Salt Spring Island Foundation Grants $50,000 to Local Organizations

The Salt Spring Island Foundation is pleased to announce the recent approval of approximately $50,000 in grants to 10 organizations. Many of the projects funded address the most critical needs identified by islanders in the Foundation’s 2012 Community Needs Survey.

Since 1984, the Salt Spring Island Foundation has granted more than $1.3 million to local registered charities. Every year, the Foundation invests in our community through its Community Endowment Fund, which was developed and continues to grow through donations and bequests from residents and friends of Salt Spring Island. Over $120,000 is distributed annually through grants to a wide range of Salt Spring not-for-profit organizations.

Arthritis Society (BC and Yukon Division)
To help fund a free arthritis information program to be held on Salt Spring Island.

Beacon Community Services
For the Salt Spring Island Best Babies program, which supports young mothers by providing information and resources aimed at maintaining infant health. Partial funding for this program has come from the Children’s Miracle Wish Foundation.

Gulf Islands Marine Rescue Society
For improved search-and-rescue communications on board the rescue boat and a stretcher davit to help lift victims from the water into the boat.

Salt Spring Island Land Bank Society
For upgrades to two houses:

  • Windows, electrical work and landscaping upgrades to Grandma’s House transitional house for men.
  • A shower, countertop convection oven and driveway improvements for Dean House affordable rental housing.

Salt Spring Island Public Library
To assist in funding the computer lab in the new library, which will support computer literacy on the island.

Salt Spring Island Search and Rescue Society
To purchase a rescue stretcher wheel/brake assembly.

School District #64
To support the TASK (Trades Awareness, Skills and Knowledge) program at GISS. The semester-long program gives hands-on experience in seven different trades.

SWOVA (Salt Spring Women Opposed to Violence and Abuse) Community Development and Research Society
To assist with the Respect, Safety and Sexual Health for Youth program.

Victoria Human Exchange Society, Salt Spring Island Branch
For ongoing maintenance, windows and curtains for Nancy Wigen House, a transitional house for women.

Viva Voce! Choral Society
To purchase music for the newly formed Viva Voce! Youth choir.

These grants would not be possible without the ongoing support of community members who share the Foundation’s goal of improving the quality of life for all Salt Spring residents. If you would you like to join the Foundation’s growing community of friends and help support worthy island charities like these, please go to our website at http://www.saltspringislandfoundation.org or call 250-537-8305.