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Grant and Funding Programs Offered by The Wilding Foundation

A federally registered Canadian charity based on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, founded in 2021. The Wilding Foundation funds the FabLab community makerspace, free Child & Youth STEAM programs, the GISS Robotics Club, and the Catalyst Grants program providing $3,000-$10,000 to visual artists across the Southern Gulf Islands. View The Wilding Foundation's website for more information.

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About The Wilding Foundation

What is the mission of The Wilding Foundation?

To provide tools and resources that enable remarkable things to happen, making creative technology and artistic opportunity accessible to everyone on Salt Spring Island regardless of age, background, or financial means.

What type of organization is The Wilding Foundation?

The Wilding Foundation is a Foundation.

When was The Wilding Foundation founded?

The Wilding Foundation was founded in 2021-01-01.

What is The Wilding Foundation's official website?

The Wilding Foundation's official website is https://wilding.org/.

What else should I know about The Wilding Foundation?

Role of the Wilding Foundation in the Funding Ecosystem

As a private charitable foundation based on Salt Spring Island, the Wilding Foundation plays a vital role in supporting access to creative technology and artistic opportunities for the local community. Founded in 2021 and fully funded by Ethan Wilding, the Foundation has committed over $900,000 to various programs since its inception.

Funding Programs

The Foundation administers several funding streams:

  • Catalyst Grants: A partnership with the Salt Spring National Art Prize (SSNAP) providing $3,000-$10,000 grants to visual artists. $100,000 was committed annually over two years, funding approximately 20 artists each year.
  • FabLab: A community makerspace at the Salt Spring Public Library equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and design software. Over $700,000 has been invested over five years, with the space running at near-full capacity.
  • Child & Youth STEAM Programs: Free robotics, coding, 3D printing, and drone piloting programs for all island children ages 6-18.
  • GISS Robotics Club: Financial support for the Cyber/Scorpions VEX Robotics team at Gulf Islands Secondary School.

Transparency and Accountability

The Foundation publishes annual impact reports and media coverage demonstrating tangible outcomes: 1,100+ FabLab appointments, 3,600+ drop-in visits, and 1,000+ STEAM program participants in 2025 alone.