Mar 11: Vancity now accepting applications
Vancity now accepting applications for $1-Million Award
Vancouver — Vancity Credit Union is now accepting applications from non-profit organizations for this year’s $1-million Vancity Award to support bold and innovative community projects.
Launched three years ago, the annual Vancity Award provides funding to a non-profit organization for a major project that supports the social, environmental or economic well-being of the community. Funding may go towards development, capital, operational, or endowment needs. Vancity members select the winner.
“We’re looking for the next million-dollar idea that will capture the hearts and minds of our members and make a significant, long-term impact in the community,” says Bruce Ralston, Chair of Vancity’s Board of Directors.
Previous winners of the Vancity Award include WISH Drop-in Centre for its Downtown Eastside shelter for female sex-trade workers, Vancouver East Cultural Centre for its plans to restore, renovate and revitalize its facilities, and B.E.S.T. (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation) for its greenway project that will connect Lower Mainland communities with a 22-kilometre recreational pathway.
The deadline for award applications is Monday, April 12, 5:00 p.m. Vancouver, Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Victoria-area non-profit organizations are invited to submit a two-page letter of intent. Details are available at: www.vancity.com/award.
The Vancity Award builds on Vancity’s extensive community awards and funding programs, including the Community Partnership Program, the Vancity Community Foundation, and the EnviroFundTM, which recognize and support organizations that are making a difference in the community. This year, Vancity will share 30 per cent of its net profits with its members and community groups, with the highest amount ever - $5.4 million - going to community organizations.
Vancity is Canada’s largest credit union, with $9.3 billion in assets, 305,000 members, and 41 branches throughout Greater Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Victoria. Vancity was chosen as the best place to work in Canada for 2005 by Maclean’s Magazine as part of its annual Canada’s Top 100 Employers issue. Vancity owns Citizens Bank of Canada, serving members across the country by telephone, ATM, and the Internet. Both Vancity and Citizens Bank are guided by a commitment to corporate social responsibility, and to improve the quality of life in the communities where we live and work.