ABOUT

Chris Spencer Foundation

    ​ We provide funds for charitable organizations whose objectives are to improve the lives of Canadian youth.   

ABOUT

   
THE FOUNDATION

The Chris Spencer Foundation was established in 1949 under the Societies Act of the Province of British Columbia. Our mandate is to provide funds for charitable organizations whose objectives are to improve the lives of Canadian youth.

GRANTING POLICY

The Foundation provides funds for capital items or as “seed money” for experimental projects where it can be shown that operating funds will be available to continue a project should the experiment be successful. In addition, the Foundation must be assured that with its grant, sufficient funds are either on hand or committed, to finance the project entirely.
  • Grants are not made to individuals.
  • A valid Registration Number (Business Number) with Canada Customs and Revenue Agency is required.
  • Grants are not made with respect to annual campaigns, operating expenses (except temporarily for new projects), deficits, endowments or similar funds, publication of studies, or research.
  • The Foundation limits its giving to B.C., usually to organizations within Greater Vancouver and the Lower Fraser Valley.
  • Grants are not usually made to an organization or program two years in a row.
  • Grants larger than $10,000 are uncommon.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

The Chris Spencer Foundation requires a formal grant application, by specific deadline dates:
  • January 31st
  • April 30th
  • August 31st

Applications should be emailed to [email protected].

A decision on your application will be received approximately 2 months after the deadline date.
Any questions should be directed to the Foundation’s Administrator at [email protected].
   
Chris Spencer 
Born May 17, 1869 Victoria – Died May 31, 1953 Vancouver.

One of 13 children of David Spencer and Emma Lazenby, Chris Spencer joined his father’s company David Spencer Limited in 1882. David Spencer Limited was founded in Victoria in 1873. It was successful, and soon spread to Nanaimo in 1890. In 1907 Chris Spencer established the Vancouver branch of Spencer’s (further stores were added in Chilliwack, New Westminster, Courtenay, Duncan, and Mission, for a total of 9 stores ).

Spencer’s was an iconic Vancouver institution and landmark. Upon David Spencer’s death in 1920, Chris Spencer (‘Mr. Chris’) became President of David Spencer Limited. Chris Spencer remained the President until he sold the company to the T. Eaton Company in 1948. Many former Spencer’s stores continued to be operated as Eatons until the late 1980s. The iconic Vancouver store is now the Spencer Building: part of Simon Fraser University’s ‘Harbour Centre’ Campus.

Mr. Chris was known for his public spirit and kindness. He was an early supporter of the University of British Columbia, and was on the Board of Governors from 1921-1936 (granted an honorary LLD by UBC in 1952). He founded the Chris Spencer Foundation in 1949.