Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Power to Give Foundation

Power to Give Foundation is a Canadian registered philanthropic foundation that practices a venture philanthropy approach. Based in Victoria, it brings together philanthropic families, entrepreneurs, and social-purpose charities to deploy philanthropic capital in ways that are strategic, relationship-based, and highly personalized. The foundation channels funding primarily to grassroots organizations across Canada, with a strong emphasis on Western Canada and rural and remote communities, including many Indigenous-led initiatives.

Rather than acting as a traditional grantmaker with open calls, Power to Give curates a portfolio of charities that align with its clients’ priorities in health and wellness, education, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. The team leads its own discovery, assessment, and vetting process, including site visits and on-the-ground consultation, before recommending and coordinating funding.

Power to Give provides a blend of financial and non-financial support. On the financial side, it offers unrestricted, multi-year operating grants so charity leaders can make agile decisions, invest in what works, and build sustainable organizations. The foundation is willing to be a first-in or early-stage funder, taking calculated risks to back innovative, entrepreneurial leadership.

Beyond operating support, the foundation also deploys philanthropic capital to community-led infrastructure projects such as culture centres, healing and wellness facilities, childcare and health clinics, and other shared spaces. These capital projects are designed and driven by local communities, with timelines and priorities set by them. Often, Power to Give and its clients continue to fund programs delivered in the completed facilities, giving organizations a runway toward self-sufficiency.

A defining feature of Power to Give’s model is its investment in capacity building. Charity partners receive management advice, tools, and professional development in areas such as strategic planning, leadership development, governance, stewardship, and impact measurement. The foundation organizes annual Social Impact gatherings, regular virtual professional development sessions, and an ongoing “Virtual Café” series to help leaders learn from experts and each other.

Power to Give also prioritizes peer-based networks for both funders and grantees. Through curated gatherings in places like Fogo Island, Nimmo Bay, and Vargas Island, it connects philanthropists with one another and with the communities they support. Charity leaders participate in social impact summits and retreats that encourage collaboration, shared problem-solving, and joint initiatives across organizations and regions.

Instead of accepting unsolicited applications, Power to Give identifies potential partners that match its impact goals and those of its clients. Selection criteria include alignment with the foundation’s focus areas, stage of growth (with an emphasis on organizations where early funding can be transformative), strength and entrepreneurial style of leadership, and depth of grassroots engagement. The foundation emphasizes trust-based philanthropy, light reporting, and long-term relationships.

In addition to its core portfolio, Power to Give and its clients make one-time grants for community events and initiatives, as well as annual sponsorships for aligned organizations. Through co-funding relationships and partnerships with other funders, it seeks to amplify every philanthropic dollar and help communities “move mountains” on the issues that matter most to them.