Vancouver Foundation is an institution that collects donations and distributes funds to various charitable organizations in British Columbia. The central goal of the foundation is to enhance the quality of life for people and animals throughout British Columbia. A board of private citizens governs the foundation. The Vancouver Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in Canada.
The policies and programs of the Vancouver Foundation seek to promote human growth and dignity, inclusiveness, fairness, and equality for all people. The foundation provides funds for programs in nine primary fields of interest. The fields are (1) animal welfare; (2) arts and culture; (3) children, youth, and families; (4) education; (5) environment; (6) health and social development; (7) health and medical education; (8) youth homelessness; and (9) youth philanthropy. The foundation also administers the BC Medical Services Foundation (BCMSF) and the Disability Supports for Employment Fund (DSEF). The BCMSF supports medical research and health education. The DSEF helps people with disabilities obtain assistance in the workplace.
The origins of the Vancouver Foundation date back to the early 1940’s. Alice G. MacKay, a Canadian secretary, and W. J. VanDusen, a Canadian businessman and philanthropist, started the organization. The foundation was formally established by the Vancouver Foundation Act, passed by the British Columbia legislature in 1950. For assets, see Foundation (table: Major foundations throughout the world) .
