Submitted. Since its first disbursements in 1998, the Envision Financial Community Endowment has contributed more than $2,718,094 to community programs across the Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland and Kitimat regions.
The allocation of grants for 2014 is now complete, with more than $314,000 distributed to 25 different organizations. Total disbursements this year jumped by more than 55 per cent, an increase of close to $112,000 over 2013’s total.
Funding from the Envision Financial Community Endowment supports projects benefiting vulnerable populations in the Lower Mainland and Kitimat regions of B.C. Additionally, recognizing the opportunity to strengthen the important work being done in the social services sector, grants have also been provided to support organizational development initiatives such as leadership training and workshops to help improve the skills and abilities of staff or volunteers.
“These grants are not just about money,” says Seline Kutan, executive director of the First West Foundation. “They’re about changing lives for vulnerable people in our communities. This year’s projects include funding for parent education sessions on teen drug and alcohol use in Maple Ridge, an anti-bullying program throughout Abbotsford schools and a self-referred anger management program in Delta. It’s incredible to watch the difference the Envision Financial Community Endowment continues to make.”
The $6,400,000-plus Envision Financial Community Endowment was established in 1996 to provide an annual stream of grant money for local charities and initiatives in the communities Envision Financial serves.
About The First West Foundation
The First West Foundation cares about the well-being of the communities served by First West Credit Union and its regional divisions, Envision Financial, Valley First, and Enderby & District Financial. The Foundation, with assets nearing $11 million uses income generated from its endowments to help create resourceful and resilient communities. Since its inception in 1996, the First West Foundation has donated over $3 million in grants to local community groups and projects. The Foundation grows its endowments through charitable gifts and bequests. For more information, visit firstwestfoundation.ca
About Envision Financial
Envision Financial is a division of First West Credit Union, B.C.’s third-largest credit union, with 38 branches and 29 insurance offices throughout the province operating under the Envision Financial, Valley First and Enderby & District Financial brands. Led by Launi Skinner, First West has $7.7 billion in assets under administration, more than 180,000 members and close to 1,300 employees. For its extensive community involvement, Envision Financial is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada. For more information on Envision Financial, visit www.envisionfinancial.ca.
Follow Envision Financial on Twitter: @EnvisionFin