CFNO Awards Record $467,000 in Community Grants for 50th Anniversary
Community Foundation North Okanagan celebrates five decades of giving by funding 50 local organizations through its Smart & Caring Community Grants.
In a year filled with milestones, Community Foundation North Okanagan (CFNO) proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary by awarding a record $467,000 in Smart & Caring Community Grants to 50 local organizations.
This is the largest number of grants ever distributed through CFNO’s annual Smart & Caring Community Grants cycle. The Community Foundation received 70 applications this year, with local charities requesting over $900,000 in funding, a reflection of both the vibrant nonprofit sector and the growing needs in the region. Originally planning to allocate $300,000, CFNO was able to dramatically increase its granting total thanks to the generosity of several donors and fundholders who stepped up in the final days leading up to their Grants Reception event.
“The response from our donors has been extraordinary,” says Leanne Hammond, Executive Director of CFNO. “We set a goal to award 50 grants for our 50th anniversary year—and thanks to the incredible generosity of fundholders, donors, and families who entrusted us with additional gifts, we achieved it.”
This year’s recipients reflect the diverse ways local organizations are building a stronger, more connected, and more resilient North Okanagan. Projects funded include programs that address food insecurity, mental health, housing, seniors’ services, youth mentorship, environmental conservation, and inclusive arts and cultural programming.
Spotlight on Community Impact
At the June 11th Smart & Caring Grants Reception, several grant recipients shared stories that highlighted the real-world impact of this funding:
Turning Points Collaborative Society’s Wellness Initiative provides trauma-informed, culturally rooted programming for individuals at risk of homelessness. “Wellness is not one-size-fits-all,” shared Naomi Poitras and Candice Berry. Over 200 wellness events last year helped participants build stability, connection, and healing pathways, with expanded programming now reaching even more supportive housing sites across Vernon.
The Good Food Box Society is expanding its capacity to address growing food insecurity among vulnerable seniors and families across the region. The overall program reaches thousands, “With this funding, we’re able to expand our seniors' food box offerings from 70 to 140 boxes per month, ensuring fresh, nutritious food reaches those most in need,” said Christine Fraser.
Vernon & District Association for Community Living is delivering inclusive daytime arts and culture programs tailored to underserved groups, including adults with developmental disabilities, young families, seniors, and neurodiverse individuals. Janet Hackman emphasized how these accessible programs are breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities for participation.
A Growing Circle of Giving
The Smart & Caring Community Grants are made possible thanks to a wide range of supporters who direct portions of their endowment income to this annual program. In addition to the many fundholders who contribute every year, CFNO was honoured to receive additional gifts this year from several donor advised fundholders and families, including the Galbraith, Finch, and Chapman Families, whose special contributions allowed the Community Foundation to expand its granting capacity.
The Community Foundation was also pleased to announce the creation of a new fund: the KWL Community Fund, established by Kerr Wood Leidal through a staff and client pickleball tournament, with income dedicated annually to support Smart & Caring Grants.
“The number of donors supporting this granting cycle continues to grow each year,” added Hammond. “This collective approach allows us to respond to emerging needs, build local capacity, and strengthen the work of charities across the North Okanagan.”
While the Smart & Caring Grants are CFNO’s primary spring granting program, the Community Foundation will continue distributing additional grants later in the year through designated and donor advised funds, furthering the Community Foundation’s mission to connect donors with causes that matter most to them.
2025 Smart & Caring Community Grant Recipients:
Archway Society for Domestic Peace - Art Therapy workshops for women
Armstrong Spallumcheen Medical Equipment Loan Cupboard - Medical Equipment purchases
Arts Council of the North Okanagan - Sundog Festival of Arts and Culture
Awaken Nature Education - Pull & Plant: Native Greenhouse for Community Restoration
Ballet Jorgen Canada - Vernon & Area Dance Programming
BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities - 2025 Winfield Summer Camp for Persons with Diverse Abilities
British Columbia Lung Foundation - Air Quality Equipment Library Loan Program
Caetani Cultural Centre Society - Cultivating Community
Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon - Youth Integrated Services Hub Counselling
Community Dental Access Centre Society - Community Dental Access Centre
Community Recreational Initiatives Society - CRIS 2025 North Okanagan Programming
Enderby & District Community Resource Centre - Computer replacement
Family Resource Centre Society - 2SLGBTQIA+ Navigator
Fletcher's Keep Senior Dog Foundation - Paws, Nourish and Nurture: Wellness Alliance to Preserve the Human-K9 Bond
Forever Home Sanctuary - Farm Animal rescue and rehabilitation
Fresh Outlook Foundation - 2026 Climate Action Ripple Effect (CARE)
Girl Guides of Canada, BC Council - Tillicum Lodge - Roof replacement
Good Food Box Society - At-Risk Seniors and Vulnerable Resident Fresh Food Box Funding
Halina Activity Centre for seniors - Halina Centre Kitchen & Facilities Renovations
Healthy Essentials Clinic - Healthy You Program for families
Independent Living Vernon - Vernon Adaptive Paddle Program
Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society - Beaver Care and Release Program
John Rudy Health Resource Centre Association - Increasing Accessibility
Kalamalka Starfish Society - Weekend Student Food Program
Kingfisher Interpretive Centre Society - Conservation through Education
Lumby Food Bank Society - Year round Greenhouse and Seasonal Gardens
Nexus BC Community Resource Centre Society - Social Inclusion for Seniors
Niteo Africa Society - Local Newcomer Family reading program - Story As Community
North Okanagan Community Chaplaincy - Food services support for the unhoused
North Okanagan Friendship Center Society - Vernon Safe House - Extension of Operational Hours
North Okanagan Neurological Association - Tech Talk AAC Loaning Library Initiative
North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society - NOYFSS Family Peace Program
Okanagan Humane Society - 2025 Rescue and Pet Assistance Program: Spay / Neuter Programs
Okanagan Quality Life Society - Heaven Can Wait- Supporting Seniors and People with Disabilities boating program
Okanagan Village Housing Society - Helping All People Pursue Housing
People Place Society - Defibrillator/Laptop
Ribbons of Green Trail Society - Events Pop up Tent
Runaway Moon Theatre Arts Society - The Song of the Swan Performance
Santa's Anonymous Society - Financial support for sustainability of Santa's Anonymous in the North Okanagan.
Schubert Centre Society - Meals on Wheels Program
Take a Hike Youth Mental Health Foundation - Take a Hike - Outdoor Experience for Youth
Teens Count Too - Achieving self respect for Teens
TFL (Technology For Living) - Technology for Independent Living program
Turning Points Collaborative Society - Turning Points Wellness Initiative
Upper Room Mission Society - Shelter Renovations
Vernon & District Association for Community Living - Accessible Day Time Art & Culture for Identified Underserved Groups
Vernon & District Family History Society - Keeping Seniors Vibrant
Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Services Society - Newcomer Community Support and Services
Vernon Restholm Association - Keeping Seniors Comfortable
Vernon Search and Rescue - VSAR program support
Vernon She Shed Society - Upgrades of Equipment
Voices of Vernon Program - Youth Anti-Racism Initiative
Youth Climate Corps BC - Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Projects for Youth
50 Years of Community Impact
For five decades, Community Foundation North Okanagan has served as a trusted philanthropic partner, connecting donors, charities, and communities to build a stronger region. As CFNO celebrates 50 years of giving, the Foundation remains committed to growing its impact for generations to come.
To learn more about the Smart & Caring Community Grants or how you can get involved, please visit: www.cfno.org/smart-caring-community-grants
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