The First West Foundation, through its Envision Financial Community Endowment, is granting $414,000 this year - a total of 26 grants - to deserving charities throughout the Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland and Kitimat regions.
In total, $684,700 is being dispersed across the province through the Foundation’s regional community endowments representing First West Credit Union’s four local brands — Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings and Enderby & District Financial.
This year, First West Foundation placed an increased emphasis on ensuring grants aligned with its six Sustainable Development Goals— no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, reduced inequalities, and partnerships for the goals. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 interconnected global goals developed by the global community to provide a holistic and ambitious road map for private, public and non-profit organizations to work together to address a multitude of global challenges. Additionally, First West Foundation continues its journey into trust-based philanthropy this year.
“Our team embraces trust-based philanthropy principles, and one way we’ve implemented this is by providing multi-year commitments to our community partners,” says Susan Byrom, Executive Director of the First West Foundation. “By providing grant funds over an extended period, we empower our partners to plan and execute longer-term projects without the constraints of short-term funding uncertainty.”
The Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation is receiving $25,000 to support its capital campaign for its new long-term care centre.
The Step Forward Health Society is receiving $25,000 for its When Love Hurts Support Group Program which offers group and individual support to women for 20 weeks at each Delta location. These programs will be offered at no charge to registrants including one-on-one counselling during the group program, based on individual needs, as required.
Eldercollege Delta Society is receiving $3,500 to upgrade audio visual equipment for their classroom located in the Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall.
Sher Vancouver LBGTQ Friends Society is receiving $25,000 as are the Take a Hike Foundation in North Delta and the Surrey/North Delta Meals on Wheels program.
