Sharing Our Future Foundation (SOFF) is a dedicated charitable foundation that exists to strengthen the work of the Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion (BACI) in Metro Vancouver. Established in 1992 to raise funds for BACI’s Still Creek Centre, the foundation has since broadened its mandate to become a long‑term financial partner in BACI’s prosperity. Through its fundraising and stewardship activities, SOFF helps ensure that children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities have access to innovative supports and inclusive opportunities in their community.
Role of the Foundation in the Funding Ecosystem
SOFF’s core role is to seek financial and other forms of support from individuals, families, businesses and organizations, then direct these resources to BACI’s priorities. This includes capital needs such as facilities, as well as programs that foster learning, skill development, employment, social inclusion and quality of life for people with disabilities and their families. While the BACI association delivers the services, the foundation focuses on building the financial base that makes those services and new initiatives possible.
Funding Sources and Giving Options
The foundation promotes a variety of giving mechanisms, ranging from one‑time donations to more complex planned giving. Donors can contribute cash, real estate, securities and other assets, or structure their giving through bequests, life insurance policies, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts and RRSP/RRIF designations. These options allow supporters to create a charitable legacy while also considering tax efficiency and family needs.
Major gifts and legacy gifts directed through SOFF are positioned as a way to transform the lives of people and families served by BACI. Funds raised are used to expand opportunities for individuals to discover their abilities, pursue their goals, and participate fully as contributing members of their communities.
Beneficiaries and Impact
SOFF’s funding is focused on one primary beneficiary: the Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion. Through BACI, resources from the foundation support a wide spectrum of services, including early childhood development, children’s and youth programs, adult day and employment services, and inclusive social and recreational initiatives. By helping BACI move beyond the status quo, the foundation contributes to a vision of prosperity where people with disabilities, their families, and the broader community are able to be, become and belong.
Governance and Community Leadership
The foundation is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors, with roles such as Chair and Vice‑Chair and several directors drawn from the community. BACI’s executive leadership team provides staff support to the foundation, helping align fundraising strategies with organizational priorities. This governance structure helps ensure that donor funds are managed responsibly and directed toward initiatives that improve quality of life and inclusion for people with disabilities.