Why It Matters

The Impact Fund gives us the flexibility to respond quickly and strategically, turning generosity into immediate impact when it’s needed most.

Our community is full of bright ideas, strong partnerships, and people who care deeply about making a difference. The Impact Fund ensures we can act when opportunity knocks or when our region faces urgent needs.

How the Impact Fund Works

Your donations are pooled and used in three key areas of action:

• Boosting Community Grants: Enhancing CFNO’s Smart & Caring Community Grants program so the Foundation can fund more organizations or help high-impact projects reach their full potential.

• Emergency Response: Providing support when the unexpected happens; fire, flood, heatwave, or a pandemic are recent examples.

• Emerging Opportunities: Enabling the Foundation to act between granting cycles when unique, high-value opportunities arise.

Examples of Impact in Action

• Wildfire Research at UBCO: This year CFNO supported researchers at UBC Okanagan in developing a province-wide network of wildfire cameras and weather sensors to strengthen early detection and response. Together, these tools will help communities adapt to the growing risks of wildfires and build long-term resilience. Read more about the initiative here. 

• Investing in Affordable Housing: CFNO also invested in local affordable housing through Propolis Housing, a community-driven project creating sustainable, below-market rental homes. This type of investment not only addresses the region’s housing shortage but demonstrates how philanthropy can be a catalyst for lasting, systemic change.

Our Goal

We’re aiming to raise $500,000 to grow the Impact Fund to ensure that when opportunity arises or crisis strikes, we can act swiftly and effectively.

Join us as we celebrate 50 Years of Giving Back — Together by investing in what matters most: a strong, resilient, and connected North Okanagan.