Important note: Giving by mail
The current Canadian Union of Postal Workers' strike may impact donations intended for VIU's Giving Tuesday campaign. We encourage you to give funds through the following avenues:
- Give online using our secure server (button below).
- Do an email transfer by emailing foundation@viu.ca.
- We would also love to see you in person! You can drop off a cheque to Building 310 at VIU's Nanaimo campus (see campus map for directions). We are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4 pm.
- If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Andrea.Tolentino@viu.ca or Clara.Ominger@viu.ca. We would be happy to assist you!
Show your support for VIU students!
VIU is once again participating in the global Giving Tuesday movement and raising funds to support our students through the Access Fund. This year our festivities include an online auction, matching funds, and an in-person event on campus to celebrate our culture of philanthropy.
Double your impact with matching funds from November 15 until December 3, or until funds run out.
For most donations, we'll match your donation on a one-to-one basis, up to $1,000 per donation. When you donate to an endowed fund, we'll match your contribution at a rate of 50 cents for every dollar you donate.
Help us reach our goal of $350,000.
VIU Access Fund
The VIU Access Fund meets students where they are, providing just-in-time financial assistance that’s easier to access. This fund supports all students in financial need, including students who tend to fall through the cracks, such as students enrolled in a Red Seal program, sampler program, students self-identifying as women, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+ or immigrants.
The Access Fund provides crucial support for essentials like textbooks, childcare, transportation and more. Awards are disbursed at varying amounts, based on need, up to $2,000.
Frequently asked questions
The Season of Giving at VIU starts on Friday, November 15 and culminates on Tuesday, December 3 – the big day! During this period, you can support VIU by donating what you can, spreading the word and sharing our stories on social media.
We are pleased as punch to let you know we do have matching funds available!
If you donate to an endowed fund your donation could be matched fifty cents on the dollar.
If you donate to any other type of fund, we can match your donation dollar for dollar, up to $1,000 per donation.
Please note: We will be matching funds on a first-come, first-served basis as matching funds are finite.
Donate to something that’s important to you. VIU is focusing on supporting the Access Fund this year. Matching funds are available on a first-come first-served basis. If you want to donate to something else, choose “other” on the donation form and let us know where you’d like your donation to go. If you choose an endowment fund, an established bursary or an award, you may qualify for a donation match.
Starting November 15, you can make your gift online by credit card or by mailing a cheque made out to VIU Foundation and mailed to:
VIU Foundation
900 Fifth Street
Nanaimo, BC
V9R 5S5
Please make a note in the memo about the fund you’re supporting. Gifts to multiple designations are accepted.
Yes. Employees can contribute on a bi-weekly basis through a payroll deduction by completing the Payroll Deduction Form.
Every little bit counts! There is no minimum donation amount.
Yes. For eligible gifts, you will receive a charitable receipt for your tax purposes.
This year, recurring gifts will not be an option.
For more information, email Foundation@viu.ca or phone 250.740.6217
