Third wave reaches more communities with additional $81K distributed

First West Foundation is pleased to build on the momentum of the first two waves of 2021 Community Response Fund funding; just as a third wave of dollars has been released. Originally established in May 2020 by First West Foundation to support charities across BC who were impacted by COVID-19, the Community Response Fund granted $497,820 to 49 organizations focused on food security and basic needs supports for youth, families and seniors last year.

And while we may be in a new year, many of the same challenges remain as we re-launched the Community Response Fund in February with an additional $500,000 available for 2021. First West Foundation and its regional community endowments are proud to grant an additional $81,000 in the third wave of funding from the Community Response Fund for 2021.

COVID-19 continues to impact the financial stability of our charitable partners; cancelled events and fundraising activities, loss of volunteers, reduced revenue and increased demands on services and programs has caused chaos for many and uncertainty for many more. The Community Response Fund provides grants for program delivery, operational costs, and capacity needs—much needed funding to support the ongoing work of our community partners.

Click here to learn about first wave recipients.
Click here to learn about second wave recipients 

The following charities are receiving third wave funding:

Valley First
Princeton & District Community Services Society  | Princeton | $7,000
Desert Valley Hospice Society  | Oliver | $7,000
Upper Room Mission Society| Vernon | $10,000
Interior Community Services | Kamloops | $10,000

Island Savings
Salt Spring Therapeutic Riding Association | Salt Spring Island | $5,000
Salt Spring Literacy Society | Salt Spring Island | $2,000
Leadership Victoria | Victoria |  $10,000
Silver Thread Service | Victoria | $10,000

Envision Financial
Reach Child and Youth Development Society | Delta | $10,000
Langley Meals on Wheels | Langley | $10,000