Grant and Funding Programs Offered by West Island Community Shares (WICS)

West Island Community Shares (WICS) is a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to building a strong, resilient, inclusive and healthy West Island community. Based in Beaconsfield, on the West Island of Montréal, it acts as a central fundraising and grantmaking hub: it mobilizes donations from individuals, companies and foundations, then redistributes these funds to a wide network of local community organizations.

Role in the funding ecosystem

Each year, West Island Community Shares raises and invests over a million dollars in the community, including more than $1.25 million in 2024–2025 for 42 organizations. Its Funds Distribution Committee, composed of community-minded volunteers, evaluates requests and ensures that every dollar is allocated where it can have the greatest impact. The organization supports both established charities and newer initiatives, helping them stabilize, grow and innovate.

Key funding areas and programs

WICS structures its portfolio around six key investment areas that reflect the needs of West Island residents:

• Supporting vulnerable and marginalized populations (e.g. people with disabilities, newcomers, isolated seniors, people facing discrimination or identity struggles).
• Developing strong and resilient children through youth programs and family supports.
• Fostering healthy bodies and minds via mental and physical health services.
• Providing basic necessities such as food security, clothing and essential household items.
• Empowering women experiencing violence, economic hardship or social exclusion.
• Developing green initiatives that improve local environmental outcomes.

In addition, the West Island Environmental Fund provides targeted funding for environmental projects such as school-wide programs, grassroots green initiatives and organized community activities. An application form is available online, and funding is allocated on an ongoing basis throughout the year.

General grantmaking approach

To receive funds, organizations must be registered charities with Revenue Canada, governed by an independent board, and primarily serve the West Island in the fields of health, social services or environment. WICS runs a structured grant application process with a first screening step for new applicants, followed by a full grant submission for shortlisted projects. The funder aims to reach citizens of all backgrounds and languages and to complement, rather than duplicate, government services.

Beneficiaries and impact

Through its grants, West Island Community Shares supports more than 40 local groups, including food banks, literacy programs, services for people with intellectual disabilities or autism, housing initiatives for youth in precarious situations, community resource centres and organizations serving Black and LGBTQ2+ communities. Together, these partners provide essential services to over 65,000 neighbours, from food assistance and housing support to mental health care and youth programming.

WICS publishes detailed financial statements and annual impact reports in both English and French, demonstrating transparency and the tangible outcomes of its funding in the West Island.