Frequently Asked Questions
For quick reference, please select one of the following topic headings:
About the Whitecaps Foundation
Soccer-specific questions
Making a gift
About the Whitecaps Foundation
1. What does the Whitecaps Foundation support?
The Whitecaps Foundation is committed to helping create the fittest generation of BC youth by 2020.We believe that soccer, as the sport with the highest participation numbers in the country, is a powerful vehicle to help youth become physically, mentally, emotionally, culturally and socially prepared to make contributions to our communities over the course of their lives. We invest in soccer-related programming throughout the province of British Columbia, as well as complement ongoing initiatives aimed at addressing the current obesity epidemic.
For more information about our priorities, please go to the Priorities Page.
2. Why should I donate to the Whitecaps Foundation when there are so many other good causes?
There is no shortage of work when it comes to getting youth fit and helping them to stay that way. The Whitecaps Foundation offers a unique platform with inspiring role models to deliver messages about fitness, health and wellness and education, in a fun setting. Whether in the classroom, in the community or on the pitch, the Whitecaps Foundation can draw upon the resources of the much-loved Vancouver Whitecaps Football Club to help us achieve our mission. We are not duplicating effort or competing with other charities, but instead, are hoping our work complements the many accomplishments and great work that is happening in all communities in the province.
3. What are the positive effects of physical activity in youth?
Canada’s Physical Activity Guide for Youth recommends that youth are engaged in at least 90 minutes of activity per day. This activity is shown to reduce the likelihood of obesity, to increase cardio-vascular fitness, and to improve flexibility and endurance. Additional studies show that youth involved in organized sport as children are several times more likely to be active, fit adults. Finally, sport encourages positive decision making in children, encourages strong social ties and relationships and discourages underage drinking, drug use and unwanted teen pregnancies.
4. Is the Whitecaps Foundation affiliated with the BC Soccer Association?
The Whitecaps Foundation and Vancouver Whitecaps FC have deep and long-standing ties to the BC Soccer Association. Vancouver Whitecaps FC has developed an innovative and unique youth development program that is closely integrated with the BC Soccer Association’s grassroots programming. We anticipate this relationship growing even stronger in the years to come.
Soccer-specific questions
1. Can the Whitecaps Foundation help fund the hiring of more coaches for youth programs?
Yes. The Whitecaps Foundation provides funding for four priorities, and this funding includes all costs of running the programs. The majority of expenses for most charitable programs, regardless of sector, is for the expert, professional and invaluable staff to run them.
2. Can local soccer clubs ask for a grant from the Whitecaps Foundation?
No. The funding priorities for the Whitecaps Foundation have been set through 2011 and we are not funding soccer clubs directly. However, the Foundation will provide support to clubs through donations of merchandise and tickets to support fundraising efforts. Click here to request a donation.
3. Will donations be used to fund fields for local soccer clubs?
Yes. Through the Facilities Fund, the Whitecaps Foundation will work with communities, local soccer clubs, local governments and school boards to build state-of-the-art all-season turf fields in communities throughout the province. We will also use the Facilities Fund to help support the development of the National Soccer Development Centre in Delta, BC. For more details, please visit our Facilities page.
4. Will my donation be used to support Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium?
It is our intention to provide opportunities for the community to make gifts to support the development of Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium, but we are not taking donations for that particular project at this time. Gifts to the Facilities Fund will currently be used to help build community soccer fields and the National Soccer Development Centre.
5. Will my donation support the Whitecaps Residency program? Can I sponsor a Residency player?
Yes. If you designate your gift to the Residency program, your donation will only be applied to that priority. You can also sponsor a Residency player. For details, please visit our Residency page.
6. I can’t afford to send my child to Whitecaps youth programs. Can the Foundation help?
Yes! It is a priority for the Foundation to ensure that those who want and can participate in Whitecaps youth programs are not barred from doing so for financial reasons. To download a financial assistance form, click here.
7. Does the Whitecaps Foundation fund global soccer projects like those undertaken by Opportunitas Aequa?
No. At this time, Whitecaps Foundation funding priorities are focussed on Western Canadian projects and priorities.
Making a Gift
1. How can I make a gift?
The Whitecaps Foundation offers an array of gift giving choices – from cash, cheque and credit cards, to bequests, gifts of life insurance, annuities, or property. For more information, please visit our Ways To Give page. To make a donation now, click here.
2. How will my gift be recognized?
The Whitecaps Foundation is committed to recognizing the generosity of our donors, and also to maintaining their privacy. Our recognition program is available here, but we would also be pleased to make your gift anonymous.
3. Will I get a tax receipt?
All gifts to the Whitecaps Foundation are eligible for an official receipt for income tax purposes.
4. Will a donation earn me a discount on Whitecaps season tickets?
No. The Whitecaps Foundation is a separate organization from Vancouver Whitecaps FC. While donations will not earn discounts on season tickets, we have created special value packs that combine tickets and donations. Visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets for more details.
5. Would a large donation allow my son or daughter to earn a tryout with a Whitecaps Prospect or Super Y-League affiliate team?
No. Whitecaps FC youth programs, while funded in part by the Whitecaps Foundation, are not linked to the Foundation. Donations to the Foundation confer no special advantages to parents or potential players. For more information on Whitecaps FC youth programs, please visit whitecapsfc.com/youth.
6. Will I receive a reward from the Whitecaps FC for my donation?
Certain gifts and gifts as part of our giving programs will provide donors to the Whitecaps Foundation with some tokens of our appreciation. However, Canada Revenue Agency rules with respect to tax receipts mandate that those tokens (“benefits”) are subtracted from the amount of the gift. For example, if a donor made a $1,000 gift and was given tickets in recognition of this generous donation, the amount of the tax receipt would be $840 ($1000 - $160).
7. Are supporters groups eligible to apply for Whitecaps Foundation grants?
Not at this time. The funding priorities for the Whitecaps Foundation have been set through 2011 and we are not accepting applications for funding at this time.
8. Does the Foundation accept gifts from tobacco companies?
No. The Whitecaps Foundation’s priorities are centered around the long-term health and wellness of BC’s youth. We strongly oppose tobacco use among youth and do not accept gifts from tobacco companies.
9. How will my donation affect me or my kids?
Your donation to the Whitecaps Foundation will not directly affect your children, but will be applied to the priority of your choice. If you choose to support the Youth Fund, you will be helping the thousands of BC children that participate in Whitecaps youth programs throughout the year, as well as providing opportunities for children to participate who otherwise wouldn’t be able to, due to financial, geographic or other barriers.
10. How can I donate jewellery, art or property?
Gifts of jewellery and art valued at more than $1,000 require two independent appraisals, obtained by the donor, to confirm Fair Market Value for tax receipting purposes (per Canada Revenue Agency rules). For gifts under $1,000, one independent appraisal obtained by the donor will suffice. Gifts of property are more complicated and generally take longer to complete, but we would be pleased to discuss these gifts in greater detail. Contact us by clicking here.
11. Where can I get more information?
If you are unable to find the information you need on this site, or you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
12. What sort of ethical standards does the Whitecaps Foundation adhere to?
The Whitecaps Foundation had adopted the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Donor Bill of Rights and Imagine Canada’s Ethical Code. Staff adhere to the Ethical Code of Conduct for fundraisers and are active members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.