About ACES
The AMSSA Community Education Society (ACES) is the charitable arm of the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC (AMSSA).
ACES is a separately incorporated charitable organization in British Columbia that enables AMSSA to access and manage funding that requires charitable status, including donations, foundation grants, and government-supported initiatives.
Through ACES, funding can be directed to community-based programs and partnerships that support newcomers, advance equity, and strengthen inclusive communities across the province and beyond.
What ACES does
ACES supports AMSSA’s work by:
- Receiving and administering charitable funding from foundations, donors, and public sources
- Managing and distributing funds to community partners and initiatives
- Supporting collaborative projects that respond to emerging community needs
- Enabling large-scale initiatives that require a registered charitable structure
In practice, ACES ensures that funding reaches the organizations and communities where it is most needed, while maintaining strong accountability and stewardship.
How ACES Works with AMSSA
ACES is closely integrated with AMSSA’s work:
- ACES is administered by AMSSA
- Financial management and program oversight are provided through AMSSA staff and systems
- Governance is aligned with AMSSA’s Board of Directors
This structure allows AMSSA to maintain a coordinated approach to strategy, partnerships, and program delivery, while ensuring compliance with charitable and regulatory requirements.
Projects Supported by ACES
ACES supports a range of initiatives that respond to community needs, strengthen the settlement sector, and advance inclusion across British Columbia and Canada.
Operation Ukrainian Safe Haven (OUSH)
Operation Ukrainian Safe Haven is a national initiative created to support the arrival and settlement of displaced Ukrainians in Canada.
Through ACES, funding, donations, and in-kind support were received and coordinated across the country. The initiative established a centralized system to:
- Gather financial contributions, donated goods, and volunteer support
- Match resources with local service providers
- Distribute support based on community needs
This approach enabled coordinated, large-scale support for newcomers during a period of urgent humanitarian need.
Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Response (CHAR)
The Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Response (CHAR) builds on the systems and partnerships developed through OUSH to provide ongoing support for displaced people and newcomers across Canada.
Through ACES, CHAR:
- Receives and distributes donations
- Works with a national network of community-based organizations
- Coordinates support to ensure resources reach communities where they are most needed
CHAR provides a flexible, scalable framework to respond to humanitarian needs as they emerge.
BC SAF HAVEN (Capacity Building Initiatives)
Through ACES, AMSSA participates in initiatives that support the capacity of organizations working with refugee claimants and humanitarian newcomers in British Columbia.
This includes:
- Coordinating partnerships across the sector
- Supporting centralized systems for resource sharing and public support
- Strengthening collaboration between community organizations, funders, and government partners
These efforts help ensure that refugee-serving organizations are connected, resourced, and able to respond effectively to changing needs.
Racial Literacy and Anti-Racism Initiatives
ACES supports educational initiatives that advance racial equity and inclusion across communities.
This includes projects such as:
- Racial literacy lecture series and training sessions
- Development of educational resources for community organizations
- Collaborative learning opportunities that centre lived experience and sector knowledge
These initiatives help build understanding, strengthen capacity, and support organizations working to address racism and promote inclusive communities.
