Vancouver Foundation Projects
We are passionate about community at Vancouver Foundation. And because we recognize that communities are complex, we take a broad approach to our work, and fund across a wide range of issues.
However, over the next few years, we will focus additional energy and resources on two pressing issues.
In metro Vancouver, we will concentrate our efforts on projects that strengthen people's connection and engagement in their community. An important part of this work will focus on youth engagement, particularly youth homelessness.
Have a look below at the different ways we help make our communities stronger and more vibrant through our projects.
Connection & Engagement
When people feel connected to one another and when they are engaged in the life of their community, neighbourhoods are safer, people are healthier, there is less depression and suicide, and communities are more resilient.
We are simply better off in many of the ways that matter.
Below are some of the ways we help strengthen connection and engagement.
Connect & Engage
Vancouver Foundation is developing a framework improving connection and engagement in our communities. Our work to date includes community consultation, reports and research.
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Neighbourhood Small Grants
Small is beautiful. Block parties, community gardens, festivals... they all help neighbours connect and become more actively engaged in their community.
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Downtown Eastside Small Arts Grants
The arts help people connect. These grants encourage emerging artists in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, where engaging in the community at large is a special challenge.
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Giving In Action
People with disabilities - and their families—can feel isolated from their communities. These grants help both people who are disabled and the families who care for them.
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Immigrant Employment Council of BC
This project helps skilled immigrants more fully contribute to our society and economy, strengthening their connections to their communities.
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Youth Engagement
When young people feel connected to and engaged in their communities, they are safer, healthier and more resilient. They deal better with bullying, isolation and depression, and are less prone to addictions and teenage pregnancy.
Our youth engagement projects include:
Youth Homelessness Initiative
Young people can't feel connected and engaged in the community if they live on the streets. These projects help break the cycle of homelessness for our most vulnerable young people.
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Youth Philanthropy Council
These grants encourage youth leadership and engagement, and build connections. It's all about youth helping youth.
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Greenest City
Generation Green Grants
These awards help empower a generation of green leaders by engaging then in projects that "green" metro Vancouver neighbourhoods.
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Community Research
Vancouver Foundation researches what makes communities vibrant and livable. We also survey non-profits to measure how well they cope with economic downturns.
Vital Signs
Our Vital Signs reports provide snapshots of what it's like to live in metro Vancouver. They assess issues such as housing, safety, health and wellness.
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Weathering the Storm
BC charities were hit hard by the economic downfall in 2009. This survey measured how they coped.
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After the Storm
This follow-up survey asked BC charities how well they were coping in 2010.
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Support for Non-profits
There are many hard-working non-profit organizations across BC doing great work. Vancouver Foundation spearheads projects that help them do their work better.
Labour Market Partnership
This project helps ensure talented and skilled people continue to work for the many non-profits that make our province a better place to live.
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Working Together - The Government/Non-profit Initiative
The BC Government and the non-profit sector recognize that we can do more for citizens when we work together. This project helps find more effective ways to support individuals and communities across BC.
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