At the Victoria Foundation, something that has become clearer than ever in 2020 is that charities are looking for stability and people are looking for ways to help.
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed this in an extraordinary way. We’ve seen the challenges charities can face to provide some of the most important services at the hardest of times and we have seen an outpouring of generosity from our community. For this reason, over the past few weeks we’ve launched two new initiatives to help those who want to give and the agencies who are putting this generosity to good use.
For the organizations who are doing such essential, kind, caring work in our community, we have launched the Community Recovery Program. Inspired by the results of the Rapid Relief Fund and in response to the needs we’ve heard directly from a broad scope of local organizations, this granting stream offers qualified donees in our region flexible, general operating funds to help foster stability as they face the social and economic impacts of the pandemic.
The goal here is to support communities affected by the pandemic and strengthen the charitable sector more generally, across a broad range of areas, from the arts and environment, to education and health, and beyond. Funds will be released quickly, on a rolling basis, allowing the initiative to adapt as the situation develops.
For those looking to help, we are excited to have introduced the Community Action Funds. Again, inspired by the success of Rapid Relief Fund, this series of ten funds will support relief and recovery efforts being carried out by organizations working on the frontlines of the pandemic and beyond.
Having multiple funds allows donors to choose the specific area of need where their money will go. Options include the Food Security Fund, the Racial Equity and Reconciliation Fund, the Homeless Prevention Fund and more. This is also where the Rapid Relief Fund will continue, and for donors who want to give more broadly and ensure their donations will go to where they are needed most, the Vibrant and Caring Community Fund is available.
Donations to the Community Action Funds have already been coming in, including everything from two remarkable contributions of $100,000 to donations of $25 and everything in between. These funds are for everyone in our community committed to helping build strength and resilience while working together to make our region a kind and caring place for all.
With hardship has come inspiration, to help, to pitch in, to make a difference. We’re not out of this situation yet, and indeed many of the problems the pandemic has highlighted were here before and will be here beyond. These two initiatives have been designed to make a difference. We hope you’ll be a part of it.
For more information visit victoriafoundation.ca.
Sandra Richardson is CEO of the Victoria Foundation.
