Since 2022, the Whistler Community Foundation (WCF) has asked community groups to consider the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as they apply for funding.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, SDG No. 3—ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages—is particularly relevant to the Sea to Sky.
A number of in-person programs that served Whistler's well-being in the past have been on hiatus since COVID-19—and are returning as soon as the organizational capacity is there, the WCF said in a release. With that in mind, the WCF announced $156,000 in grants for local charities and community groups on June 15.
“We know many non-profits and charities are challenged to re-establish their programming post-pandemic. The Caring Community Grants Committee felt it was imperative to fund applications that would create the most impact on the long-term well-being of the community. And Mama Baby Connection, by Howe Sound Women’s Centre, gives young community members and their parent(s) a great start,” said Claire Mozes, WCF’s CEO, in the release.
“As a funder, we are in a unique position to understand community needs. And when presented with the opportunity, we can quickly connect donors to funds that will support those often-pressing needs. I encourage community members who have the capacity to give to get in touch."
This year marks the WCF's 20th year of distributing grants to environmental non-profits and charities. In that span, the WCF has distributed $1,677,166 in funds "to innovative programming that builds community and strengthens our mental and physical well-being through preservation of biodiversity, reduction of climate anxiety, and empowering community members to learn more and take action," the release said. In total, the foundation has granted nearly $4.2 million since its inception.
Find the full list of grant recipients below, and follow this link for more info or to donate.
Caring Community Grants 2023
Mama Baby Connection, Howe Sound Women's Centre Society, $3,000;
Installation and Completion of Pemberton Trail Map Kiosks, Pemberton Valley Trails Association, $1,710;
Bereavement Counselling and Support, Sea to Sky Hospice Society, $3,300;
Outdoor Multipurpose Room, Whistler Secondary School, $4,000;
Healing Through Harvest Garden Coordinator, Signal Hill Elementary School, $4,590;
Indigenous Mental Health and Wellness Programming, Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh Líl̓ wat7úl Cultural Centre, $4,000;
Artist Sessions, The Point Artist-Run Centre (Arts Whistler), $3,500;
Children and Youth Art Program, The Point Artist-Run Centre (Arts Whistler), $1,200;
Authors in Schools Program, The Whistler Writing Society, $2,000;
Art on the Lake, Arts Whistler, $4,000;
IPads for Parent Communication, Whistler Children’s Centre Society, $1,000.
Leadership Grants 2023
Shire Built Trail Maintenance Training, Pemberton Valley Trails Association, $700;
Mental Health and Psychological Safety at Work Master Certificate Program, Arts Whistler, $520;
Financial Management for the Non-Financial Manager Certificate Program, Pemberton Off Road Cycling Association (Pemberton Valley Trails Association), $855;
Cultivating Safe Spaces "Train the Trainer", Zero Ceiling Society of Canada, $3,000.
Environmental Grants 2023
Core Capacity and Program Development Support, AWARE, $20,000;
Core Operational Costs, Stewardship Pemberton, $20,000;
Discover Nature Materials Support, Whistler Museum & Archives, $5,000;
Invasive Species Education, Outreach and Training, Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council, $19,500;
Invasive Species Inventory Control & Monitoring, Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council, $20,000;
Feasting for Change, Stewardship Pemberton Society, $12,500;
Fungus Among Us, Whistler Naturalists (AWARE), $5,400;
Whistler BioBlitz, Whistler Naturalists (AWARE), $15,000;
Bird Studies, Whistler Naturalists (AWARE), $2,000.
