Grant and Funding Programs Offered by West Point Grey Academy Foundation

West Point Grey Academy Foundation is a separate legal entity from the school society, incorporated under the Society Act of British Columbia and recognized as a tax-exempt public foundation under the Income Tax Act of Canada. Its core role is to hold and invest funds contributed through donations and fundraising activities, particularly those managed by the Parent Volunteer Group, and to steward these resources in support of West Point Grey Academy’s educational mission.

The Foundation promotes, fosters and facilitates a high quality of education at West Point Grey Academy by strengthening a culture of philanthropy in the school community and ensuring that gifts and endowments are managed responsibly. Through this financial stewardship, it helps the school offer enriched academic, arts, athletic and co-curricular programs, capital improvements and other student-centred initiatives that go beyond what tuition and government grants alone can provide.

Although much of the philanthropic activity is described under the school’s “Giving” section, the Foundation underpins these efforts by receiving, holding and deploying charitable funds. Donor contributions support areas such as classroom resources, facilities upgrades, outdoor education, Indigenous learning experiences, student leadership, athletics, arts and culture, and other strategic projects. In addition, West Point Grey Academy offers need-based financial assistance and specific scholarships, which are enabled by the broader philanthropic and endowment structure that the Foundation oversees.

Examples of institution-wide initiatives supported by donor funding include the Shaping Lives Fund annual campaign—directed to priority needs for the current school year—and multi-year capital projects like athletics facilities, theatre upgrades and campus enhancements. These initiatives are designed to provide transformative learning experiences and broaden access and opportunity for students.

The Foundation is governed by a board of directors that includes professionals with expertise in law, finance, governance, accounting and education, as well as ex officio members such as representatives from the Parent Volunteer Group and school leadership. The board emphasizes strong governance practices, regularly updating policies and procedures to remain compliant with applicable legislation and regulations.

An investment policy guides how the Foundation’s portfolio is managed, balancing long-term growth with income generation to meet both current and future funding needs. The board monitors significant risks, oversees adherence to a Statement of Investment Policy, and conducts annual evaluations of its own effectiveness and that of the Chair. This structure is intended to safeguard endowed gifts and ensure that donor intent is respected over time.

The primary beneficiaries of the West Point Grey Academy Foundation are the students and broader community of West Point Grey Academy in Vancouver. Through scholarships, bursaries, program funding and capital investments, the Foundation contributes to an educational environment that emphasizes inquiry, action and joy, and supports a diverse and inclusive school community. By coordinating with the school’s Advancement team and Parent Volunteer Group, the Foundation channels community generosity into tangible educational impact year after year.