Victoria Foundation Awards $6M to 243 Charities

More than 240 community organizations across Canada's capital region are getting a major funding boost to help neighbors in need.

The Victoria Foundation announced it's distributing $6.19 million to 243 groups through its annual Community Grants Program. The foundation received 329 applications this year, including 42 organizations applying for the very first time.

The money goes toward flexible funding that charities can use for daily operations or specific programs. That matters because many small nonprofits struggle to find funding that isn't tied to a single project.

New foundation chief Ian Bird says the grants arrive at a crucial moment. "More people than ever face food insecurity, housing uncertainties, economic challenges and more," he explains.

Three quarters of the grants will support organizations serving equity-deserving populations. That includes Indigenous communities, people of color, women, youth, people with disabilities, and newcomers to Canada.

The Burnside Gorge Community Centre is using its 2026 grant to help young people gain work experience and secure stable housing through its Youth Self Sufficiency Program. Executive director Suzanne Cole says the funding helps youth build a foundation for long-term success.

On tiny Galiano Island, the funding keeps a community food program running. Alison Colwell from the Galiano Club says the money supports frozen meals for seniors, operates the local food bank, and created a teaching garden at the school.

The Ripple Effect

Small and medium-sized charities often face the toughest funding challenges. They're too large to run on pure volunteer power but too small to have dedicated fundraising teams.

This flexible grant model lets organizations respond quickly when community needs spike. A youth program can add emergency housing support. A food bank can extend its hours. A seniors center can launch a new service without waiting months for approval.

Chief executive emeritus Sandra Richardson credits generous donors for making it all possible. Those contributions now multiply across hundreds of organizations serving thousands of people.

The Victoria Foundation celebrates its 90th anniversary this year as Canada's second-oldest community foundation. Nine decades of giving back proves that community-powered philanthropy creates lasting change.