The power of collective giving and how community foundations are leading the way

By Erin Reddekopp, illustrations by Inma Hortas

This story is featured in our 2024 Vancouver Foundation magazine. Read the magazine to explore other stories of innovation, transformation, and community-driven change. 

In a world where individual actions can sometimes feel small in the face of enormous community challenges, collective giving offers a powerful solution. It’s a way for individuals to unite and amplify their impact, far beyond what one person could achieve alone. While the idea of collective giving has grown in popularity with platforms like GoFundMe and Kickstarter, the concept itself is much older.

At its core, collective giving is based on a simple yet powerful principle: together, we can accomplish much more than we can individually. By combining resources—financial contributions, time, expertise, and networks—people from all walks of life come together. This collaboration fosters a shared sense of purpose, allowing communities to address immediate needs and create sustainable solutions that lead to lasting change.

Community foundations at the heart of collective giving

Community foundations, like the Vancouver Foundation, are central to this model. They foster collaboration to tackle challenges and develop innovative solutions to the issues communities face. Serving as hubs for charitable giving, these foundations work closely with community advisors—local experts who understand the needs of their neighborhoods. By doing so, they help donors confidently consolidate their giving into one place and ensure that funds are directed where they are most needed.

Deeply rooted in community, these foundations prioritize local issues and support charities across a range of sectors. They play a critical role in meeting community needs, both immediate and long-term, by connecting donors with organizations that align with their interests. This ensures that funding is used effectively to address the most pressing concerns.

The origins of the community foundation model

The concept of community foundations dates back to 1914, when philanthropy was often “trapped in time.” While many people left gifts for causes they cared about, these causes sometimes became irrelevant or no longer existed over time. To solve this, Frederick H. Goff, president of Cleveland Trust Company, founded the Cleveland Foundation— the first community foundation—to ensure that charitable gifts could always be used in support of communities.

Vancouver Foundation, born from these same principles, also reflects the power of collective giving. Ten donors, inspired by the generosity of one woman, came together and achieved far more than they could have individually. This spirit of collective action continues today.

A legacy of impact and innovation

For over 80 years, Vancouver Foundation has brought together generous supporters, creating a movement that drives meaningful change. Last year, their collective efforts resulted in $142.6 million in grants to 2,496 organizations. As Craig Hikida, Vice President of Donor Services at Vancouver Foundation, puts it, “Very few people have the financial ability to grant millions of dollars on their own, but when their gift is combined with others, that’s where the magic happens.”

The pandemic: A powerful example of collective giving

The power of collective giving was especially evident during the global pandemic, which highlighted the urgent need for community support. During this time, Vancouver Foundation collaborated with Vancity, United Way British Columbia, and the City of Vancouver to launch the Community Response Fund (CRF). The response from donors was overwhelming.

“I will always remember how quickly the community came together to give,” says Hikida. “As soon as we announced the fund, donors were eager to direct their dollars to support our COVID response. The outpouring of one-time gifts and new donors was truly inspiring.”

Through the CRF, Vancouver Foundation raised $19.9 million, which went to support over 500 charities across B.C. This surge in collective giving wasn’t just about money—it also involved pooling expertise, volunteer efforts, and innovative solutions to address the crisis.

The enduring impact of collective action

This powerful community response is a testament to the enduring impact of collective action and the pivotal role of community foundations. As Vancouver Foundation continues to build on its legacy, the lessons learned during the pandemic underscore the resilience of community philanthropy.

Thanks to the generosity of donors and community partners, Vancouver Foundation can continue its work of collaboration and shared purpose. These efforts will be essential as communities face future challenges and opportunities.

By harnessing the collective power of individuals and organizations, Vancouver Foundation is poised to continue driving lasting change. The success of collective endeavors highlights the extraordinary impact we can have when we come together—and sets a powerful precedent for overcoming even the most daunting challenges.

Your support, combined with others, can make an incredible difference. Learn how you can be a part of creating lasting change.