Endowment Update: VIUSU Approves Expanded Financial Support for Students
The Students’ Union is pleased to share an important update to the VIUSU Endowment Fund — one that will make a direct and meaningful difference for students.
Thanks to the leadership and support of the VIU Foundation, a recent review of the Endowment Fund’s performance and Terms of Reference created the opportunity to increase how much support reaches students. Following this review, the VIUSU Board of Directors approved changes to how funds are disbursed, allowing more of the endowment’s available disbursement to be used where it matters most: directly supporting students.
What’s Changing? Larger Awards for Students
Previously, the endowment supported 16 students each year with $500 awards. After revisiting the Terms of Reference and reviewing the fund’s performance, the Board has approved increasing those awards to $1,000 per student.
That means:
The same 16 students will now receive double the financial support
Funds already held in the endowment will have a more meaningful and immediate impact
VIUSU is able to respond to the rising cost pressures facing VIU learners
This adjustment does not change VIUSU’s annual contribution to the endowment. Instead, it reflects a governance decision to draw more from the available disbursable amount, ensuring students benefit more directly from the fund’s growth and success.
Why This Matters
Students have been clear that financial pressures continue to grow. Housing, food, transportation, academic supplies, and daily living costs have all increased, and a $500 award no longer stretches as far as it once did.
By approving higher award amounts, the Board is ensuring the endowment remains aligned with its core purpose: providing meaningful, sustainable support for students.
How Students Can Apply
These awards continue to be administered through the VIU Foundation, and students can apply directly through Financial Aid & Awards. The new $1,000 award level is now in effect.
A Long-Term Commitment to Student Well-Being
The decision to increase award amounts reflects VIUSU’s broader commitment to financial accessibility and student success. As the affordability crisis continues to affect learners across the province, VIUSU is focused on strengthening supports, advocating for systemic change, and ensuring that existing resources are used in the most impactful way possible.
This update reaffirms the purpose of the VIUSU Endowment Fund and the guiding principles of our work: empowering students, acting collectively, and creating meaningful, lasting change within the VIU community.