative, The Open-Door Program, and The Simon Cox Student Design Competition from Technology for Living (TFL). First launched as a pilot program, TFL is expanding YAT; the Open-Door Program uses technology to remove barriers and adapts entrances to rooms; and the Simon Cox Student Design Competition partners University students with a person with a disability to provide innovative solutions for everyday problems. In 2024, TFL served 1,959 individuals, including over 1,400 home visits.

The Centre for Epilepsy and Seizure Education in B.C., Abbotsford $9,680
Growing organizational capacity through education, volunteer engagement and fundraising, this grant will support these three key areas as identified in the Centre’s 2024 strategic planning process. The Centre will build its cultural competency to develop practical skills and tools to successfully collaborate with BC First Nations, as well as other Indigenous groups and communities. They will grow volunteer capacity with effective training programs and management systems; and enhance fundraising capacity with long-term plans and a case for support. In 2024, approximately 1,800 persons in B.C. accessed programming, with website resources attracting almost 10,000 visits monthly.

Thrive-4-Blacks Community Services Society, Surrey, $25,000
T4BSS creates free opportunities for Black kids and youth to learn, grow and thrive through youth leadership development, financial literacy workshops, and entrepreneurship and empowerment programs. Thrive-4-Blacks Community Services is ‘focused on advancing the education and empowerment of young people’ with support services and systems through tailored programs they help youth discover themselves and thrive in Canada.

UNITI, The Semiahmoo Foundation, $22,000
Community leaders supporting persons with development disabilities, UNITI’s WISE Ambassadors Club empowers people with disabilities to become workplace leaders, mentors, and advocates for inclusive employment. Members develop speaking skills, leadership abilities, and employment readiness tools that support long-term career growth.

Multi-year grants

Grantees entered into a two and three-year commitment with First West Foundation in 2024 and 2023 respectively and will conclude in 2025.

Salt Spring Island Farmland Trust (SSIFT), Salt Spring Island, $15,000
Grow Local Collective is an Island wide community food growing and sharing mobilization. Grow Local Collective supports growers to crop-plan, organize growing work parties, build native edible plant gardens, and glean leftover food from orchards throughout the growing season. In 2024, Salt Spring Island Farmland Trust unified an Island wide harvest to rescue and utilize over 15,000 pounds of local food.

Take a Hike Youth Foundation, Nanaimo, $10,000
Empowering vulnerable youth to believe in their potential and achieve success, Take a Hike supports youth with full-time mental health clinical counselling and well-being programs integrated into their school curriculum; also included are outdoor wilderness trips and community engagement activities. Following completion of high school, an impressive 97% of youth plan to attend post-secondary education and 76% reported improved mental health and overall life satisfaction.

IMPACT GRANTS

Unrestricted grants to support an organization’s greatest need.

1000 X 5 Children’s Book Recycling Project Society, Victoria, $15,000
Literacy changes lives, educationally, emotionally, economically, and health wise. 1000X5 serves children at risk in a year-round program providing literacy resources to families in need. Each month, 2,500-3,000 books are distributed to up to 1,000 children. 1000X5 partners with 27 local agencies, supporting more than 70 free programs designed to provide reading resources crucial to developing stronger relationships in local families.

Circular Farm and Food Society, Victoria, $15,000
The Regenerative Farmer Program is an incubator farm initiative designed to support new and young entrant farmers by providing access to essential resources, including land, infrastructure, tools, and mentorship. With six acres in production and eight farm businesses actively growing food on individual plots, farmers are unable to maximize production because of limited storage capacity. The grant will help install an 8’x12’ walk in cooler. In 2024, over 24,000 pounds of produce was stored in the existing 8′ x 10′ walk-in cooler (operating at full capacity); the installation of the new cooler will allow for an additional 10,000 pounds of fresh locally grown produce in year one to supply school meal programs and community organizations. Last year, 1,643 individuals visited, 576 were Kindergarten to Grade 12 students who participated in field trips facilitated through a partnership with the Growing Young Farmers Society.

Cowichan Valley Youth Services, Duncan, $15,000
Dedicated to providing counselling services and various mental health focused programs for youth and their parents/caregivers, in 2024 CVYS supported nearly 900 unique individuals (approximately 85% who are youth) through more than 12,000 counselling hours and various other group and service offerings. To fill an existing service gap, CVYS will introduce the evidence based “Connect Attachment Program” to the region. This program will provide approximately 24-45 parents/caregivers of teens with free access to a highly effective attachment-based parenting group to learn new strategies for relating to and communicating with their youth, managing behavioural challenges, and taking care of themselves in the process. The grant will support the staffing of the program, thus not adding pressure on current resources resulting in a positive impact on existing waitlists.

Crisis Intervention & Public Information Society NEED2, Victoria, $10,000
The Youth Suicide Prevention project is designed to provide compassionate, person-centered support, providing safe space for youth to understand the importance of talking. NEED2’s in-person suicide prevention programs equip youth with the knowledge to recognize and skills to support, someone experiencing a mental health crisis. In 2024, NEED2, provided suicide prevention workshops to over 5,000 students across South Vancouver Island. “Suicide remains the leading cause of injury-related death for youth 10-24 years of age. The youngest person reported to die by suicide in British Columbia was 8 years old; and we are seeing children as young as 4 years old exhibiting suicidal behaviour.”~ Sabrina Studney, Executive Director

Greater Victoria Citizens’ Counseling Centre, Victoria, $15,000
The Greater Victoria Citizens’ Counselling Centre assists adult community members in attaining social and psychologically satisfying lives by providing quality, accessible, volunteer counselling services. GVCCC operates an annual training program, whereby over a 10-month period, 18 trainees attend 160 hours of training from a registered Clinical Counsellor and two assistants. Upon graduation, each trainee embarks on providing at least 250 hours of volunteer, low-cost counselling to adults in the community with the means or opportunity to access counselling on their own. It is estimated that 375 individuals can access up to 11 sessions of counselling through this program. Counsellors are formally supervised by professionals contracted by Citizens to ensure quality and maximize positive outcomes. Over 81% of clients indicate a significant to moderate change in their well-being because of attending Citizens’ counselling.

Mental Health Recovery Partners Society, Victoria, $15,000
Mental Health Recovery Partners Society provides programs and services for people, and loved ones of people, living with mental illness/mental health and substance use challenges. They provide one-to-one peer support, group support, counselling, wellness training, education, advocacy and policy development. Having navigated a leadership change and a 50% increase in board growth, a capacity grant will support the facilitation of a formal review and update of governance and HR policies, further strengthening the resilience of their organization.

Nanaimo Volunteer and Information Centre, Nanaimo, $10,000
The Youth Network program empowers youth aged 11 to 29 to make a meaningful impact in the Nanaimo community through volunteering. Youth gain essential life skills and experience, build resilience and self-confidence, and form meaningful connections, all while giving back to their community. This program currently supports 75+ youth through mentorship, leadership, and volunteer opportunities.

Parkinson Wellness Projects, Victoria, $15,000
PWP provides evidence-based exercise programs, counselling services and educational seminars for the Parkinson’s community on Vancouver Island. The fastest growing neurological disease with no current cure, in Greater Victoria an estimated 1,200 people are diagnosed with PD; a total that is projected to double by 2031. PWP seeks to increase their weekly programs, retain experienced instructors, counselors and community partners. Currently PWP has over 600 registered individuals.

Peninsula Streams Society, North Saanich, $10,000
Peninsula Streams works with 10 municipalities, six First Nations, over 15 community stewardship groups, and in 2024, volunteers contributed over 7,000 hours of service, engaging with more than 4,000 students. The grant will enable staff to plan and deliver education programming and workshops as well as contribute to the installation and maintenance of a demonstration rain garden at a local community hub. “Watersheds are vital as they supply drinking water, support ecosystems, and regulate climate. They capture, filter, and distribute water, impacting both human livelihoods and biodiversity. Protecting watersheds ensures sustainable water resources and environmental health.”

The Circle Salt Spring Education Society, Salt Spring Island, $15,000
Approximately 75% of the student population in School District 64 are impacted by The Circle Education’s in-school programs. The grant will help support four key programs promoting healthy relationship skills. The Friendship Project K-2; The Empathy Project Grade 3-5; The Respect Project Grade 6-8; and the Trust Project grades 9-10. Approximately 1,200 unique individuals are served annually through in-class programs, after-school initiatives, and professional development training. The overall reach of The Circle’s programs is estimated to be 7,679 students.

The Men’s Centre, Nanaimo, $15,000
Counselling services, crisis intervention, workshops, and the Boots to Suit program support men and help identify and address underlying mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety or trauma by providing coaching to improve coping mechanisms and enhance overall well-being. Various programs support over 1,400 men in Nanaimo and the Central Island Community.

Victoria Brain Injury Society, Victoria, $15,000
The Counsellor in Training program (CIT) provides free specialized counselling services to brain injury survivors, addressing a critical gap in mental health support for this vulnerable population. The CIT Program is a first-of-its-kind initiative at VBIS, designed to provide accessible mental health care while also fostering the development of future professionals in the field of brain injury counselling. The grant will provide impact beyond 2025 by creating a sustainable pipeline of future counsellors with expertise in brain injury care. In 2024, VBIS served approximately 634 brain injury survivors, providing a wide range of individual support services tailored to their unique needs.

Victoria Community Food Hub Society, Victoria, $15,000
“The Victoria Community Food Hub Society is dedicated to alleviating poverty and hunger, while fostering a sustainable, thriving food economy.” Funding will be used to support staffing capacity to expand the reach and impact of the South Island FarmHub program. This program aggregates and distributes fresh, locally sourced produce to schools and community food programs serving vulnerable populations (reaching over 15,000 people across the region). Partners with the FarmHub program include the Songees, Tsarlip, and Tsawout Nations, Iye Creative, and Flourish School Food Society.

Victoria Literacy Connection Society, Victoria, $15,000
Reading Partners is active in two school districts (SD61 Victoria and SD62 Sooke), in 2025 VLC plans to advance the program to have a presence in SD63 Saanich schools, whereupon the program will cover Southern Vancouver Island, starting with the greatest need schools first. VLC provides one-to-one tutoring for children, youth and adults, tech tutoring for seniors, English language learning groups and an inter-generational pen pal club. In 2024 approximately 300 learners benefited from the program.

CAPACITY GRANTS

Restricted grants to grow knowledge and organizational opportunity.

Nanaimo Community Kitchens Society, Nanaimo, $10,000
The grant will support NCKS as it enters a phase of growth and expansion. As NCKS continues to grow, the demand for their programs has expanded significantly. NCKS is now serving more social housing buildings, schools, recovery houses and families than ever before. The capacity grant will enable NCKS to redevelop resources, invest in board development, create a strategic plan and strengthen infrastructure to meet the rising community demand. In 2024, Nanaimo Community Kitchens served over 700 unique individuals through various programs.

Operation Freedom Paws Canada, Island Savings Region, $10,000
Founded to help veterans overcome PTSD and other complex traumas, OFPC also supports first responders, RCMP, children, youth, and adults. A capacity grant will help provide ongoing volunteer training and mentorship.  Specialized volunteer training needs include: suicide prevention and intervention, compassionate fatigue prevention and trauma-informed practice. Over 2,750 individuals on Vancouver Island have benefited from OPFC programs and service dog teams.

SOAR GRANTS

Our commitment to equity deserving organizations.

Cowichan Valley Intercultural and Immigrant Aid Society, Duncan, $15,000
CIS offers 18 active community service programs and is known as a leading community partner focused on immigrant settlement services and education and awareness in developing welcoming and inclusive communities. Funding will support the hiring of a part-time youth coordinator to help facilitate events during February’s Black History Month. In 2025, CIS supported over 100 individuals find employment, many of whom have faced significant barriers such as language, long term unemployment, limitations understanding Canadian work culture and scarce options for credential/ training recognition.

Human-Nature Counselling Society, Victoria, $15,000
The grant will support the promotion and enhancement of positive mental health outcomes amongst vulnerable Indigenous and non-Indigenous students struggling with social isolation. Through the Indigenous Ways of Knowing and nature-based practices, the Guam Guam Specums program is a unique program in partnership with School District 61. It aims to support mostly Indigenous students’ social and emotional well-being and engagement in the school environment. Guam Guam Specums runs in three schools: Craigflower Elementary School, Shoreline Middle School, and Rockheights Middle School. School staff, HNCS facilitators, and students work together to determine which students will benefit most from the program as participants.

Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria, $15,000
The Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) supports the full integration of newcomer immigrants and refugees into the social, economic and civic life of the Capital Region. ICA provides social programs and one-on-one support for immigration, healthcare, and employment. ICA has many services for 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers and refugees. In 2024 Inter-Cultural Association walked alongside over 3,900 newcomers as they built their new lives on Vancouver Island.

Raincoast Conservation Foundation, Victoria, $10,000
The Salish Sea Emerging Stewards program provides hands-on experiential environmental science and stewardship education to Indigenous, racialized, and underserved youth ages 14-25 living around the Salish Sea. The program is offered free of charge to reduce socio-economic barriers to learning and access to nature. SSES partners directly with Indigenous Nations, schools and local nonprofits to deliver its programming while aligning with the B.C. curriculum for high school students (grade 9-12) in the subjects of sciences, social studies, geography and Indigenous studies in B.C. Up to 76 youth participate annually in class-based and outdoor educational programs delivered by Raincoast.

Restorative Justice Victoria, Victoria, $15,000
Restorative Justice Victoria works with youth aged 12+ and adults, to address harm resulting from crime and violence. Funding will support advanced training for the TRANSFORM staff who use restorative justice to respond to gender-based violence. This training provides staff a better understanding of how to give trauma-informed care for survivors with a focus on equity, anti-racism, and how to utilize the best practices for client safety/risk assessment. Annually, RJV receives 75-150 referrals from local police, schools, the BC Crown, judges, community organizations and others.

Victoria Native Friendship Centre, Victoria, $15,000
Since 1969, VNFC has been mandated to encourage and promote the well-being of urban Indigenous people by strengthening individuals, families, and community. Up to 200 compassionate staff members deliver over 75+ programs and services to the estimated over 21,000 off-reserve Indigenous people in community, as well as supporting on-reserve citizens in the 10 local nations. VNFC offers unique wrap-around programming that includes full daycare, early childhood development programs, family violence prevention, law and health services, mental health and addictions supports, education and employment programs, youth services, food security programs, housing supports and services, Elders programs, a full community kitchen, cultural and arts events.

Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society, Victoria, $15,000
The Enable Program for Women, Children, and Youth program seeks to enhance education, emotional well-being, and social support for immigrant and refugee women, children, and youth. This program is designed to help participants achieve their goals, strengthen their sense of identity, belonging, and community, and reduce settlement-related barriers by increasing access to education, employment, resources, and services. VIRCS serves over 4,000 vulnerable clients annually through its various programs, providing essential support to immigrants, refugees and other newcomers as they integrate into Canadian Society.

Multi-year grants

Grantees entered into a two or three-year commitment with First West Foundation in 2023 and 2024, and all will conclude in 2025.

Kelowna Community Resources (KCR), Kelowna, $15,000
The Family Hub is a safe welcoming space for vulnerable families that offers a holistic approach to strengthening those at risk. This program fosters independence and pride, teaching basic skills to children aged 7 -12. At same time, parents and/or caregivers can participate in a self-care program. In 2024, 4,935 adults and 6,464 children accessed services at the KCR Family Hub.

Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD), Valley First region, $5,000
Youth are disproportionally affected by impaired driving—in 2021, young drivers aged 16-24 accounted for 23% of all impaired driving incidents in Canada. The School Assembly Program keeps kids safe, empowering youth in grades 7-12 with a presentation that vividly illustrates the consequences of impaired driving. In 2024, MADD presented School Assembly Presentation’s to five schools in the Valley First region.

Take a Hike Youth Foundation, Valley First region, $10,000
Empowering vulnerable youth to believe in their potential and achieve success, Take a Hike supports youth with full-time mental health clinical counselling and well-being programs integrated into their school curriculum. Also included are outdoor wilderness trips and community engagement activities. Following completion of high school, an impressive 97% of youth plan to attend post-secondary education and 76% reported improved mental health and overall life satisfaction. In Vernon, 100% of grade 12 students graduated, with one student returning to ‘mainstream’ classrooms for their grade 12 year.

IMPACT GRANTS

Unrestricted grants to support an organization’s greatest need.

Archway Society for Domestic Peace, Vernon, $15,000
Archway Society for Domestic Peace supports individuals and families across the North Okanagan who are impacted by domestic and sexual violence. The work centres on safety, healing and long-term wellbeing. Each year, more than 1,600 people are supported through the emergency shelter, counselling, outreach, advocacy and specialized services for children, youth and families.

Canadian Mental Health Association, Vernon, $15,000
CMHA Vernon’s newly launched food security program will focus on building sustainable practices for participants, including a monthly class exploring strategies to improve healthy eating habits on a limited budget. Activities will range from meal planning, budgeting, creation of shopping lists, canning, and cooking. Having basic needs met, such as sufficient access to healthy food, is a major contributing factor for an individual’s overall mental wellness. Included in the program is food safe certification for staff, program participants, youth at the Youth Integrated Services Hub and volunteers at their wellness housing sites.

Centre for Epilepsy and Seizure Education in BC, Central Okanagan, $13,305
In 2024, the Centre ran a pilot program with a grant from the Valley First Community Endowment. Included in the pilot was staff training, establishing an Advisory Committee, creation of an operations manual for regional hubs, and training modules for peer moderators; the Interior Hub launched October 2024. This grant will build on the success of the pilot program, provide ongoing training for peer moderators, reduce barriers for people affected by epilepsy and grow the resiliency of the community. An in-depth evaluation will be conducted in early 2026. In 2024, approximately 1,800 persons in B.C. accessed programming, with website resources attracting almost 10,000 visits monthly.

Dress for Success, Kelowna $15,000
The grant will help sustain and expand core programming at Dress for Success ensuring women in Kelowna and surrounding areas receive the support, confidence, and tools needed to secure fulfilling, stable careers and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant community. Dress for Success Kelowna assists 300 women per year with a primary focus in 2025 to increase client participation in its professional development, leadership, and mentorship programs. This access will lead to better employment and financial outcomes for the women served while also increasing the impact of Dress for Success in the community.

Gardengate Horticulture Program, Kamloops, $15,000
The intersection of mental health care, meaningful jobs and food security collide at Gardengate in Kamloops. A 2.5 acre farm supports clients of the South Hills Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centre alongside local community gardeners. The Gardengate programs include  vocational rehabilitation, life skills or pre-employment training, and are designed to meet each individual where they are today and where they want to go next. Programs recognize employment as a pathway for people to discover purpose, affirm their self-worth, and enhance community engagement. As an operating farm, each year approximately 18,000 pounds of produce are harvested for clients and the community.

Haugen Community Healthcare Society, Armstrong, $5,000
Operating in Armstrong since 2009, the Society works in collaboration with community to increase access and to retain physicians and integrated health services for residents. Over 6,400 patients and 80 senior residents at Pleasant Valley Manor receive care from five physicians and a nurse practitioner. This grant will help support the rental costs for one year (60% of total cost required has been secured); doctors pay all other associated costs of the practice including operating expenses, supplies, staffing and insurance. “There are currently 700,000 patients in British Columbia who don’t have a family doctor,” said Dr. Charlene Lui, a family physician in Burnaby and president of Doctors of BC.

Launch Financial Education Society, Kelowna, $15,000
The Matched Savings program is a year-long project which combines monthly financial education classes with financial savings. The goal of the program is to help people improve their financial security and financial resilience. The matched savings component provides graduates with a 3:1 return (based on their savings) for a grant up to $1,800. Graduates use these funds to invest in transformative goals, such as starting a small business, pursuing education, purchasing tools for work, or contributing to RESP or RDSP accounts. In 2024, Launch served 900 people, a 23% increase over 2023.

Modern Man Family Project, Kamloops, $20,000
Funding will enable Modern Man Family Project to expand its program F.I.R.E. (Fathers in Relationship Education) initiative by running additional sessions throughout the year. The expansion will facilitate increased participation from Indigenous and non-Indigenous fathers, and it ensures cost will never be a barrier to participate. With the available resources, complimentary meals will continue, along with skilled facilitation, and materials that reflect diverse cultures—fostering mental wellness, family cohesion, and lasting community strength. The grant will further support training more facilitators, creating updated program materials, and strengthening collaborations with local Indigenous partners, educational institutions, and employers.

North Okanagan Community Life Society, Vernon, $15,000 
Funding will strengthen NOCLS’s capacity to address increasing service demands and pilot new approaches to assist individuals and families experiencing various challenges. The organization provides affordable housing, caregiver support, and a range of inclusive community programs for people with diverse abilities. This grant will be directed toward critical efforts such as growing affordable housing projects, boosting resources for family caregivers, and developing more inclusive activities that enable meaningful community involvement.

North Okanagan Hospice Society, Vernon, $10,000
North Okanagan Hospice’s Navigator program (provided by their social workers, clinical counsellors and registered nurses) help people access the local services, information and support they need so they can oversee their journey. This grant will enable NOHS to expand community outreach and enhance services thereby strengthening their impact and addressing unmet needs within the community. Through group counselling, grief and bereavement counseling, NOHS provides care to over 170 residents per year.

Okanagan Fruit Tree Project Society, Kelowna, $15,000
The grant will help OFTP support its core programming and operational costs. Through its education programs and harvesting/gleaning programs, more than 475,000 pounds of produce has been collected since 2012. Approximately 5,000 residents are positively impacted by OFTP programs each year, and over 100 social service agencies and schools in Central and South Okanagan benefit from harvested produce. OFTP continues to “cultivate community through local food” and carry out their mandate to run food-based programming through the lenses of equity and inclusion, reconciliation and sustainability.

Project Literacy Central Okanagan Society, Kelowna, $10,000
The Adult Tutoring Program helps adult immigrants, refugees, and new Canadians improve their literacy skills with the support of a volunteer tutor. The One-to-One Children’s reading program supports children in grades 1-4 who are struggling to read at their grade level; this program has a 96% success rate in improving a child’s reading level. The grant will help support the cost of both programs. PLCOS serves approximately 300 adult learners and 80 students in grades 1-4 each year.

South Okanagan Women in Need (SOWINS), Penticton $15,000
SOWINS provides safe, accessible person-centred supports and preventative interventions to individuals who are at risk of experiencing violence and abuse. Funding will support core operational needs, required to effectively deliver programs and support staff. In 2024, SOWINS answered over 2,000 crisis calls and provided 3,418 overnight stays at their Transition House for women, youth and children.

Third Space Charity, Kelowna, $15,000
The Pay-What-You-Can Counselling for Youth program provides accessible barrier free mental health services to youth 18-29 in the Central Okanagan region. The program is projected to serve over 400 young adults with more than 2,600 sessions this year. An additional component to the program is Third Space Charity’s practicum program which supports graduate-level counselling interns who deliver the services under best-practice clinical supervision. The intern program will see an increase of 17% in student counselling services.

YMCA of Southern Interior BC, Kelowna, $15,000
The YMCA Alternative Suspension program is a unique out-of-school intervention program delivered in Kelowna, West Kelowna, and Penticton for students ages 12-17 who are suspended from middle and high school. Rather than send a youth home for the duration of their suspension, students are referred to the program. This ensures youth remain safe and off the streets, reduces engagement in risk-taking behaviours such as drug use and vandalism, and allows them the opportunity to transform their time away from school into a positive experience that fosters personal development and autonomy. The model of change empowers children, youth, and families by building skills and confidence, enabling them to better advocate for themselves, graduate from high school on time with their peers, and pursue higher educational and work opportunities. In 2025, up to 280 at-risk, vulnerable youth are expected to participate in the program this school year.

CAPACITY GRANTS

Restricted grants to grow knowledge and organizational opportunity.

Elizabeth Fry Society, Kamloops, $5,000
Elizabeth Fry Society provides education, advocacy, capacity building and safe, secure affordable housing within an environment of respect for each person’s right to self-determination and freedom. Serving over 200 women, children and youth each year, the grant will support a fund development strategy to broaden communications and increase accessibility to programs and online resources.

Hands in Service, Kelowna, $15,000
Hands in Service is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting low-income, isolated individuals, and those with disabilities or chronic illnesses in Kelowna. Reinforcing its organizational capacity, the  grant will enable them to bolster volunteer recruitment and training initiatives, improve overall program coordination, and invest in long-term resources such as updated technology and ongoing staff development. With these enhancements, Hands in Service can operate more efficiently, broaden its service delivery, and support a greater number of clients.

Oasis United Church Penticton, $9,000
Addressing food insecurity in Penticton, Naramata, and across the South Okanagan, a consultant will be hired to help Oasis develop a strategic plan to assist them in creating a more sustainable and effective approach to their service delivery. Approximately 80% of clients are housed and cannot find a way to afford food beyond their set costs. In 2021, the total number of people served was 1,830. In 2024, the total number of people served was 6,158 – an increase of 237%. Oasis is an Affirming congregation, which means they take a public stance to welcome and support all gender identities. This has meant there are clients who do not feel safe going to other organizations addressing food insecurity.

Penticton Community Soupateria Society, Penticton $10,000
Annually, Soupateria serves approximately 34,000 nourishing meals to individuals facing food insecurity. The requested funding will ensure the continuity of this essential daily meal program by supporting the purchase of takeout containers and utensils, covering regular operating costs, and contributing to the wages of two part-time staff members. Soupateria is committed to providing meals every single day of the year to the local community. Valley First team members volunteer on a regular, recurring basis each month.

Vernon Upper Room Mission Society, Vernon, $10,000
The Upper Room Mission Shelter provides a welcoming, safe and supportive environment to the unsheltered, marginalized and vulnerable housed in Vernon, most of whom experience complex intersectionality. The grant will be used to strengthen board governance, through board training and development, strategic recruitment and active engagement and accountability. The investment in leadership development enables Upper Room Mission to build a high-performing board that not only governs but actively drives impact, ensuring long-term sustainability and transformational change for those they serve. More than 70-110 guests access the drop-in services daily, including meals, access to washrooms, showers, laundry, clothing, and connections to community
resources.

SOAR GRANTS

Our commitment to equity deserving organizations.

Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre Society, Kamloops, $15,000
Indirectly and subsequently, this grant will help KSACC achieve its goal of increasing access to inclusive care in the direct aftermath of an assault. KSACC is relocating its services to a self-purchased building. As such, renovations are required to provide an accessible and trauma-informed clinic, police reporting, waiting and office spaces. Offering these services in a co-located, community-based setting has significantly improved survivors’ healing and justice journeys in the short and long term. In the 2023/2024 fiscal year, KSACC served 264 folks in its counselling programs, 150 in its community-based victim service program, and 162 in its crisis response program.

Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, $15,000
The Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society (KFS) honours Indigenous culture, knowledge and values by advocating and supporting the wholistic vision of building a strong sustainable foundation through healing and empowerment. In 2024, KFS outreach workers provided support and resources to 233 individuals needing housing units and peer support.

Niteo Africia Society, Kelowna, $15,000
NITEO provides literacy-focused programs that help children build identity, explore their world, and develop their talents. Niteo provides family reading initiatives for newcomer families in Kelowna and Vernon, as well as a play-based summer program for kids aged 6–12 in Kelowna. In July 2025, 45 children participated in two weeks of programs; 40% of the program participants were children not born in Canada.

OCCA, Kelowna, $15,000
OCCA is dedicated to promoting mutual understanding, respect, acceptance, and harmony among the diverse communities of the Central Okanagan. Funding will support upgrades to OCCA’s IT and digital infrastructure to improve efficiency, data management, and program delivery. These enhancements will support the management systems for better impact measurement, strengthen marketing and outreach capacity to reach more newcomers, immigrant families, and seniors experiencing isolation or systemic barriers and improve internal processes to be more effective and sustainable as demand increases. In 2024, 362 immigrants participated in OCCA’s information sessions, 2,750 helpline calls were attended and more than 19,000 persons participated in ESL classes.

This Space Belongs to You Society, Kelowna, $15,000
This Space delivers mental health support to 2SLGBTQIA+ and/or IBPOC young people ages 12-24. This grant will help enhance their operational infrastructure and enable the expansion of essential services for their youth clients. This support will allow TSBYS to retain its current counselling staff and group programming, while also facilitating the development of new community workshops informed by direct feedback from the youth served.

Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Services, $15,000
Vernon and District Immigrant Community Service Society (VADICSS) provides essential guidance and support to newcomers and their families as they adapt to Canadian life. VADICSS strives to create a welcoming and inclusive community, where diversity is celebrated, equity is prioritized, and everyone—regardless of background—can participate fully and feel valued. The organization also enhances mental health outcomes by offering counselling services in newcomers’ native languages, particularly for those who have experienced trauma and violence, such as refugees coming from conflict-affected areas.

The Leaders’ Fund was established by Tru Cooperative Bank, formerly First West Credit Union to advance capacity building and development opportunities for our charitable partners. This includes supporting education and professional training, along with other programs that positively contribute to strengthening the organization’s leadership and operations. Grantees are selected from applications submitted through the Foundation annual regional community endowment grant cycle.

Alert Canada, Valley First Region, $10,000
ALERT (Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team) responds to disaster situations requiring evacuation, rescue and shelter of domestic animals and livestock. Recent BC-disasters of wildfire and flooding result in an increased requirement of service and volunteer support. This grant will help ALERT offer a range of training for volunteers, including technical skills for handling large animals and poultry, animal husbandry, and animal mortality management. Funding will also support the creation and updating of training materials, acquisition of necessary equipment, and delivery of training sessions.

Cowichan Green Community Foundation, North Cowichan, $10,000
Cowichan Green Community Foundation aims to advance food systems’ education and provide information and services that directly impact household food insecurity and access. In 2025, significant change affected the organization, including new leadership, an organizational move, and the closure of several programs. A capacity grant will  help CGCF engage a strategic planning consultant to facilitate discussion and creation of a new strategic plan, replacing its current 10-year-old plan. In 2023, CGCF programs accounted for 26,614 pounds of local fruit rescued, 353,853 pounds of food recovered, and 22,463 meals delivered.

Discovery House, Penticton, $10,000
Discovery House provides a safe, supportive, structured and peer-based environment for men seeking recovery from addiction. Residents are empowered to overcome substance use, develop essential life skills, and reintegrate into their families and communities as healthy, self-sufficient members of society. Serving 160 individuals each year, the grant will focus on strengthening several areas of governance: strategic and organizational planning, staff training and leadership development, and the expansion of recovery support services. With over 300 men served since 2007 and a 79% treatment completion rate, Discovery House has a proven track record of helping individuals achieve long-term sobriety, employment, and family reunification.

Ladysmith Family and Friends, Ladysmith, $10,000
Each year LAFF’s family-focused resource programs serve more than 530 families across the region, building resiliency in children and their families through play-based learning, opportunities for social and emotional development, literacy, physical literacy and numeracy development, and with intergenerational connection and community engagement. This grant will help LAFF create new structures and systems to advance their Strategic Plan and Volunteer training including the creation of a new Senior Facilitator position, an expansion of the Volunteer Coordinator position, leadership training and food safe certification for staff and volunteers.

Nanaimo Brain Injury Society, (NBIS) Nanaimo, $10,000

Dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by brain injury, NBIS offers individual support, a peer support program, educational resources and group programs to promote community integration and improve quality of life for brain injury survivors. A capacity grant will assist in growing employee capacity through the design and implementation of a fund development plan. A key component of NBIS’ strategic plan is to increase non-governmental revenue by 30% over the next three years. A fund development plan will help NBIS diversify its revenue sources and prepare for a dedicated fund development role to be added to staff.

Mission Hospice Society, Mission, $5,000
Mission Hospice will grow its volunteers by 30 individuals, providing each with a 40-hour training course delivered by Mission Hospice staff, professional team members, and experienced volunteers. Training includes the philosophy of hospice, palliative care, listening and communication skills, death and dying, comfort measures, grief and loss, community resources, and the role of the Hospice volunteer and other team members.

Saanich Neighbourhood Place, Victoria, $10,000
Maintaining its commitment to fostering a healthy, engaged and committed team, SNP will review and formalize their staff practices, policies, procedures and structures to better welcome, orientate and support staff to work together. This effort will foster alignment with organizational values and processes, support a more effective and supportive workplace, and increase capacity for excellent service delivery. Professional development training will be introduced to enhance the skills and capacity of SNP staff to effectively support their own wellness, mental health and workplace well being to reduce compassion fatigue, burnout, and increase retention. In 2024, approximately 18,000 visits to offered programs were recorded with almost 5,000 individuals accessing various services.

Sardis Doorway for Mothers and Children Society, Chilliwack, $4,500
Sardis Doorway for Mothers & Children Society provides essential programs to women, focusing on single parents or as an under-supported parent, women who have experienced abuse, and young mothers under 21 years old. In 2024, Sardis Doorway served 40 families, including eight young moms under the age of 21. The grant will support the advancement of workshops and learning opportunities for volunteers, staff and facilitators to increase and best support women who have experienced trauma and abuse. Ongoing learning opportunities are important and essential for better outcomes for the families served.

Surrey Hospitals Foundation, Surrey, $10,000
The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program is the first of its kind in B.C. To work as a Forensic Nurse Examiner specialized training and courses are required. With the growing population in Surrey and south of the Fraser River, comes an increased demand on all healthcare resources, including Forensic Nursing. Education, training and professional development is essential to ensure supports and services are available for the most at risk and vulnerable patients. The total number of cases each year is approximately 500-550.

Vantage Point, Fraser Valley, $4,146 
Vantage Point, BC’s leading nonprofit professional development educators and consultants, will deliver a three-part, cohort-based mini lab for nonprofit leaders, staff, and board members serving the communities of Chilliwack, Mission and Hope. A direct response to identified priorities and challenges, the series will blend practical training with peer connection, offering leaders the tools they need to navigate today’s challenging environment of increased demand, declining capacity, and rising costs.

Established by Tru Cooperative Bank, formerly First West Credit Union in 2022 with the belief that to help communities thrive we need to invest in our charities and their future goals. The fund focuses on supporting initiatives that enhance a charities’ ability to grow its capacity, programs, or services. Grantees are selected from applications submitted through the Foundation’s annual regional community endowment grant cycle.

Supporting youth mental health & wellbeing
Foundry offers services such as mental health and addictions support, drop-in counselling, physical and sexual health care, youth and family peer support and social services for people between the ages of 12 and 24 and their families. Foundry’s integrated approach focuses on five core services in one convenient location: mental health care, substance use services, physical and sexual health care, youth and family peer support, and social services. First West Foundation is proud to have made investments in Foundry locations in Abbotsford, Penticton, Vernon and Kamloops.

Canadian Mental Health Association, Vernon, $25,000
The future home of Foundry Vernon.

Interior Community Services Kamloops, $25,000
The future home of Foundry Kamloops.

First Nations Heath Foundation, $26,490
A grant from the Keeping a Good Thing Growing is an investment in the First Nations Health Foundation’s capacity to deliver essential support to our Indigenous communities. The First Nations Health Foundation is the first and only organization of its kind, embodying a pioneering model of philanthropy and partnership. It is instrumental in bridging funding and knowledge gaps to promote equitable and culturally appropriate healthcare for First Nations peoples across British Columbia.

On the 60th anniversary of Envision Financial and on the 10th anniversary of the Foundation (2006), the Foundation Board created this fund to recognize employees of Envision Financial, a division of Tru Cooperative Bank, formerly First West Credit Union. The fund serves to acknowledge and display appreciation toward the contributions of its team members to the Foundation.

The Fund grants to team member-nominated charities which are reviewed and selected by a Committee of Envision Financial team members. In 2025, $41,000 was granted to the following:

Ann Davis Society, Chilliwack, $5,000
Provides education, prevention and support services to those affected by abuse and violence.

Canadian Council of Provincial and Territorial Sport Federations, $1,000
The voice of amateur sport on our provinces and territories, promoting the benefits of sport participation and achievement, health, and personal development.

Mackie’s Place Youth Social House, Surrey, $5,000
Fostering a supportive community and build healthy relationships with at-risk youth, helping them realize their immense potential by overcoming cycles of poverty, trauma, and addiction.

Raphael Family Support Foundation, Langley, $5,000
Supporting families that are facing hardship in our community, by providing a space where they feel connected and welcomed each week as they pick up some healthy and fresh food.

SPCA Abbotsford, $1,000
Provide protection and care for vulnerable animals as well as Rehabilitation for future forever home placement.

SPCA, Chilliwack, $1,000
The BC SPCA rescues animals from abuse and works to protect and enhance the quality of life for all animals in BC.

Storehouse Community Hub Society, Cloverdale, $5,000
The Cloverdale Community Kitchen (CCK) exists to build a strong and healthy community with a focus on alleviating poverty in Cloverdale, Surrey, and Langley.

Surrey Women’s Centre, Surrey, $8,000
Provides free, counseling, resources and confidential services for Surrey women working in collaboration with the medical and justice communities for the safety and care of survivors and children.

SPCA, Chilliwack, $1,000
The BC SPCA rescues animals from abuse and works to protect and enhance the quality of life for all animals in BC.

Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society, Fraser Valley, $5,000
Dedicated team of volunteer drivers and dispatchers offer peace of mind for patients who may not have the means to drive to and from essential cancer treatments and cancer related medical appointments.

West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation, Fraser Valley, $5,000
Children in B.C. and their families have the meaningful, comprehensive support they need to navigate their journeys with childhood cancer and blood disorders.