For many, few things are more personally fulfilling than leaving a legacy of gifts to charitable causes, non-profits and socially minded businesses in their community. With the costs of living increasing, the need for social change is greater than ever.
The Gadsden Initiative is here to help you explore causes that matter to you, to connect you with local changemakers across Greater Victoria, and to ultimately help you gift your own legacy – a crucial piece in the charitable fabric of our wonderful community.
Kickstart your philanthropic journey with four things you should know about becoming a Gadsden member.
1. The Gadsden Initiative engages emerging philanthropists
The program is designed for emerging donors who want to help make our community stronger. It offers a collaborative learning experience that invites members to come together and help shape a new philanthropy in Greater Victoria.
New donors can explore different ways to give through core sessions and activities, all while building a fund at the Victoria Foundation.
Together, Gadsden members can learn how their own interests align with local organizations, and how to act on solutions that enrich our region by gifting yearly grants to dedicated and impactful causes.
2. Members attend events throughout the year showcasing causes that matter
The program supports members to build relationships with the leaders from all kinds of cause areas – from environmental initiatives and food security to housing and local business.
The core sessions throughout the year are diverse and hands-on, and each centers on different aspects of philanthropy.
In 2024, Gadsden members attended a philanthropy panel and performance at the Canadian College of Performing Arts, a registered charity owned by the Canadian Heritage Arts Society. It was a wonderful evening with keynote speakers, music and plenty of delicious hors d’oeuvres.
In fall 2024, Gadsden members took a tour of Greater Victoria’s Food Security Distribution Centre, a wide-scale multifaceted centre that connects our community’s most vulnerable with fresh, local food.
Last year, events included an ‘enterprise mini market’ at ecologyst, a local sustainable clothing factory, where members networked with various local vendors selling products to benefit social causes and were given tours of the factory itself.
Every session is organized based on questions and feedback from members.
3. You can shape your philanthropy in any way you want
While taking part in core sessions and events, Gadsden members are given plenty of time to decide what causes they want to give to.
Members have up to three years to contribute $5,000 to a donor-advised fund. As one of the Victoria Foundation’s most popular types of funds, donations are permanently invested, with a portion of the returns made available for granting to the Canadian charities of the member’s choosing each year.
Once the $5,000 threshold is reached, the Victoria Foundation matches contributions with another $5,000. The total $10,000 is enough to create a fully established fund, enabling members to support the community through annual grant-making.
Members have the flexibility to change the charitable focus of their fund at any time.
4. There is deep personal fulfillment in making a last difference
Deepening your connection to local issues can be profoundly rewarding. For Gadsden member Waheeda Esmail, the experience was life changing.
“We had the opportunity to hear Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi speak about her work building [the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness] from what was essentially an outreach program. I found the story incredibly inspiring, and I know that’s where I will be sending grants for years to come,” says Esmail.
Since launching in 2019, The Gadsden Initiative has grown to represent 58 funds and over 90 members. You can help it continue to grow with your curiosity, empathy and willingness to give.
To learn more, visit victoriafoundation.bc.ca/gadsden-initiative.
