Community Foundation North Okanagan (CFNO) is pleased to announce that applications for the 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.

“This grant program allows us to support a wide variety of community needs, from food security and mental wellness to environmental sustainability and education,” says Leanne Hammond, Executive Director of Community Foundation North Okanagan. “Every year, we are inspired by the innovative and impactful projects that local organizations bring forward.”

In 2025, the Smart & Caring Community Grants program awarded $467,000 to 53 organizations. To honour CFNO’s 50th anniversary, the Foundation set a goal of funding 50 grants for 50 years, and the community helped surpass it. This achievement was strengthened by donors who added “top-up” support to the grants pool, enabling CFNO to fund more organizations and meet increased demand in our community.

Organizations considering applying are invited to join CFNO for a Grant Information Session, on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at noon. CFNO will be offering an overview of the application, eligibility, budgets, and time for Q&A. Go here for RSVP details.

One initiative supported through CFNO’s Smart & Caring Community Grants program is the Take a Hike Foundation’s Vernon Program, delivered in partnership with School District #22. “Take a Hike Vernon is a barrier-free, full-time program that brings mental health support, academics, and land-based learning together in a safe and caring community. With no cost to youth or families, open access to counselling through the summer, and practical supports like meals and outdoor gear, we’re helping vulnerable students build resilience, stay connected to school, and graduate with confidence,” says Jaydeen Williams, Manager of Philanthropy with Take a Hike Youth Mental Health Foundation.

The Smart & Caring Community Grants program is open to registered charities and qualified organizations working to address key issues facing the North Okanagan. Funding supports projects in health, social services, arts & culture, education, environment, and more. Organizations are encouraged to connect with CFNO in advance to discuss eligibility.

To learn more about the Smart & Caring Community Grants program and how the Community Foundation works with donors to support charities, visit www.cfno.org/smart-caring-community-grants or contact Amy Timleck at 250-542-8677 or amy.timleck@cfno.org.

This story has been published in local media:

https://www.castanet.net/news/Vernon/597600/Community-Foundation-North-Okanagan-opening-applications-for-grants

https://vernonmatters.ca/2026/02/04/smart-caring-community-grant-applications-opening-in-march/

https://vernonmorningstar.com/2026/02/04/300k-in-grants-open-to-make-a-difference-in-north-okanagan/

Smart & Caring Community Grants Program Opening for Applications

Welcome Amy Timleck to CFNO!