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Is UFV a charity? By Brian J. Martin UFV has a registered charitable number, operates as a not-for-profit institution, and can issue tax receipts, no differently than your local church or hospital foundation. In many ways these three institutions play a significant role in major aspects of our lives — health, knowledge, and spiritual well-being. Like hospitals, it can be tempting to think of your local university as wholly government-funded. That is not the case. The provincial government only provides 56% of UFV’s operating budget — and that number is shrinking each year. The rest of the dollars needed to “keep the lights on” come from tuition (23 percent), research grants, and international education tuition fees. The extras — such as student awards, certain program equipment, and student-led initiatives —come to us courtesy of the generosity of our donors.  | | The above chart shows the percentage of funding from various sources for UFV. While the provincial allotment is still the greatest amount, it is shrinking year over year relative to the total funding needed. |
But really, how extra are scholarships and bursaries? For many students such financial aid is the difference between getting an education or not — or having to defer their plans until they can afford it. The support of our donors is what makes it possible for students to fulfill their dreams, learn their craft, and progress to become better contributors to our society.
Funding financial aid is only one way that our donors make a difference. There are many opportunities to support students at UFV beyond establishing or contributing to student awards, such as: - Course and program development such as the upcoming Mennonite Studies certificate
- Training tools and equipment for Trades & Technology and other hands-on programs
- Capital expenditures: the real “bricks and mortar” projects (many such opportunities to help exist on the new Canada Education Park in Chilliwack).
These three examples show that support for students can take many forms. Gifts to UFV create opportunities for students where none existed before. When you invest in education, you invest in your community, and you always get an excellent return. Look for your annual giving solicitation in the mail in the coming weeks or contact the UFV Development office at 604-854-4595 or email giving@ufv.ca for more information. Is UFV a charity? Yes it is. And in order to continue doing good work we need your help.
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