Role of Bowen Island Community Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The Bowen Island Community Foundation (BICF) is a local community foundation dedicated to improving quality of life on Bowen Island, British Columbia. As a registered charity, it builds and manages endowed and flow-through funds on behalf of donors, then grants the investment earnings back into the community. Since its inception, the foundation has invested more than $1 million in grants, scholarships, bursaries and donor-directed funds that support local organizations, projects and residents.
Funding priorities and types of support
BICF’s granting focuses on six broad areas that reflect community priorities: arts and culture, environment and parks, health and social well-being, education and youth, seniors, and community resilience-building. Through its Community Impact Grants, the foundation provides project-based funding—often up to $25,000—to registered charities and their community partners for initiatives that strengthen connections, address root causes, and improve shared spaces on Bowen Island.
In partnership with the Vancouver Foundation, BICF also delivers the Neighbourhood Small Grants program, offering smaller amounts to individuals and informal groups for grassroots projects that bring neighbours together, share skills, celebrate diversity and foster a sense of belonging.
Support for individuals: scholarships, bursaries and crisis assistance
Beyond organizational grants, the foundation manages numerous scholarship and bursary funds to help students with a demonstrable connection to Bowen Island pursue post-secondary, vocational and trades training. These include general academic and trades awards as well as themed funds in areas such as environmental sustainability, performing arts, health care and community service. The foundation also stewards crisis assistance funds, such as the Helping Hand Fund and youth-at-risk and resiliency funds, which offer targeted financial support for residents facing emergencies or hardship.
Community leadership and impact
As part of the national Community Foundations of Canada network, BICF combines local knowledge with broader best practices in philanthropy. It convenes conversations about vital community issues, encourages resident participation in setting priorities, and publishes information about funded projects and grant recipients to highlight impact. Through this combination of permanent endowments, responsive grantmaking and community engagement, the Bowen Island Community Foundation acts as a long-term financial and civic anchor for the island.
