2026 Smart & Caring Community Grants program will be open from March 1 to March 31, 2026. With approximately $300,000 expected to be available in funding, the Community Foundation is eager to support initiatives that create meaningful change in the North Okanagan region.

Please join us in welcoming Amy Timleck to Community Foundation North Okanagan as our new Donor Relations & Grants Coordinator!

A holiday gathering hosted by the Vernon Chamber of Commerce sparked a ripple effect of generosity, raising $1,000 in cash and food donations for the Salvation Army Vernon Food Bank. Inspired by the moment, Community Foundation North Okanagan matched the funds — and with the help of local donors, turned that match into $5,000 more in support for families in need.

On November 25, Community Foundation North Okanagan marked 50 years of connecting generosity with community need. Nearly 200 people joined us to reflect on our shared history, celebrate the partners and volunteers who made it possible, and look ahead to the next chapter of community impact.

Four Southern Interior community foundations—including the Community Foundation North Okanagan—have united to launch the Okanagan Wildfire Coexistence Fund with a collective gift of $65,000. The fund will support 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.

In honour of our 50th anniversary, Community Foundation North Okanagan awarded $467,000 in Smart & Caring Community Grants to 50 local charities—our largest granting year yet. Thanks to the generosity of donors, these grants will support vital programs across the North Okanagan.

Community Foundation North Okanagan is proud to join a $100,000 collaborative investment in support of Propolis Cooperative Housing Society’s 53-unit affordable, net-zero housing project. This innovative community bond campaign raised $1.1 million from over 100 investors, demonstrating the power of local people and foundations coming together to tackle the housing crisis and invest in long-term sustainability.

In 1975, a $500 gift planted the seed for what would become a powerful force for good in the North Okanagan. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we honour the legacy of generosity that has shaped our region—and invite you to be part of the next chapter.

Generosity is shaping a thriving North Okanagan! Our 2024 Annual Community Report highlights $2.8 million in grants, powerful stories of impact, and the donors making a difference. From supporting vulnerable animals to ensuring seniors can enjoy therapeutic outings, this year’s report showcases how philanthropy is transforming lives. • Read the full report now! •

Discover how social finance is transforming the way we invest in Vernon’s future. Learn how you can align your financial decisions with your values to create lasting impact in areas like sustainability, education, and healthcare. Explore how your investments can do more than grow—they can help build a stronger community for generations to come.

The holiday season is a time for giving, and SilverStar Mountain Resort is leading the charge with its Good Food Box Donation Matching Initiative. With every dollar donated being tripled, this campaign is turning small acts of generosity into big impacts, helping families across the North Okanagan access fresh, healthy groceries. Read on to learn how you can make a difference and ensure no one goes hungry this winter.

Discover how Jim and Anne-Marie Kanester are transforming lives in the North Okanagan through scholarships and support for local organizations. From helping students pursue post-secondary dreams to establishing funds for cultural and environmental causes, their story showcases the power of giving back.

The latest Vital Signs report highlights pressing issues such as affordable housing, mental health, and environmental challenges. With new developments underway and local initiatives addressing mental wellness and climate resilience, CFNO is partnering with organizations to create lasting impact.

If even 1% more Canadians included a charitable bequest in their Will, billions of dollars could be directed to vital causes. This collective power underscores the importance of every gift, no matter the size.

Giving is not always grand or even visible. It’s in the everyday acts of kindness, the consistent efforts of volunteers, and the quiet dedication of those who care deeply for their neighbours.

Each year we produce an Annual Community Report, to showcase the amazing projects, organizations, and community connections we’ve participated in the past year. Read it now! 🌟

We are pleased to announce a new round of funding for the Impact & Leadership Development Program (ILDP), an initiative designed to empower social entrepreneurs and impact leaders. This program aims to create sustainable and regenerative enterprises that address systemic inequities in our communities.

Thanks to generous support from community-minded individuals and organizations, the Smart & Caring Community Grants Program was able to boost its regular funding! Forty-eight charities accepted grant awards totaling $332,000.

Together, We’re Building a Brighter Future: When you donate to CFNO, you’re not just making a transaction; you’re making a transformation. You’re joining a vibrant community of doers, dreamers, and difference-makers who believe in the power of collective action to shape a brighter future for the North Okanagan. Read 10 reasons why you should join us.