The Vancouver Police Foundation (VPF) is excited to announce that the VPF Board of Directors has committed to funding more than 105 officer-led programs and initiatives, totalling more than $3.5 million in 2024. All 2024 All of this funding will support VPF efforts to build bridges with the community, to support the most vulnerable, to prevent crime and to increase public safety in Vancouver. For the third year in a row, this impressive funding total is a new Vancouver Police Foundation record!
Inspirational VPD officers and civilian professionals are behind every one of these important community initiatives. Due to the nature of their job, they often see the gaps and needs in our neighbourhoods before anyone else, and because of this, they are naturally inspired to help protect vulnerable individuals – whether they be children, women, or seniors.
The VPF invites these dedicated officers to apply for funding to help make their outreach and program goals a reality. We get to hear their stories first-hand; their stories of concern, of what they’ve witnessed while protecting our city, of what patterns of trouble are occurring in our neighbourhoods. But most importantly, we get to hear their proposed solutions, how they want to make a real difference, how they want to go above and beyond to help, and what they are going to do to achieve that.
“It is extremely inspiring to see so many VPD officers and civilian staff wanting to make a meaningful difference across Vancouver year after year,” says Christian Chia, Chair, VPF Board of Trustees. “One the many highlights for me is getting to hear from them – what needs they see around the city and what their plans are to address those needs. And even more remarkable is that most of this work is being done outside of their intense shift work – on a volunteer basis after shifts and on days’ off.”
It’s important to note that all of the programs and initiatives the VPF funds fall outside the regular operating budget of the VPD.
By providing financial support to successful applicants, we enable the officers to develop and implement meaningful initiatives to thousands of vulnerable citizens across Vancouver. These initiatives range from educating vulnerable youth about consent and online safety, to helping at-risk seniors understand fraud and access emergency cell phones, to serving vulnerable neighbourhoods, like Chinatown, with outreach and clean-up opportunities, plus over a hundred more!
These grants not only address immediate needs in our city, but also foster long-term resilience and empowerment to those who need it most.
While the dedicated officers are the heart and soul of each of these impactful programs, our generous donors are also heroes of this story. Our ability to provide the $3.5 million in funding this year is only because of the ongoing support and understanding we receive from our passionate donors. These are both individuals and organizations who walk alongside us and believe in helping build safer neighbourhoods across Vancouver.
“The incredible gifts we receive from our donors and partners is the cornerstone of our success, enabling us to help hundreds of VPD officers make a meaningful impact in our community,” explains VPF Executive Director, Andrea Wright. “Our donors not only fuel our programs, but also inspire us to strive for excellence every day. I am immensely grateful to each and every one of them.”
The Vancouver Police Foundation was created 48 years ago with a clear purpose: to fund crime prevention and community programs that are above and beyond the annual operating budget of the Vancouver Police Department. Since 1976, thanks to the support of our donors, the Foundation has granted over $17.5 million to over 320 innovative programs – initiatives that have helped the VPD save lives, prevent crime, and build safer communities.
The Vancouver Police Foundation supports programs and initiatives that fall under one of four pillars: Youth Programs, Mental Health & Addictions, Community Outreach & Engagement, and Technology & Special Equipment. You can help build a safer Vancouver by donating to the Vancouver Police Foundation.
