Help bridge the gap for students today!
The VIU Access Fund supports students who are facing financial challenges that may prevent them from continuing their studies. The fund provides financial assistance throughout the year – whenever students need it most.
The VIU Access fund was established in 2021. It gives students bursaries ranging from $500 to $2,000, depending on need. The intent is to build the fund so that it is available long-term for students.
With the rising cost of living, your involvement matters now more than ever. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our students. Your support will provide immediate relief and long-term solutions to break down barriers to education at VIU.
No gift is too small, as it shows our students that our community is invested in their education. Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment. Together, we're shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
Keep reading to learn about initiatives the Access Fund is supporting, and our Frequently Asked Questions are also below!
Career Closet
Professional attire can be a costly barrier for students preparing for interviews, presentations or their first day on the job. That’s why VIU’s Career Studio launched the Career Closet, a free resource where students can access gently used professional clothing and personal care items to help them feel confident and prepared. Thanks to support from the VIU Foundation’s Access Fund, the Career Closet continues to grow, ensuring students have what they need to make strong first impressions and pursue career opportunities without financial stress.
“I see students coming in and you just see their confidence grow when they can put on that suit, that jacket, dress pants, you can just see the difference,” says Peggy Janssens, Career Closet Coordinator and a second-year Master of Business Administration student. “We hope that giving them that extra small piece of the puzzle, completes everything and gets them as ready as possible.”
Gear Closet
Students in VIU’s Resource Management and Protection programs are preparing for officer careers in conservation, natural resources, fisheries and parks. Learning how to protect the province’s flora and fauna requires lots of hands-on practice. In the temperate rainforests on Vancouver Island, this hands-on practice can quickly become cold and uncomfortable if you don’t have the right gear.
RMAP Technician Mike Lester said faculty started noticing more and more students showing up to field days without the proper gear to stay warm and dry. For example, wearing running shoes to go into a river to take samples, or jeans to trek around in the wet bush.
Faculty worked with the VIU Foundation to purchase a range of gear, from waders to waterproof jackets and pants and steel-toed boots to put in the new Gear Closet. The gear can be signed out from the library the same way students check out books and other items so they don't have to choose between a textbook or warm gear for field work.
Laptop loan program
Laptops are an expensive but necessary investment for most students. When the VIU Library saw a gap in resources for students who couldn't afford to replace their old laptops, they launched the laptop lending program. Through this program, students can borrow commercial-grade laptops for up to a semester. There are currently 35 laptops available through the library. The VIU Foundation’s Access Fund has provided enough money to add three new laptops to the fleet to help alleviate some of the wait list.
“Everything in my program is done on a laptop – all my course materials are on VIULearn, all the lecture slides are online and if you don’t have a laptop you can’t complete any of your assignments,” says Peeyush, a Master of Business Administration student. “I hope this program expands so more students benefit. New laptops are very expensive.”
Cowichan Food Pantry
Anytime students attending VIU Cowichan come to school hungry, they know they can go to the Student Food Pantry and grab essentials such as granola bars, fresh fruit and cereal.
The pantry, on the ground floor of the campus in the Learning Commons, includes a cooler so students can access refrigerated products such as yogurt and milk as well as non-refrigerated grocery essentials such as soup, cereal and healthy snacks. Everything in the pantry is free and available for all students. The initiative was made possible thanks to support from the VIU Foundation, as well as a grant from the Embark Student Foundation Major Grant Program and weekly donations of food from Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank and VIU staff.
Frequently asked questions
While scholarships are based on academic excellence, the Access Fund provides flexible financial assistance throughout the year for any students who may need it.
Financial obstacles should never stand in the way of a student's potential. Unfortunately, traditional scholarships and awards can leave some students behind. The VIU Access Fund is different. It's specifically designed to provide proactive and supplemental support when and where it's needed most.
- Available year-round.
- Provides flexible financial assistance of up to $2,000 to individual students based on their specific needs during unforeseen circumstances.
- Offers a less formal, shorter application process for students who self-identify or are recommended by faculty.
- Available to all students including those in apprenticeships.
- Disbursements made at the time of approval.
- Proactive approach to supporting students, to help before they are in financial crisis.
Your gift goes directly to the VIU Access Fund, which is designed to support all students who are in financial need, no matter the program of study, course load or academic achievement.
For example, last year the Access Fund:
- Transported more than 180 students from VIU Residences to affordable grocery stores.
- Provided essential tools for Trades apprentices
- Gave crucial financial support to more than 23 Nursing students
Donations can be made on our giving page.
We also accept cheques that can be made payable to VIU Foundation.
Mailing address: Building 310, 900 Fifth Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5. Please include “VIU Access Fund” in the memo field.
Yes, you will receive a tax receipt via email after you make a gift.
There is no minimum amount required to give to the Access Fund, all gifts are appreciated and welcome!
Spread the word! Tell folks about us through social media and involve your friends and family. Send everyone you know the link to this page and let’s work together to help students at VIU!
You can email foundation@viu.ca.