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MEDIA CENTRE

First West Foundation strengthens local communities through $795,000 in grants 

LANGLEY, B.C. – The First West Foundation, through its Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings and Enderby Financial Community Endowments, the First West Credit Union Leaders Fund and Keeping a Good Thing Growing Endowment is granting $795,000 this year – a total of 56 grants – to deserving charities throughout B.C.  

This year, First West Foundation continued its evolution to a trust-based philanthropy model, a granting approach that seeks to shift power inequities between funders, charities and the communities they serve to create a healthier, more equitable sector for all. 

“We are always looking for ways to make the granting process less about us and more about our community partners,” says Susan Byrom, executive director of First West Foundation. “This year, by listening to our partner’s feedback, we simplified our application process and removed technology barriers to free up their valuable time and resources to help do what they do best— help our communities thrive.” 

Additionally, all impact grants are unrestricted this year, further aligning with the foundation’s trust-based philanthropy evolution. Unrestricted funding provides grantees the flexibility to assess and determine where grant dollars are most needed and allows for innovation, emergent action, and support for operational expenses. 

Established in 1996, the First West Foundation has donated more than $10.5 million in grants to local community groups and projects. Here are the charitable organizations receiving a grant in 2023: 

Company Information

About First West Credit Union

First West Credit Union brings together the best of both worlds, combining the scale, stability and solutions of a leading Canadian financial institution with the care and community leadership of a local cooperative. Powered by the leadership of Launi Skinner, First West is Canada’s premier multi-brand credit union, serving 283,000 members through four admired community brands: Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings, and Enderby & District Financial. With approximately $20 billion in total assets and assets under administration, First West makes it easy for its members to get impactful, practical advice and personalized service that’s truly in their best interests, through 45 branches across B.C., a Member Advice Centre and leading digital tools.

Since 2010, First West has given back more than $41 million to its communities, while cultivating a culture with its 1,250 team members that is recognized nationally with Canada’s Most Admired Cultures Award, BC’s Top Employers Award, 5-Star Psychological Safety Award, and the Canadian Workplace Wellbeing Award. Learn more at firstwestcu.ca and see how we’re redefining banking to create a future where everyone can flourish.

About First West Foundation 

The First West Foundation cares about the well-being of the communities served by First West Credit Union and its regional divisions, Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings and Enderby & District Financial. The Foundation, with assets over $18 million, uses income generated from its endowments to help our communities thrive. Granting is the cornerstone of our community work and we’re continuing to evolve our processes through the lens of trust-based philanthropy. Established in 1996, the First West Foundation has donated more than $10.5 million in grants to local community groups and projects. The Foundation grows its endowments through charitable gifts and bequests. For more information, visit firstwestfoundation.ca     

Media Contacts

Josh Juhlke

Communications Manager 
c: 604.309.6066 
jjuhlke@firstwestcu.ca