The Victoria Foundation

✨ Over $681,000 have been granted to six local Nations and 15 organizations with Indigenous programming, to support social, cultural, and legal infrastructure in the capital region. This funding is part of a pilot program, now in its second year, developed by the Indigenous Granting Advisory supported by the Victoria Foundation. The Indigenous Priorities Fund prioritizes Nations, followed by Indigenous organizations, to support the priorities they have identified within their communities. The granting advisory is made up of Indigenous people living in the capital region and was formed to develop a granting approach that better reflects Indigenous values and priorities. 🔗 View the 2024 grant recipients and learn how you can support this fund.

💙 It is one of Greater Victoria’s most popular festivals, but did you know that Greekfest makes a difference in the community year round? 🍲 Greekfest has supported Tillicum Community School’s hot lunch program for more than a decade now, and McKenzie Elementary was recently added with the hope to expand to more schools in the future. ✨ “It’s about love, it’s about culture, it’s about heritage, it’s about spirit–and that’s what we need,” said Michael Ikonomou. Watch this week’s Vital People segment on CHEK News!

💡 Do you want to share your ideas with other leaders in the non-profit sector? Join Vantage Point as a presenter at their next conference! 💙 Non-profits are the heart and soul of our communities, tirelessly addressing needs and challenges that often go unnoticed. By providing essential services, advocating for justice, creating opportunities for connection and expression, and supporting those in need, non-profits help build a more equitable and compassionate society. 📆 Applications for submissions will be open until January 19, 2025.

🎉 Congratulations to Autumn Adrian, who is the 2024 recipient of the Megan Newton Memorial Award. 🎨 Autumn is an emerging artist in her final year of a BFA in dramatic arts for tech/design at the University of Lethbridge. She is incredibly grateful to have received this award and plans on putting it towards the completion of her studies. 🎭 The Megan Newton Memorial Fund was set up by Megan’s family and colleagues to honour her through an award for students in theatre.

💡 Did you know 1 in 5 Canadians are now planning or considering a donation in their Will? This unique way of giving is catching on! That’s why the Victoria Foundation is partnering with the national Will Power campaign, to help everyone discover how to use the power of your Will for good in our community. ✍️ Learn more with a free short webinar covering: -How to protect family AND give to charity in your Will -Ways to donate and save on taxes -How to get started and who to ask for help 🌐 Watch the webinar on demand at: willpower.ca/webinar

🎉 The Victoria Foundation is thrilled to announce that over $721,000 is supporting 17 collaborative projects in the capital region. This funding will help meet the growing need for resources in the philanthropic sector and will help organizations work together to address solutions to the complex challenges facing the region. 🤝 With support from our incredible community along with the Government of BC's Community Prosperity Fund, this program reflects the evolving ways community organizations are looking to work together to address collective goals.

👏 Vital Signs is made possible through the generosity of our sponsors. Many thanks to Nicola Wealth for sponsoring the launch event speaker, Elatia Abate. 💙 We are grateful for their support as we dive into the issues that matter the most to citizens of Greater Victoria. Visit the following link to explore this year’s Vital Signs report: victoriavitalsigns.ca

❄️ As the year draws to a close, we at The Victoria Foundation extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, our community, for the vital role you play in building a compassionate and giving region. We wish you a joyful, restful holiday and a bright start to the new year! 🔒 Please note that The Victoria Foundation offices will be closed for the holiday season from 4:30 p.m. on December 20, 2024, until 8:30 a.m. on January 2, 2025.

🎙️ On the final episode of the Vital Victoria Podcast, host Lucky Budd discusses uplifting Indigenous cultures with T’esóts’en (Patrick Kelly), a member of the Leq’a:mel Nation and longtime resident of Victoria. For over 40 years, Patrick has been bridging cultures in his many roles as Indigenous relations advisor, board member, and volunteer. This year, he was awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal for a lifetime of selfless work advancing reconciliation in Canada. 🔗 Tune in for Patrick’s full-length, inspiring story here: https://bit.ly/4fvvLe2

🌻 Niki Ottosen is a professional gardener who is also passionate about cultivating community and connection for people experiencing homelessness. 🎒 The Backpack Project, which started 16 years ago, provides humanitarian aid to people in need in the Greater Victoria community. 🔗 Click here to watch this week's Vital People segment on CHEK News: https://bit.ly/3VMhYc3