For 30 years, thanks to generous contributions and bequests, the Ukrainian Studies Foundation – British Columbia (USF-BC) has supported and promoted Ukrainian studies at all educational levels.
USF-BC awards grants to organizations and individuals engaged in educationally beneficial projects or programs related to Ukrainian language studies, and the study of Ukrainian and Ukrainian Canadian history, heritage, literature, culture and the arts in British Columbia.
The Foundation raises and maintains funds in support of these endeavors and welcomes partnering proposals for community educational outreach in British Columbia.
The history of the Foundation’s creation is one of evolution.
In 1974 the Ukrainian Canadian Committee – Vancouver Branch, spearheaded the creation of the Ukrainian Educational Council – BC to organize Ukrainian School teachers across BC and provide professional training and curriculum support.
As interest in the Ukrainian language grew, UBC students approached the Educational Council to assist with the funding of Ukrainian language courses at UBC that were scheduled for demise due to government cutbacks. The Ukrainian Educational Council – BC, in conjunction with the Ukrainian Canadian Committee and the Ukrainian Heritage Language School, the largest school in BC, formed the Ukrainian Heritage Language Foundation of BC in 1985 and drew on these organizations for the first board of directors. The Foundation approached the Ukrainian community for donations and the community responded.
A major contribution was a bequest from the estate of Walter Romaniuk.in 1993. The Foundation’s support allowed for Ukrainian language courses at the 3rd and 4th year levels to thrive at UBC for seven years.
In 1997 the name of the Foundation changed to the Ukrainian Studies Foundation – BC to better reflect the wider scope of funded projects.
USF-BC has supported:
- Ukrainian language and history courses at BC universities
- Ukrainian school programs for children and adults
- Lecturers and speakers at community events
- Publication of books by Canadian authors on Ukrainian themes
- Library cataloguing project
- English translation of Ukrainian literature
- Production and screening of Canadian film documentaries on historical events in Ukraine
- Preservation of 20 years of Ukrainian community television programs in BC
- Cataloguing and digitizing Ukrainian Canadian Congress-BC materials that will be available on the web
Grant application forms and eligibility criteria are now easily accessible on the new USF-BC website. (Click here.)
USF-BC derives its funding from bequests and donations. It is a registered society in British Columbia and a charitable organization with the Canada Revenue Agency, thereby authorized to issue tax receipts for donations and bequests. The Foundation is governed by a board of directors, members of which represent diverse professional expertise and community involvement.
To find out about grants, donations or projects and upcoming events supported by USF-BC, please visit our website.
Submitted by
Mary Ann Pylypchuk
Chair, Ukrainian Studies Foundation of B.C.
