Island Community Reponse Funds still available

First West Foundation is here for you and our communities. If your charitable organization has been impacted by COVID-19, we have two programs that can support you.   

$500,000 Community Response Fund
This fund grants to eligible charitable organizations supporting food security and basic needs, including hunger programs and services for youth, families and seniors. If awarded, the grant will be used for COVID-19 related expenses or organizational greatest need. 

$100,000 Community Help Fund
This fund provides charitable organizations with a quick and simple way to get the word out about fundraising programs. 200 charities will be selected to receive a $500 grant each.  

Your organization is eligible to apply if: 

  • You are a registered CRA charity.

  • Your organization and programs focus on supports for food security and basic needs, including hunger programs for youth, families or seniors 

  • Your charity is in, or serves the population of, one of our stated communities:  

  • Island Savings Community Endowment: Brentwood, Chemainus, Duncan, Ladysmith, Lake Cowichan, Mill Bay, Nanaimo, Pender Island, Salt Spring Island and Victoria 

By applying to the Community Help Fund you acknowledge, agree and consent to the following terms and conditions:  

  • The First West Foundation, in its sole discretion, will determine whether an Applicant’s application meets the eligibility criteria and whether an Applicant is eligible to receive a grant. Submitting an application does not guarantee an Applicant will receive a grant. 

  • In connection with any application, you may be requested to provide additional information. 

  • The Applicant gives First West Foundation, First West Credit Union, and its divisions (including Envision Financial, Enderby & District Financial, Island Savings and Valley First) the right and permission to publish his/her charity name and details of this application as captured for the Community Help Fund.   

  • The Applicant will ensure any and all persons photographed are informed of the nature of the dissemination of the photos to First West Foundation for its unconditional use. 

  • The Applicant will provide at least one photograph or video recording which may be edited, altered, copied, published, republished or distributed to third parties, now and in the future, worldwide via DVDs, the internet or other public setting.  

  • First West Foundation is entitled to all rights of ownership in connection with the use of all images and the Applicant waives all rights related to those images.  

  • The Applicant waives any right he/she may have to inspect or approve the finished product where any image or likeness appears.   

  • The Applicant waives any right to receive royalties or other compensation arising from or related to the use of all images.  

  • The Applicant confirms he/she has the authority to complete, submit and act as a representative for the charity listed in the application.  

APPLICATION LINKS:

Island Savings, Community Response Fund 
Island Savings, Community Help Fund  

Applications unlikely to receive a grant include:  

  • Charities which received 2020 funding from Feed the Valley or The Full Cupboard food bank programs. Food bank partners needing extra assistance should contact us directly at info@firstwestfoundation.ca

  • Religious or political organizations and affiliated activities