For many, few things are more personally fulfilling than leaving a legacy of gifts to charitable causes, non-profits and socially minded businesses in their community. With costs of living increasing, the need for social change is greater than ever.
The Gadsden Initiative is here to help you explore causes that matter to you, to connect you with local changemakers and to ultimately help you gift your own legacy—a crucial piece in the charitable fabric of this wonderful local community.
To kickstart your philanthropic journey, here are four things you should know about becoming a Gadsden member.
1. The Gadsden Initiative is about engaging new generations of philanthropy
The program is designed for emerging donors who want to help make the community stronger. It offers a collaborative learning experience that invites members to come together and help shape a new philanthropy in Greater Victoria.
New donors will explore different ways to give, through core sessions and activities, while building a fund at the Victoria Foundation.
Together, Gadsden members learn how their own interests align with local organizations, and how to act on solutions that enrich the region by gifting yearly grants to dedicated and impactful causes.
2. The opportunities to connect with charitable causes are boundless
The program supports members to build relationships with the leaders from all kinds of cause areas – from environmental initiatives and food security to housing and local business.
The core sessions throughout the year are diverse, hands-on, and each center on different aspects of philanthropy. In 2023, events included a ‘social enterprise mini market’ at ecologyst, a local sustainable clothing factory, where members networked with various local vendors selling products to benefit social causes and were given tours of the factory itself. There were also keynote speakers and plenty of delicious hors d’oeuvres.
Gadsden members also partook in a cooking class hosted by Iye Creative called “The Palenke Experience,” at Power To Be’s community kitchen. Here, they learned about the trust-based philanthropy movement, and reimagined food systems based on equity and biodiversity. They were part of a family-style meal, with Cuban music and dancing.
The Gadsden Initiative’s sessions are organized based on questions and feedback from members.
3. You can shape your legacy in any way you want
While taking part in core sessions and events, Gadsden members are given plenty of time to decide what causes they want to give to.
Members have up to three years to contribute $5,000 to a donor-advised fund. As one of the Victoria Foundation’s most popular types of funds, donations are permanently invested, with a portion of the returns made available for granting to the Canadian charities of the member’s choice each year.
Once the $5,000 threshold is reached, the Victoria Foundation matches contributions with another $5,000. The total $10,000 is enough to create a fully established fund, enabling members to support the community through annual grant-making.
Members have the flexibility to change the charitable focus of their fund at any time.
4. There can be deep personal fulfillment in making a lasting difference
Deepening your connection to local issues can be profoundly rewarding. For Gadsden member Waheeda Esmail, the experience was life changing.
“We had the opportunity to hear Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi speak about her work building [the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness] from what was essentially an outreach program. I found the story incredibly inspiring, and I know that’s where I will be sending grants for years to come,” says Esmail.
Likewise, Carly Milloy says the Gadsden Initiative was important for her, her husband and two young kids. “It felt meaningful for us to have this chance to learn more about organizations that are working to make a difference in our community,” says Milloy.
Since launching in 2019, the initiative has grown to represent over 80 members and 50 funds. You can help it continue to grow with your curiosity, empathy and willingness to give.
To learn more, visit victoriafoundation.bc.ca/gadsden-initiative/.
