FAQ

Find answers to common questions about the Foundation, our events, sponsorship opportunities, and how you can get involved.

VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation Information

Frequently asked questions about the Foundation

VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is the leading charity investing in health care innovation in BC. As Vancouver Coastal Health’s primary philanthropic partner, the Foundation raises essential funds for VGH, UBC Hospital, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre and Vancouver  Community Health Services. 

VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation raises essential funds for VGH, UBC Hospital, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre and Vancouver Community Health Services. Donations fund groundbreaking research, world-class health care teams and life-saving treatments for the most complex cases across the province. 

Government funding covers basic needs, but donor funding fuels innovation and better care for BC. Thanks to donor funding, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation helped build the Leslie Diamond Women’s Heart Health Clinic, Western Canada’s first. Donor funding also helped pioneer the 3M TAVR, the minimally invasive heart valve replacement. Plus more! 

Yes. VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is a registered Canadian charity #132173063RR0001. For one-time gifts made online, you will receive a confirmation email immediately, and your tax receipt will follow within 10 business days.

For monthly gifts made online, you will receive a confirmation email immediately, and an annual consolidated tax receipt will be emailed to you in February of the following year. Please keep a copy of your receipt for your records.

The easiest way to discuss your donation is by emailing our Annual Giving team at giving@vghfoundation.ca. If you’d prefer to speak to someone directly, you can call our office at 604-875-4676.

If you’d prefer to support in a different way, we can receive donations either over the phone, in the mail or in person at our VGH office.

Phone: please call 1-877-875-4676  

Mail: please make cheques payable to “VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation” and send them to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation #190 – 855 West 12th Ave Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9

In person: you can visit our office at the address above during our regular business hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Your donation saves and improves lives in BC. Donations fund groundbreaking research, world-class health care teams and life-saving treatments for the most complex cases across the province.

Yes. You can direct your gift to the area that matters most to you: cardiac care, cancer, long-term care, women’s heart health or another priority.

If you do not designate your gift to a specific area, your donation goes the Foundation’s most urgent needs. It helps fund critical equipment and innovation across our health care sites so care teams have what they need right when they need it. 

We work hard to honour your generosity. The Foundation maintains efficient operations, so more of your gift goes directly to life-saving treatments, breakthrough research, and compassionate care for people across our province. In 2024-25, the Foundation’s cost per dollar raised was 16 cents, lower than the industry average. For further details, you can view our financial reports. 

The Foundation is proud to be accredited by Imagine Canada, demonstrating commitment to excellence, accountability, and transparency. 

It’s easy. You can sign up online and choose the amount that feels right for you. Your monthly gift provides steady, reliable support that helps care teams deliver better care year‑round.

The simplest way is to include a bequest in your will. Here is a sample of bequest wording to get you started: “To pay the sum of $_________ OR _______% of the residue of my estate to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation to be applied by the Foundation’s Board of Directors at its discretion, for the general purposes of the Foundation.” 

For more information and to discuss your legacy gift, email: legacy@vghfoundation.ca or phone: 604.290.1455. 

VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation keeps your information safe. We follow strict privacy policies and use secure payment systems to protect your data. The Foundation never rents, sells or trades the names of our valued donors.

We’re here to help. You can reach us by phone or email with any questions about your gift, tax receipt, or donor record.


Please call our toll-free number 1 877 875 4676 or email us at giving@vghfoundation.ca

General Event Information

Frequently asked questions about attending and participating in our events

We host a variety of events including galas, golf tournaments, walks, and community fundraisers to support health care initiatives.

You can purchase tickets for our events online through our website. Visit the event page for more details and links.

Most of our events are family-friendly. Specific details about age appropriateness will be provided on each event’s page.

Join our email list to receive updates on upcoming events, stories of impact, and other important news from the foundation.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Frequently asked questions about sponsoring our events and the benefits involved.

Sponsoring an event offers brand visibility, engagement with the community, and the opportunity to support vital health care initiatives.

To become an event sponsor, please fill out the sponsorship form on our website or contact our events team directly.

Yes, we have various sponsorship opportunities for different events. Contact our events team to discuss your preferences.

Sponsorship packages typically include branding opportunities, tickets to the event, and recognition in our promotional materials.

Planning and Hosting an Event

Frequently asked questions about planning and hosting your own fundraising event for the foundation.

Start by creating a fundraising page on our website and reach out to our events team for tips and support.

You can host virtual events, community workshops, sports tournaments, parties, and more to raise funds for the foundation.

Yes, we offer resources and support to help you plan a successful fundraising event. Check our Event Planning Resources section.

Promote your event through social media, email invitations, and by leveraging our event planning resources for maximum impact.

Yes. You can decide on a specific area of the hospital or a specific fund that you would like the money to go towards.

The Foundation is unable to accept any financial responsibility or liability for your event, nor are we able to provide any insurance. Event expenses, event insurance and any permits or licenses are the responsibility of the event organizer. Donations collected at fundraising events may not be used to offset event expenses, according to CRA regulations.

You do not need your own registered charity number to hold an event. However, if tax receipts need to be issued on behalf of your event, then please ensure the Foundation’s charitable registration number is displayed on all promotional materials, as required by Canada Revenue Agency. Please contact us regarding tax receipts and we will provide this number if required.

The Foundation follows strict privacy guidelines to protect the confidentiality of our donors so we are unable to provide contact lists to anyone. We can, however, help you identify the right audience for your event

Though we wish we could help and participate in all events supporting our hospitals due to our limited resources and staff for most events we are unable to provide volunteers. However; we would be happy to discuss the scope and needs of your event, and if we can help we will.

The Foundation’s fundraising activities are conducted in keeping with our core values and mission. Prospective community events must be compatible with our values and mission. We do not participate in any event deemed in conflict with our values or activities that could be perceived as being offensive, discriminatory, or detrimental to health and wellbeing.