Victoria Foundation – 2026 Community Grants Program applications now open
Press Release
February 3, 2026
Applications are now being accepted for the Vital Grant Stream of the Victoria Foundation’s 2026 Community Grants Program, which uplifts the charitable sector in the capital region by providing eligible organizations with flexible, general operating and programming funding.
Each year, the Community Grants Program makes grants of up to $30,000 to support registered charities and other qualified donees that strengthen wellbeing, long-term resilience and impact in our community. The program prioritizes organizations that are operating within the capital region, are led by or serve equity-deserving groups and demonstrate strong financial need.
Charitable organizations are facing even greater demands for their services while experiencing ongoing fiscal barriers. Despite these challenges, they continue to persevere to meet community needs. A recent civil society impact study called “Architects of Belonging”, produced by the Victoria Foundation in partnership with CIFAL Victoria and the University of Victoria, shows that in meeting these needs, organizations now deliver $5.4 billion in annual economic activity – on par with the local technology sector, and the equivalent of 60,600 full-time jobs.
As a broad-based funder, the Victoria Foundation drives part of this impact. It supports organizations that tackle increasingly complex issues across many cause areas, including the environment, racial equity, food security, housing, health, the arts and more.
“Charitable organizations in the capital region are working harder than ever. Together, they are a proven and essential community asset,” said CEO Sandra Richardson.
“For ninety years, the Victoria Foundation has been uplifting people, projects and communities through meaningful granting. Thanks to the generosity of donors, our flagship Community Grants Program continues to support the rising needs of the community, and help organizations continue their tremendous and lasting impacts,” said Sandy.
Grant funding is based on community input
Funding is informed by the 2025 Vital Signs issue areas, sector reports and other community input on pressing needs. The Foundation also recognizes the historical and systemic barriers to funding for some communities and encourages applications from organizations with strong financial need that are led by and working with equity-deserving groups.
The Foundation works to embody trust-based philanthropy in its granting process, which works to address the power imbalances between funders, charitable organizations and communities. The Foundation is not just a funder, it’s a collaborator and community convener. It works alongside organizations to uplift the capital region, helping them build capacity to fulfill their needs and goals.
The 2026 Community Grants Program’s Vital Stream builds on last year’s, which distributed over $5.35 million to help 209 organizations. In 2025, the Victoria Foundation granted over $27 million to the community, across all its programs and initiatives. We welcome applications until March 10th, 2026, and funding will be distributed in July.
Please visit our website for guidelines, resources and to apply.
For detailed instructions and videos on how to navigate the grant portal, please see this guide.
About the Victoria Foundation
The Victoria Foundation is Canada’s second oldest community foundation and the sixth largest of over 200 nation-wide. For 90 years, the Foundation has been uplifting people, ideas, and communities, by managing charitable gifts from donors whose generosity allows them to create permanent, income-earning funds. The proceeds from these funds are then distributed as grants for charitable or educational purposes. Since 1936, it has distributed over $374 million to people, projects and charitable organizations, locally and across Canada.
Media Contact:
Adam van der Zwan,
Senior Communications Officer
E: avanderzwan@victoriafoundation.bc.ca
P. 250-381-5532
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