University of Victoria investments

At UVic, investments are handled in different ways depending on the funds in question.

University of Victoria Foundation

The University of Victoria Foundation believes that endowments are intended to exist in perpetuity, we have a long-term investment horizon and focus on long-term returns. The endowment management policy gives donors confidence that their gifts will continue to work for the benefit of the university for generations to come by providing stability and protection against inflation over time. 

Our investment objectives

  • Preservation of capital in real terms
  • Generation of cash flow to meet expenditure objectives
  • Growth of cash flow to meet rising expenditures in the long term.

Our mission

The University of Victoria Foundation Investments supports the university in its mission to provide inspired teaching, opportunities for real-life learning and internationally renowned research. Through the foundation, a donor's vision and subsequent gift becomes a long-term investment that has far-reaching benefits for the university in perpetuity.

“Endowments create meaningful legacies. They provide stable, dependable funding for UVic students, teachers and researchers and have far-reaching benefits for the university and community. Donors made gifts totalling $7.23 million dollars to endowments in 2022/23 to many different areas of the campus. We are grateful for your partnership and trust. Thank you."
— Jane Potentier, President, University of Victoria Foundation

History of the UVic Foundation

The University of Victoria Foundation was established in 1954 by the University of Victoria Foundation Act. As at March 31st, 2021 the Foundation is responsible for managing more than $523.5 million in assets and administering over 1,500 endowment funds that disburse more than $17.3 million annually for scholarships, bursaries, and other university purposes. These endowment funds are supported by generous donations from individuals, corporations and foundations that play a vital role in promoting a continued interest in the university and in higher education more broadly. The Foundation is a registered charitable organization under the Income Tax Act and is exempt from income taxes. Discover your options for contributing to the future of the university through the foundation.

Privacy statement

The Foundation's Personal Information Protection Policy complies with British Columbia's Personal Information Protection Act, which sets out the ground rules for how BC businesses and not-for-profit organizations may collect, use and disclose personal information.

Working Capital Investments

UVic working capital investments are funds that arise from:

  • operating and research funding received in advance
  • unspent annual budgets that are carried forward
  • insurance reserves
  • other funds set aside for future purposes such as the replacement of equipment, major capital projects and other significant initiatives

These funds are invested under policies approved by the university Board of Governors.

Pension funds

The university has three pension plans. Various boards and committees manage and invest these funds.

Student Investment Fund

The Applied Portfolio Management Program (APMP) is a student-run investment program, centered on education and responsible investing. It’s managed by an independent investment advisory committee. The program provides students with hands-on experience managing portfolio of stocks and bonds.

Contact us

For mail, courier or in-person enquiries:

Office of General Counsel
University of Victoria
Sedgewick Building A-wing