The BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion Foundation is a registered charitable organization and the charitable arm of the Legion in British Columbia and Yukon. Since 1997, it has channelled donations from individuals and Legion branches into a coordinated portfolio of funding programs designed to care for veterans, first responders and their families, as well as seniors and youth across the region.
Role of the Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The Foundation provides financial support through several complementary mechanisms. It awards competitive grants to registered charities operating primarily in BC or the Yukon whose projects align with its mission and are largely pre-funded. It also backs specific programs that address veteran homelessness, mental health, career transition and the use of service dogs, and supports research and medical services focused on veterans and seniors. In addition, it administers bursaries, scholarships and awards in partnership with universities, schools and community organizations.
Grant programs for community organizations
Through its annual grants cycle, the Legion Foundation BC/Yukon has awarded thousands of dollars to local organizations. Grants are open to registered charities working in British Columbia or the Yukon on initiatives that benefit veterans, seniors or youth in local communities. Projects must generally be at least 90% funded from other sources, and successful organizations are expected to use funds only for approved purposes, keep auditable records, report on outcomes and cooperate with public recognition of the grant. Applications typically open on August 1, close on September 15, are reviewed in October and decisions are communicated by the end of November.
Bursaries, scholarships and awards
Beyond project grants, the Foundation advances its mission by providing bursaries, scholarships and awards. These include, for example, the SFU Gerontology Bursary for students focusing on geriatric-related studies, the BCRTA Golden Star Award for intergenerational school programs involving seniors and students, a legacy scholarship for Kimberley-area cadets entering health sciences, and support for research via the UBC Chair of Family Practice on issues affecting veterans and seniors. Individual Legion branches may also grant additional bursaries and scholarships through their own funds.
Programs supported for veterans and families
The Foundation funds and operates several targeted initiatives. Its Veteran Homelessness Program, supported by the Government of Canada, provides direct financial assistance for rent, utilities, deposits, temporary hotel stays, moving costs and related housing needs, using a structured application and assessment process. Other supported programs include Leave the Streets Behind (comfort bags and apartment kits for homeless or at-risk veterans), the BCIT military skills career transition program, mental health counselling delivered by the Veterans Transition Network, and the training and placement of ADI-accredited service dogs for veterans living with PTSD.
Governance, accountability and impact
The Foundation is governed by an elected Board of Directors and managed by professional staff including an Executive Director and program coordinators. Annual and impact reports summarize activities, funded projects and financial stewardship. Through this mix of grants, program funding, and educational awards, the BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion Foundation plays a central role in mobilizing community donations into concrete, accountable support for veterans, first responders, seniors and youth across British Columbia and the Yukon.
