Grant and Funding Programs Offered by BCU Foundation (BCUF)

BCU Foundation is a member-supported charitable foundation established with seed funding from Buduchnist Credit Union to provide a permanent vehicle for philanthropic support to the Ukrainian‑Canadian community. Based in Toronto and active across Canada, it manages more than 35 general and designated funds whose investment income is disbursed to projects, organizations and humanitarian initiatives in Canada and Ukraine. Since its creation, the Foundation has distributed over $22 million.

The Foundation focuses on Ukrainian‑Canadian cultural heritage, history, education and community development, while also supporting medical and humanitarian responses to war in Ukraine. Areas of support include historical and cultural endeavours, education and exhibitions, publications, documentaries and multimedia, concerts and music recordings, athletes, youth and sports, medical and humanitarian aid, community events and conferences, and poverty relief.

BCU Foundation operates a structured grants program delivered through two main channels: General Funds and Designated Funds. General Funds are built from broad-based donations and fundraising events and provide flexible support for initiatives aligned with the Foundation’s overall mandate. Designated Funds are created by individual donors, families, organizations or BCU itself to support specific causes, institutions, thematic areas or geographic priorities, often in perpetuity.

Through these funds, the Foundation provides grants to registered charities and non-profit Ukrainian community organizations for projects in arts, heritage, education, skills development, organizational sustainability and broader community development. Beneficiaries include community organizations, cultural institutions, musicians, artists, writers, filmmakers, researchers and universities, as well as humanitarian partners working in Ukraine.

Grant guidelines specify that applicants must be charitable or non-profit Ukrainian community organizations based in Canada; applications from individuals are not accepted. Funding can support projects in Canada or humanitarian aid for Ukraine, but typically will not cover meals, travel, operating budgets, capital expenditures or fundraising projects. The Foundation usually funds up to 50% of total project costs, encouraging co-funding and community participation.

Applications are assessed by the Board of Directors against alignment with BCU Foundation’s vision and mandate, community impact, financial feasibility and the legitimacy of proposed activities. A completed application form, constitution and by-laws, and recent financial statements are required, and successful applicants must submit a final report and financial statement after project completion.

In addition to project grants, BCU Foundation offers scholarships, notably through the Canada 150 Fund. This fund provides an annual $10,000 scholarship (or two awards of $5,000) to Ukrainian‑Canadian graduate students and young scholars in fields such as science, engineering, technology, business and finance who are pursuing advanced degrees at recognized North American institutions. Scholarship guidelines and application forms are published online with clear deadlines.

The Foundation administers numerous named funds that target specific needs, including youth leadership, theological education, Holodomor research and education, support for wounded Ukrainian soldiers and war-affected children, preservation of Ukrainian immigration history, and strengthening Ukrainian identity through arts and sports. Other funds provide humanitarian aid, support resettlement of Ukrainians arriving in Canada, or offer scholarships and bursaries tied to particular communities or institutions.

BCU Foundation emphasizes responsible stewardship of donor contributions. Investments are overseen by an Investment Committee and managed by BCU Wealth Management under a formal investment policy. The Foundation encourages strategic giving through one‑time and monthly donations, bequests, gifts of securities, insurance and estate planning tools, and offers donors the option to establish new designated or memorial funds aligned with their philanthropic goals.