GRANT PROGRAMS
Granting is the cornerstone of First West Foundation
Every year, we provide grants from 18 endowed funds to support local charities making an impact across British Columbia
Since 1998, we’ve proudly disbursed more than $13 million to charities, helping keep organizations and much needed community programs strong. Our support has helped with operational expenses, programs, service delivery, and to create organizational capacity.
In 2023, the First West Foundation Board of Directors adopted the principles of Trust-based Philanthropy, furthering our commitment to reducing historical and systemic funding barriers for equity-deserving groups. If your organization is experiencing barriers to applying through our process, we’re here to help. We will gladly accept your verbal application, answer questions about eligibility for one of our grants, or facilitate the submission of your application.
We believe in strengthening communities through grant-making in alignment with our efforts towards six Sustainable Development Goals. Partnering with local charities, we collaborate with intention to make a meaningful impact on some of the most complex and challenging social issues affecting our community.
Impact Grants
Impact Grants are unrestricted funds to support your operations, programs and services. You choose how the funds are applied to make the biggest impact—we’re proud to invest in your organization and see you succeed!
To be eligible for an Impact Grant, charities must align with one of the Foundation’s identified Sustainable Development Goals.
Capacity Grants
Capacity Grants are restricted funds, up to $10,000 to help your organization grow resources and strengths from within. We’re here to help with an operational investment, such as strategic planning, consultant support, volunteer training and more.
Alignment to our Sustainable Development Goals is not a mandatory requirement to obtain a Capacity Grant.
Funding restrictions
Our grants are not provided for:
- Capital campaigns
- Day camps or retreats
- Deficit or debt reduction
- Physical literacy, sport programs or equipment
- Projects that have a primary purpose of promoting political or religious activities or beliefs
- Purchase of food for direct distribution
- School construction including playground equipment
- Sponsorship or marketing activities
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