Under the Nature-Based Climate Action Funding initiative, the Victoria Foundation is allocating $550,000 to support local endeavors dedicated to conserving, revitalizing, and overseeing terrestrial, freshwater, and/or marine ecosystems within the area. The $550,000 fund is being distributed to fourteen organizations in the capital region that are addressing climate change through nature-based solutions, including twelve local environmental organizations and two local Nations. Applications were received from August 16 to September 22, 2023, and funding was distributed in November 2023. The funding will support an array of projects that offer nature-based solutions for climate action in the Greater Victoria region, including initiatives like the Gorge Waterway Action Society’s Gorge Creek Salt Marsh Restoration Project and the Tsawout First Nation’s Native Tree Restoration Project.
Founded in 1936, the Victoria Foundation stands as the second oldest community foundation in Canada and ranks as the sixth largest among over two hundred foundations across the nation. It oversees charitable donations from benefactors, enabling the establishment of enduring funds that generate income. These funds’ earnings are subsequently allocated as grants for charitable or educational endeavors. Over its history, the Victoria Foundation has channeled more than $313 million into individuals, initiatives, and nonprofit entities, enriching communities across British Columbia and throughout Canada.
The Foundation releases a call for funding each year that is open to registered charities, local Nations, and other qualified organizations working within the capital region. Under the Nature-Based Climate Action Funding initiative in 2023, the funding was made available because of a generous estate gift, with a direction that it be used to support environmental causes. Organizations and local Indigenous groups could apply for grants of up to $50,000 each, with preference given to Indigenous-led, community-led, or grassroots nature-focused projects.
The Foundation collaborated with environmental experts to determine key funding areas. Among the fourteen recipients is the Gorge Waterway Action Society, awarded for their Gorge Creek Salt Marsh Restoration Project. Additionally, grants were provided to the WSÁNEĆ Leadership Council and the Raincoast Conservation Foundation for the ȻENEṈITEL Project. This initiative seeks to implement nature-based climate actions by fostering reconciliation-driven partnerships between the WSÁNEĆ community and non-Indigenous conservation organizations within WSÁNEĆ Territories.
Other recipients include Georgia Strait Alliance, Stqeeye’ Learning Society, Pepaken Hautw Foundation, Galiano Conservancy Association, Mayne Island Conservancy Society, Metchosin Foundation, Sc’ianew (Beecher Bay) Nation, Raincoast Conservation Foundation, Habitat Acquisition Trust, Rocky Point Bird Observatory Society, Tsawout Nation, Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society. More information can be found at Nature-based Climate Action Funding webpage.
The Victoria Foundation offers wide-ranging support to various sectors of the non-profit industry, such as arts, environment, food security, housing/homelessness, health, and youth engagement. Through its annual Community Grants Program, the foundation assists registered charities and other qualified organizations that contribute to community wellbeing in the Capital Region. Visit here to learn more about active grants.
