First West Foundation grants: Impact and Capacity Grants explained

First West Foundation is now Tru Charitable Foundation. You may still see the First West name in past CRA gift records and in the website address, but the application page now uses Tru Charitable Foundation.

At a glance

• Deadline: expressions of interest are accepted any time during the year, before December 1.
• Who can apply: registered charities only.
• Where: specific BC communities, grouped under four community endowments. You choose one when applying. Listed communities include:
  • Envision Financial Community Endowment: Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Delta, Hope, Kitimat, Langley, Maple Ridge, Mission, Surrey and White Rock;
  • Valley First Community Endowment: Armstrong, Cawston, Kamloops, Kelowna and West Kelowna, Keremeos, Lumby, Oliver, Penticton, Princeton and Vernon;
  • Enderby Financial Community Endowment: Ashton Creek, Enderby, Grandview Beach, Grindrod and Kingfisher;
  • Island Savings Community Endowment: Brentwood Bay (listed as "Brentwood" on the application), Chemainus, Duncan, Ladysmith, Lake Cowichan, Mill Bay, Nanaimo, Salt Spring Island and Victoria.

Two grant types

• Impact Grants: unrestricted funding for programs, service delivery and operating costs. The page lists the maximum as $15,000 in some places and $25,000 in another, so confirm before you apply.
• Capacity Grants: restricted funding for things like professional development and volunteer training, up to $15,000.

What it won't fund

• Purchase of food for direct distribution
• Capital campaigns
• Day camps or retreats
• Deficit or debt reduction
• Physical literacy, sport programs or equipment
• Performing arts programs, events or activities
• Projects mainly promoting political or religious activities or beliefs
• School construction, including playground equipment
• Sponsorship or marketing activities

How to apply

Complete the online expression of interest. It asks for your charity details, one community endowment, one grant type and the amount. Impact Grant applicants also choose at least one Sustainable Development Goal. Answer the short questions in up to about 500 words; bullet points are accepted.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Asking to cover direct food purchases. If you run a food program, focus your request on program delivery, staffing, or volunteer training instead.
• Applying from a community that isn't listed.
• Assuming the $25,000 Impact Grant maximum. Confirm it first.

Sources: First West Foundation (now Tru Charitable Foundation) official apply page. Checked 22 October 2026.