Grants to our community:
Education

Purpose

Education grants enhance the quality of, and access to, education and lifelong learning opportunities for all British Columbians.

The Types of Projects We Support

In general, Vancouver Foundation supports growth and innovation through project-based grants for new initiatives. (See here for a full description.)

Through Education, we support the development and implementation of educational initiatives that:

contribute to excellence in teaching and learning; foster student citizenship and volunteerism; and strengthen school communities through the participation of students, parents, educators, and the community
improve educational access and program completion rates for all students, particularly for those facing economic or cultural barriers or with special needs
encourage learners to develop healthy self-esteem including a respectful appreciation of their own and others’ individual, ethnic and cultural identity
advance educational approaches and facilitate access to enhanced literacy for all age groups
disseminate successful program models, and promote innovation in a specific area of learning
contribute to the professional growth of educators and the advancement of innovative approaches to learning
demonstrate collaborative planning, competent financial management and appropriate use of community resources

Area of Interest: Aboriginal Education

Priority will be given to proposals that show innovation, a questioning of the status quo, have the capacity to transform Aboriginal education, and are targeted to expanding the number, knowledge and skill of Aboriginal educators.

It is expected that the initiatives will integrate Aboriginal knowledge systems; ensure meaningful involvement and decision-making of Aboriginal community, Elders, parents, educators and learners; and build capacity through collaboration, connection and partnerships that are sustainable.

Typical Grant Amounts

Vancouver Foundation usually funds no more than 50% of the budget for a proposal. Both cash contributions and in-kind donations of services or goods are considered valid matching components. Generally, grant sizes are based on grant amounts for past proposals of a similar nature, the size of the total proposed budget, availability of funds and the importance of the proposal relative to the priorities described in this document.

Eligibility

Vancouver Foundation’s general eligibility guidelines apply. With respect our Area of Interest, Aboriginal Education, organizations with a demonstrated commitment and capacity for success in Aboriginal education, particularly in communities or regions with high numbers of Aboriginal students, will be given particular consideration

How to Apply

Vancouver Foundation has a two-stage application process. The first stage is a Letter of Intent, which is a brief proposal assessed against the priorities and criteria of the Field of Interest you selected. If your proposal aligns well with the Field of Interest, then the second stage is to submit a full grant application upon request. A full description of the process can be found here.

Advisory Committee

Vancouver Foundation works with Advisory Committees to assess applications and to make funding recommendations. Advisory Committee members bring relevant expertise from across British Columbia and generously volunteer their time and energy to help shape our work and to ensure that we remain in touch with the communities we serve. Lists of Advisory Committee members can be found here.