Your gift creates opportunities
No matter how you give, or how much you give, your support matters. There are many different types of gifts you can make that will create opportunities for students at VIU.

One-time gifts
A meaningful way to support VIU. You can make a gift easily on our online portal.

Monthly giving
A wonderful source of funding for scholarships, programs and student support services.

Legacy giving
Give the gift with a lasting impact, such as estate planning, memorial and tribute gifts.
Calling VIU Alumni
It is only through the generous support of VIU alumni that we continue to transform lives through education, research, and community connection. Alumni gifts fund bursaries, enhance campus spaces, and power programs that shape tomorrow’s leaders.
If you believe in the power of education and the strength of the VIU alumni community, consider giving back.
Support the future.
Giving options

Give in honour
Making a gift in memory of a loved one or to honour an accomplishment or milestone is a meaningful way to create a lasting legacy at VIU. We would love to help you through the process.
Create a legacy for yourself, a loved one, a colleague, your company or your organization.
A named gift donation is special. It requires a significant commitment and it provides significant rewards. By making a named gift you will be creating a long-lasting reminder of your commitment to the University for all to see and celebrate, now and in the future.
A gift that transforms lives. Scholarships ease financial burdens and build confidence, allowing students to focus on their studies and reach their full potential.

Faculty and staff
Lotto 4 Learning (L4L) is a bi-weekly 50/50 draw that offers a chance to win big and support students at the same time! VIU employees can purchase 1 to 20 tickets at $5 each, automatically deducted from payroll. Winners are randomly drawn every other Friday on paydays at the VIU Foundation Office. As a 50/50 lottery, half the jackpot goes to one lucky winner and the other half supports VIU students directly. The more tickets sold, the bigger the prize and the greater the impact on students. Join the fun, support students and win big with L4L! Last year the average prize was $830.
Money raised will go directly to students. It will continue to support five bursaries, available to any VIU student and awarded based on financial need. Any residual funds will be diverted to the Access Fund, which aims to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions to break down barriers to education at VIU.
Lotto 4 Learning is licensed by the BC Gaming Commission.
You can now sign up for Lotto 4 Learning through the VIU Employee Portal:
BC Gaming Event License # 161400 (May 23, 2025, to May 22, 2026)
Tickets
- Lotto 4 Learning is a payroll 50/50 draw open to all VIU employees aged 19 or older.
- Employees may purchase 1 to 20 tickets at $5 each, deducted automatically through payroll.
- Draws take place every second Friday (payday) at the VIU Foundation Office. Half the jackpot goes to the winner; the other half supports VIU students.
- Tickets are non-refundable. The odds of winning depend on the total number of tickets sold.
- Draw dates are listed in the VIU payroll calendar on Unit 4.
- You can join or renew through your secure VIU employee sign on in Unit 4. By signing up, you authorize the VIU Payroll to deduct the cost of your Lotto 4 Learning tickets ($5/ticket) from your payroll until May 26, 2026.
- All players are required to renew their pledge each year, with all ticket sales taking place in British Columbia.
- You can make changes or terminate your deductions at any time.
- Ticket numbers are assigned by the VIU Payroll system.
- The Advancement and Alumni Relations Office maintains all required financial controls and records.
Prize Draw Procedures
- Prior to each draw, a ticket worksheet is prepared by VIU Payroll for the applicable pay period and provided to the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office.
- Draws take place at 10 am on each scheduled draw day. A four-digit number is drawn using a manual four-barrel bingo machine. Each barrel is spun to randomly select one ball. The resulting four digits form the winning ticket number.
- For any prize valued at $1,000 or more, the draw is supervised by the Executive Director of the VIU Foundation or their designate. All draws are witnessed by a second individual and conducted at the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office, Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, BC, V9R 5S5.
- Attendance is not required to win.
- Every effort will be made to conduct the draw at 10 am on the scheduled day.
Prize Distribution
- Winners are notified by email and required to complete and sign a Winner’s Declaration Form, providing their name, address, phone number, and email.
- Prizes are issued by cheque once the signed form is received by the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office.
- Personal information is collected solely for the purpose of awarding the prize and is not sold or shared.
- Unclaimed prizes will be securely held for one year from the date of the draw. After this period, unclaimed prizes will be disposed of in accordance with BC Gaming regulations.
Publicity
- A campus-wide email notification announcing the winner will go out to all employees after the winner has been notified.
- Draws are open to the public. Attendance is not required to win.
- For questions or changes to your Lotto 4 Learning deduction level please contact Payroll@viu.ca.
- For other questions about Lotto 4 Learning, please contact the Advancement and Alumni Office at Foundation@viu.ca.
- Free prevention, treatment, and support services are provided by the Government of BC for anyone struggling with their gambling. Information can be found at Gambling Support BC or 1.888.795.6111.
- Complaints about the conduct and management of gaming events may be submitted, in writing, to the GPEB.

Other giving options
Revenue Canada has now removed the capital gains tax on gifts of qualified stock to charities, making this an even more attractive way to give. Let us help you navigate the process.
Gifts of real estate can be made directly to VIU at any time. VIU will sell the piece and use the proceeds to fund student awards or other institutional priorities.
There are many options for in-kind gifts. Let us help you determine whether your property is suitable for a donation to VIU. Some options include:
- Art
- Equipment
- Vehicles
- Other
viuf-gift-in-kind-form.pdf (224.49 KB)
Milner Gardens & Woodland
Thanks to donor support, thousands visit Milner Gardens & Woodland each year to experience its natural beauty. Donations support environmental education for children and preserve this magical place for future generations.
If you love the Gardens, please consider a gift to ensure their success.
Payment options
Donate online by credit card using our secure site. Donate now
To donate by cheque, please send your cheque, payable to the University of Victoria, to our mailing address. Please be sure to include the name of the fund you wish to support, your contact information, as well as the mailing address for your tax receipt. You may wish to print a copy of the pledge form and mail the completed form with your cheque.
To make a donation by telephone, please call 250.740.6215.
To make a gift in person, please visit the VIU Advancement and Alumni Relations Office, at 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo (V9R 5S5) during office hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm on Monday to Friday. You may wish to call (250.753.3245) ahead to ensure that we are open.
Questions?
Our team can help you determine the best way to maximize your giving to Vancouver Island University. Contact us.