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 (November 25 to December 2, 2025), matching funds and an in-person event on campus to celebrate our culture of philanthropy.
Double your impact with matching funds from November 2 until December 2, 2025, 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.
VIU Access Fund
The VIU Access Fund supports students facing financial barriers that may prevent them from finishing their studies. It provides just-in-time financial assistance of up to $2,000 at any time of the year – whenever the student needs it. This fund supports all students in financial need including students who are facing food insecurity, emergency medical expenses, homelessness and transportation challenges.
The Access Fund also supports capacity building initiatives such as the VIU Housing grocery shuttle, which provides transport for students to access low-cost food stores in Nanaimo to help students save money and eat healthier.
Frequently asked questions
The Season of Giving at VIU starts on November 2 and culminates on Tuesday, December 2 – 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 2, 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
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 frankie.marquez@viu.ca or Clara.Ominger@viu.ca. We would be happy to assist you!
Please make a note in the memo about the fund you’re supporting. Gifts to multiple designations are accepted.
Every little bit counts! There is no minimum donation amount.
Yes. For eligible gifts, you will receive a charitable receipt for your tax purposes.
For more information, email Foundation@viu.ca or phone 250.740.6217
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 frankie.marquez@viu.ca or Clara.Ominger@viu.ca. We would be happy to assist you!