2023-24 UWSVI Programs & Services Grant

UWSVI will be accepting applications for programs/projects that primarily focus on the immediate needs of targeted populations in the following areas of action. Priority will be given to programs and services aimed to reduce the impact of poverty on families and individuals in our region.

As United Way Southern Vancouver Island (UWSVI) continues on our journey of reconciliation and understanding, we strive to promote the values of equity and inclusion within the community through our funding. UWSVI encourages applications from Indigenous and BIPOC led  organizations as well as from other equity seeking groups.

Eligible, registered charities in good standing are invited to apply for funding by sending an email to ci.fund@uwsvi.ca and including :

  • The name of their agency
  • The full name and email address of the individual responsible for inputting the grant information
  • A program/project title
  • Area of Action your program/project aligns with (see below for descriptors)

Funding requests are anticipated to range from $15,000 to $50,000.

Note: Funding will be for one year beginning April 1, 2023 and ending March 31, 2024.

Late submissions will not be accepted.

The UWSVI Community Impact Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your application beginning on January 6th. Please contact ci.fund@uwsvi.ca and we will be happy to follow up with you to discuss your proposal or assist in any further queries.

Seniors and Elders  – Many seniors in the CRD experience extreme loneliness, malnutrition, mobility issues and limited income. Even as we recover from the pandemic, the needs for seniors in the community remains high.

This Area of Action focuses on programs and services that assist seniors in accessing good nutrition, aging independently while maintaining their health and well-being, and fostering strong social connections to combat isolation and lack of access to essential services.

Families– Our region is in the midst of a housing affordability crisis. That, combined with the lingering economic and social effects of the pandemic, rising inflation, skyrocketing food and gas prices, and wages that are often not keeping pace with the current economic climate means that many families in the CRD are struggling just to make ends meet.

This Area of Action focuses on programs and services that help families facing poverty or challenging life situations raise their children so that they can have the tools to better transition through all of life’s stages.

Mental Health and/or Addictions – Nearly 50% Canadians say their mental health deteriorated during the pandemic and Victoria and Southern Vancouver Island in general have a high rate of mental health issues as well as one of the highest overdose rates in the province. Far from being an issue confined to the streets or only impacting the homeless population, the drug poisoning epidemic is affecting people from all walks of life and from all socio-economic backgrounds.

This Area of Action focuses on programs and services that assist people and their families who are dealing with mental health and addictions challenges.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Support for Indigenous Communities

UWSVI believes that diversity, equity & inclusion and support for indigenous communities are at the heart of a healthy and vibrant community and is working to ensure Canada becomes a truly equitable, safe, and inclusive place to live. Over the past few years, the issues of discrimination, racism, and the horrific impact of residential schools on Indigenous survivors has been brought to the forefront of discourse.  There is an increasing need for collective community action in addressing these critical needs and challenges.

This Area of Action focuses on programs and services that assist marginalized and racialized communities including helping newcomers and refugees find belonging, programming and initiatives that support and empower BIPOC individuals, Women, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples; persons with disabilities/diverse abilities (both visible and invisible), and the LGBTQI2-S community, and others marginalized on the basis of their ethnicity and other identity factors.

For information about the Community Services Recovery Fund, visit https://uwsvi.ca/csrf-2023/ 

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