Nonprofit Organizations in Vancouver

Our Story: Created in 2006 by Carlie Smith and inspired by the famous art and design markets of Europe, Portobello West’s goal is to introduce Vancouver’s style conscious shoppers to the creative pool of artists and designers working here. Now operating as a not-for-profit society, Portobello West is governed by a Board of Directors and a Marketing, Communications and Events Manager. Portobello West remains Vancouver’s premiere SHOP LOCAL market. Voted by the Georgia Straight readers as one of the Top 3 Artisan/Craft Fairs from 2010-2018, Portobello West features a high quality selection of carefully crafted goods worth gushing over. Our Goal: For over 12-years, Portobello West has sought and presented top-notch emerging and established local talent. Featuring up to 90-local artists and designers at a time, Portobello West’s seasonal markets offers up a curated selection of locally designed fashion, art, home decor, gourmet treats, wine & spirits, and more. Our hope is to foster a sense of support and community for local creatives living and working here. We endeavor to inspire a legion of shoppers that are committed to purchasing one-of-a kind creations from our exquisite Pacific Northwest roster of artists and designers. An atmosphere of excitement and exploration awaits you during each of our seasonal signature events! We look forward to welcoming you!

Coyote Cultural Society specializes in Language, Arts & Culture Revitalization.

Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site is currently recruiting for Heritage Ambassador volunteers! As a Heritage Ambassador, share the stories of the people who lived and worked at Britannia. You will be dressed in period costume while demonstrating activities that would've taken place at Britannia during its heyday. You will help with animating and activating the site with activities such as playing cards, maritime know tying, unique boat building techniques, embroidery, vintage lawn games, sewing and more! No experience required with training and costumes provided. Volunteers will not be acting/in character. Volunteers must be 15+ years, have excellent communication skills and be willing to learn and share their knowledge and enthusiasm with the public. Shift times are: Fall/Winter/Spring 11:45am-4:15pm, Tue-Sun Summer (May 20-Sep 5) 10:45am-4:15pm, 7 days a week

Indian Summer Arts Society (ISAS) is a Vancouver-based not-for-profit secular arts organization founded in 2011. We are dedicated to promoting, showcasing, and building public awareness of artists of South Asian origin in the performing, visual, literary, and folk arts and fostering dialogue between Canada and South Asia, and within communities in Canada.

African Friendship Society is rooted in our values of Friendship, Community and Heritage. We are proud of our culture and excited about sharing it with You. Together, let’s take a journey of Joy, Belonging and Celebration!

The Chinese Canadian Museum Society of British Columbia was founded in March 2020 as an independent, non-profit society to establish and operate a public museum in British Columbia honouring Chinese Canadian history, contributions, and living heritage. The Chinese Canadian Museum will be a testament to Chinese Canadian experiences, foster respect, inclusion, and collaboration among all communities and across generations. Telling stories through the diverse voices of Chinese Canadians is central to the development of CCM. Guided by its mission statement “Connecting to the Chinese Canadian story – addressing inclusion for all,” the Chinese Canadian Museum aspires to provide an invigorating and transformative experience for present and future generations through its exhibitions and programming throughout B.C. and Canada. Our Vision: Society inspired and transformed across generations. Our Values: Truth Integrity Respect Learning Inclusivity

We are an independent organization managed by volunteers, whose purpose is to celebrate the French National Day, July 14, and to discover the French presence by sharing our culture with the people of Vancouver. The Bastille Day Festival Society is open to anyone wishing to get involved as volunteer in the organization of this event.

The West 4th Avenue Khatsahlano Street Party is Vancouver’s largest free Music + Arts Festival! Created with love in 2011 by the members of the Kitsilano West 4th Avenue Business Association, Khatsahlano, features multiple stages showcasing more than 50 of Vancouver’s top musical performers as well as the eclectic work of local artisans and street performers. This 10-block street fair, spanning from Burrard to MacDonald Street also features a wide variety of food options, bustling patios, giveaways, special activities, and licensed beer gardens!

Historic Joy Kogawa House is a home for writing, education, and dialogue. The 1912 heritage home is a culturally significant heritage site situated on the south side of the street at 1450 West 64th Avenue on unceded Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh traditional territories in what is now known as the Marpole neighbourhood of South Vancouver. The cultural site is considered significant today as one of the earliest surviving homes in Marpole, and as a representation of the Japanese internment in 1942. The 1912 house is a vibrant meeting place that hosts writing workshops and literary events, compensates writers-in-residence, and presents a historical perspective on the story of Japanese internment in Canada through interpretive displays and tours. Currently, gatherings at the literary landmark offer visitors an opportunity to interact with and learn from the professional and emerging writers who live and work at the house for two- and three-month residencies. These writers represent a wide variety of backgrounds and genres. As an equity-driven organization, it is our priority to create opportunities and a time and place to hear voices from historically underrepresented communities and from among writers who articulate the experiences of marginalized and racialized groups in our history, including Indigenous people, Black people, and people of color (BIPOC), members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, people with disabilities, and women. We uplift these writers and create audiences for their work.

We are an organization that fosters education, communication, and cooperation between Hellenic Canadians and other ethnic groups, and promotes the development of just and equitable policies and legislation concerning all citizens. The Congress encourages and promotes the retention and development of Hellenism in British Columbia within the multicultural context of Canada. Over the years, the Hellenic Canadian Congress has achieved its goals by establishing, promoting, and organizing a number of educational, cultural, social, and political projects and activities. The B.C. Congress is a member of the national Canadian Hellenic Congress which is an umbrella organization representing in Canada and the 350,000 Greeks across Canada and a participatory member of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE). The Congress was established under the Canada Corporations Act and is continued under the authority of the Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act.

Outsiders and Others is a not for profit arts society with a focus on bringing non-traditional artists to the forefront. This includes outsider, folk, self-taught, visionary, intuitive, and artists with disabilities. Outsiders and Others operates a window-gallery at 716 East Hastings Street and at 938 Howe Street, both in Vancouver.

Chinese. Indigenous. Children. The Chinese Cultural Preservation Federation Society is focused on educating and promoting Chinese Canadian cultural heritage and Chinese Indigenous relations to children and young future leaders of our nation. Our organization is to promote, celebrate and commemorate the important role Chinese immigrants have played in shaping Canada since the late 1800’s. While unveiling the history, we will also uncover, commemorate, and promote the inter-cultural connections between the Chinese immigrants and the Indigenous people. We strive to educate and promote Chinese culture by creating programs of activities where children and family members will learn and reinforce their Chinese cultural heritage. Meanwhile, we consistently seek collaborating opportunities to educate and remind our children and family members the importance of maintaining and enhancing Chinese and Indigenous inter-cultural relations. We work with children of all age groups, from age 3 to 18. Our mandate is to create a platform for children and families to learn, explore, socialize, and collaborate in a fun environment. By working with local municipalities and provinces we hope to promote Chinese cultural heritage and Indigenous reconciliation through the lens of cultural diversity. Please join us in making our dream a reality of curating Chinese culture and Indigenous culture in a modern context. With your help we can work with all of the Chinese and Indigenous children and families across Canada and promote their historically significant and cultural contributions to Canada.