We believe that the future resilience and prosperity of our community starts with long-term investments made today. Our job is to keep an eye on community needs and put resources where they are needed.
The West Vancouver Foundation receives donations from local philanthropists & community members and is then able to provide funding to local charities, through various granting
programs, to support programs that address community needs.
As a community foundation, we understand the North Shore and the Greater Sea to Sky region – from the local issues and needs to the people and organizations doing the best work to address these issues. Using information gleaned from our Vital Signs research and experience, you can trust us to help you make a significant impact.
Give Where You Live
ways to give
ABOUT COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS
All community foundations can confidently say that we exist to improve the quality of life in our community today and forever. That’s a very general statement, and even if that goal is understood the next question of “how?” gets more complicated. To learn more, click here.
The West Vancouver Foundation is a proud member of Community Foundations of Canada and is one of the top 30 Community Foundations in Canada. Collectively, community foundations steward over $6 billion in assets and are one of the largest contributors to charities in Canada, granting more than $375 million annually.
Want to learn more? Watch this video on What is a Community Foundation:
OUR HISTORY
In 1978, Mayor Derrick Humphreys appointed a special committee to explore the possibility of creating a charitable foundation that would inspire and steward local philanthropy for local benefit. A year later, in September 1979, the first meeting of the Board of Directors was convened with Mayor Derrick Humphreys, Mr. Frank Griffiths, Jr. (for his father), Mr. Charlie Hopkins, Mr. Bill Hyndman, Mr. David Mathieson, Mrs. Kay Meek, Mrs. Mary Pattison, Mr. Gordon Rowntree, and Mrs. Shirley Sager. Their legacy is profound. In partnership with donors, more than $5 million has been granted to community projects and organizations.
connection and belonging
Belonging is being part of a collective we. It’s about how much we believe we are part of a group or place and how much that place or group welcomes or includes us. It’s the result of connecting with others in rich relationships and engaging in our communities to make them better. Those that feel they are connected and belong often have healthier and more meaningful lives, communities are often safer, more resilient and more inclusive. As a community foundation, one of our goals is to improve connection and belonging on the North Shore. There are different ways this can be accomplished:
- The Arts: The broad reach and deep emotional connections made through the arts prove they are powerful instruments to enhance belonging. Arts and culture make communities better places to live. They help define who we are, how we relate to one another and how we feel about ourselves and our communities.
- Environment: Exposure to nature is correlated with improved well-being and a stronger sense of belonging. On the North Shore we are fortunate to be surrounded by nature, but we need to take care of it.
- Sports: Sport strengths communities by bringing people together, building social capital and fostering greater inclusion of excluded groups.
- Food Security: Food insecurity can impact a young person’s mental health, school performance, and social relationships. They may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or disconnected from their peers and community. This can also be seen with adults that are going hungry as they cut themselves off from others, become vulnerable to fear and negativity.
- Health & Wellness: Evidence shows that those who feel connected and that they belong, enjoy better health. But for some, overcoming mental or physical health issues must occur first.