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Community Foundation North Okanagan

We are a grant-making charitable organization, dedicated to improving the lives of people in our community. We bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, a...

We're committed to giving back to the community!
View the Pledge

304 – 3402 – 27th Avenue

Vernon, British Columbia

V1T 1S1

250 542 8655

http://www.cfno.org

Causes we care about

Top company causes

Arts & Culture
Health & Well-being
Social Services

Social Mission

Dedicated to improving the lives of people in the North Okanagan region and to help build stronger and more resilient communities.

Some of the organizations we support

Canadian Mental Health Association- Vernon

Cops for Kids Charitable Foundation

Allan Brooks Nature Centre

NexusBC Community Resource Centre Society

Family Resource Centre Society for the North Okanagan

Food Action Society of the North Okanagan

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What people are saying about us

The Community Foundation of the North Okanagan's charitable work spans all sectors of need in our community. It plays such an important role in creating sustainability through endowment funds and short term impact through their granting program. I look forward to seeing the foundation grow over time so that contributors funds can have a lasting legacy within our community. Regards, Dauna Kennedy Executive Director Vernon Public Art Gallery

CFNO has certainly been "foundational" for Men's Shed Vernon. We have benefited by their knowledge, advice and special support as we get established for the long term as a local non profit group. Thanks to Lisa for the web support, and to Leanne for always being there for her know-how and know-who in the North Okanagan. Couldn't have done this without you!

The Community Foundation of the North Okanagan has supported various programs for the Literacy Society since 2013. Over the years, The Foundation's funding has provided hundreds of children with learning support, primarily in reading. We are grateful for the Community Foundation's continuous support in our programming.

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Stories of our community involvement

Community Foundation North Okanagan

Seeking Community Input - What do you think about life in the North Okanagan?

The Community Foundation North Okanagan (CFNO) is pleased to announce we will be releasing our updated Vital Signs report later in 2023. In preparation we are asking community residents to share their experiences of life in the North Okanagan through a short survey, available at www.cfno.org/vital-signs.
Supported by Community Foundations of Canada, Vital Signs reports are locally led by community foundations and used by residents, businesses, community organizations, and government leaders to learn about needs, changes, and trends in a region.
The North Okanagan has a growing population with over 91,000 citizens. As more people call this area home it becomes even more important to understand how the increased rental and housing costs or the changing economy and workforce affect individuals and families. This data helps to inform the community foundation, as well as other funders and concerned citizens, on where to take action and direct resources where they will have the greatest impact.
“The purpose of Vital Signs is to take a balanced look at the strengths and challenges of our region, and to track significant changes over time,” says Leanne Hammond, Executive Director of CFNO. “Our last report was issued in 2020 and there have been tremendous changes both locally and globally since then. In our 2023 report, we will update most of the indicators in our previous reports. Understanding what’s happening in our region allows CFNO to make effective decisions and helps our local charitable, service, and government agencies to do the same.”
In addition to data collection and statistical analysis, the Vital Signs report includes input from residents in our region. CFNO has developed a short survey about local issues; it is anonymous, consists of 35 questions, and should take about 10 minutes to complete. It can be found at www.cfno.org/vital-signs and can be completed until April 17, 2023. Survey results will be aggregated and shared in the upcoming North Okanagan Vital Signs report, to be published in Fall 2023.
Please take the Vital Signs Community Survey today and share the link with your neighbours and networks!

Community Foundation North Okanagan

2mo

The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould, together with the Canadian Red Cross, Community Foundations of Canada, and United Way Centraide Canada, have recently announced that the application process for the Community Services Recovery Fund is now open. Community foundations, including Community Foundation North Okanagan are managing the application process alongside the Canadian Red Cross and local United Ways to reach a broad and diverse range of community service organizations, such as charities, non-profits and Indigenous governing bodies.
The Community Services Recovery Fund is a historic one-time investment of $400 million that will help community service organizations to adapt, to modernize and to be better equipped to improve the efficacy, accessibility and sustainability of the community services that they provide, so they can continue to support communities across Canada through the pandemic recovery and beyond.
Community service organizations are at the forefront of addressing communities’ needs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the early phases of the pandemic, they have struggled with increased demand for their services, reduced revenues, declines in charitable giving due to the rising cost of living, and a greater need to make use of digital tools. Many of them are struggling to recover and adapt their services to the changing needs of the North Okanagan.
“The Community Services Recovery Fund will support charities, non-profits and Indigenous governing bodies in the North Okanagan. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, these organizations have stood up for and supported our community. We will be forever grateful for their efforts. Now, through this Fund, the Community Foundation North Okanagan will support projects at charities, non-profits and Indigenous governing bodies that invest in their internal systems and processes, making them more resilient for the future.” Leanne Hammond, Executive Director, Community Foundation North Okanagan
Applications for funding can be submitted now until February 21, 2023. Organizations are encouraged to complete the interactive quiz to determine where and how to apply. Additional information and resources, including an applicant guide, can be found on the Community Services Recovery Fund website.
For more information, visit the National Funders’ Community Services Recovery Fund website.

Community Foundation North Okanagan

5mo

Community Foundations throughout the Okanagan are offering eligible social enterprises that are working to do good in our communities the opportunity to access funding through the Investment Readiness Program (IRP). This is part of a $50 million national initiative, which is being delivered by Community Foundations of Canada and other support partners and is being funded by the Government of Canada to support and expand social enterprises from coast to coast to coast.
The Investment Readiness Program is open to a diverse range of organizations and businesses including charities, non-profits, co-ops and social enterprises. The program can provide $10,000 to $75,000 to create, manage, and expand social enterprises in order to get ready to accept investment.
“There are so many inspiring community leaders looking to make a difference in new and innovative ways,” says Leanne Hammond, of the Community Foundation North Okanagan. “We are looking forward to seeing the IRP help successful applicants grow their impact even more.”
The IRP will help social enterprises across Canada grow, and build their capacity to accept investors, and participate in Canada’s growing social finance market.
“Social enterprise teams from coast to coast to coast are demonstrating how business can be done differently. They are daring to rethink business models to create a more sustainable, equitable and inclusive future. Community Foundations of Canada is in awe of the innovative projects we are funding. We look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this next round of projects through the IRP,” says Andrea Dicks, President of Community Foundations of Canada, a national partner in the Investment Readiness Program.
“The chance to partner together on an initiative that has the potential to make such a major impact is incredibly appealing,” explains Judy Neiser, of the Central Okanagan Foundation. All three community foundations in the Okanagan have joined forces to lead this program for the entire southern BC region.
As Aaron McRann of the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen summed up, “Whether an organization is a charity, a non-profit, a co-op, or a social purpose business – if its mission is connected to making positive change on social, cultural, or environmental challenges – this program is helping us fund solutions.”

Community Foundation North Okanagan

8mo

Compared to the BC average, North Okanagan is home to a relatively high proportion of elderly people, single parents, and people on income assistance. In the Interior Health region, 14% of households are now experiencing food insecurity. Given the impacts of COVID-19, climate events, and soaring food costs - these low-income community members are now struggling to consistently afford and access local, fresh and nutritious foods.
“In 2020, when the pandemic was ramping up and locking us down, the Community Foundation along with many generous donors, stepped in to support low-income households by offering a monthly fresh produce box and a grocery gift card. Since that initial response, we’ve funded over 3,200 fresh food boxes and gift cards.” says Leanne Hammond, executive director of Community Foundation North Okanagan.
“We fund the Fill the Gap - Food Program, which is delivered through the Good Food Box Society. They source fresh in-season foods from local farmers and food producers and assemble and deliver the fresh food boxes with a team of dedicated community volunteers.”
The need for this program arose during the pandemic when individuals that had never accessed the services of a charity or food bank started to need a financial boost. Through our close relationships with the Archway Society for Domestic Peace, School District 22, Nexus Community Resource Centre, along with 20+ other local service organizations, CFNO was made aware that many of their clients were falling through the “cracks” and not eligible for food programs or had a barrier to accessing a food bank.
“The goal of the Good Food Box program is to help all families and individuals access healthy produce including those families that would not have been able to afford healthy produce due to financial issues,” said Donna Antonishak with the Good Food Box program. “Recently, many factors have affected food costs jumping over 10-15 percent, including inflation, rising gas prices, higher production costs, up and above the reduced ability to earn wages for many families during the pandemic.
“Families must juggle their ability to pay rent, gas, food utilities and other household costs. Some have had to choose to eat less to pay for heat or rent and to miss out on higher-cost foods including produce.”
CFNO wants to continue offering the Fill the Gap -Food Program to low-income community members and we need your support to keep this program running. Learn more at www.cfno.org/bettertogetherfund.

Community Foundation North Okanagan

9mo

The Community Foundation North Okanagan (CFNO) has awarded more than $300,000 to 35 local charities and not-for-profit organizations.
More than 75 guests attended the June 1st Community Grants Reception, the first in-person occasion since 2019. This event offers CFNO the opportunity to connect its donors with local causes and shine the spotlight on the charitable organizations that work hard to create a stronger, more connected North Okanagan.
Highlights from the grant recipients include:
CMHA Vernon - Peer Counselling Program, youth counselling youth. Peer educators will draw on their own experiences with mental health as a tool to show peer learners how to overcome similar challenges.
North Okanagan Cycling Society - Trail Ninjas Youth Programs, provide fun biking and coaching experiences to youth.
Powerhouse Theatre - Relaxed Performances, offer people with diverse viewing challenges to attend theatrical performances.
“CFNO wishes to recognize two special donor contributions from the Galbraith family and the Finch family. Combined, their contributions doubled the granting dollars awarded to local charities.” said executive director Leanne Hammond. “These donors are deeply connected to our community and value the importance of investing in the charitable sector to create a resilient community for us all.”
Annual grant funds were also awarded to a range of local community social services and arts programs, local food growing and youth centred programs, and diverse abilities projects, and seniors activities.
“Thank you to our local charities for supporting our community through the good and the bad times.” Leanne comments, “You help to build “community” within our neighbourhoods and warm the hearts of the people who live here.”
In addition, four local youth have each been awarded $2,000 grants to lead and implement projects in partnership with local organizations. One of the projects is in partnership with the Sqilx'w Apna Society, titled N'sis'ooloxw Youth and Medicine Project. This project will focus on connecting youth with medicine, culture, language, and plant knowledge amongst peers.
This spring, the Neighbourhood Small Grants program also allocated $20,000 to 40 local individuals to plan local projects that focus on building community and making their neighbourhoods better places to live.
Visit the CFNO website to learn more about grant recipients, ways to donate, and funding opportunities.

Glohaven Community Hub

10mo

Attending the 2022 Smart & Caring Community Grants Reception by Community Foundation of the North Okanagan (CFNO) was inspiring! 35 projects will be receiving over $300,000 in grants thanks to 46 donors!

It was exciting to see many 'friends' of Glohaven attending the event to support the recipients, and as recipients themselves! Congratulations to: HOPE Outreach/ Jewels of HOPE, CRIS Adaptive Adventures, Historic O'Keefe Ranch & Interior Heritage Society, Caetani Cultural Centre, Caravan Farm Theatre and all of the rest of the recipients: https://cfno.org/grants/recent-grants

And, a special congratulations to the CFNO Team, especially Leanne Hammond (who was Angela Case’s (CSM) talented former piano teacher when she was 8 & 9 years old)! It was lovely to see her in person again, after re-connecting this past September through email and phone.

Leanne was helpful and resourceful when Glohaven started our fundraising platform through the Globox™ tourism gift box. We've been thrilled to contribute to our commUNITY approx. $37,000 in funds for schools and wildfire relief, while also directly supporting tourism-based businesses in our commUNITY by purchasing approx. $10,000 in products and experiences for 3 raffles and 1 silent auction.

On the radar for Glohaven, we are further developing the social enterprise side of our business in a way we can scale sustainably, so it was wonderful to bump shoulders at the event with Jude Brunt from Purppl who has been assisting Angela with a grant application!

It's a brighter future for our entire commUNITY because of CFNO… because so many individuals strive to make it a better place in their capacities!

If you'd like to contribute, visit: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/18541 and use the FUND dropdown list to support any fund at CFNO. Whether it's a small one-time donation, monthly support, or creating an endowment fund, every dollar is appreciated!

"Your generosity is helping to build healthy, vibrant and livable communities in the North Okanagan region." ~ CFNO

Community Foundation North Okanagan

10mo

For over 60 years, the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra (OSO) has been shaping and contributing to the arts & culture community in the Okanagan. Although they have a rich history, the past two years have been a struggle for the OSO. Like most arts organizations, the OSO was forced to cancel and postpone all live performances, events, and programs because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now that the OSO has come through the COVID-19 maelstrom - you are whole-heartedly invited back to their live performances. We’re also asking for your help to protect the long-term future of the OSO by contributing to their endowment matching campaign - which triples your gift!

For every $1.00 you invest in the OSO through your community foundation May 13 – June 30, 2022, your investment will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $50,000 by a generous OSO donor. Then, later in the year, the OSO will apply for a Canadian Heritage matching grant to triple these funds to $150,000.

Your contribution to this campaign will help guarantee that the OSO can continue to be an employer of talented professional local musicians, teach music, and mentor youth throughout the Okanagan and across the province.

The OSO’s endowment matching campaign will help secure a source of future income to ensure they can continue to share the power of live orchestral music long into the future. Donors to this campaign will contribute to an endowment fund - an invested sum of money that will grow over time and provide reliable future income for the OSO.

We encourage you to donate now to benefit the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra forever. Call or email us to find out more about leaving a planned gift (future gift from a will, RRSP/RRIF/TFSA or insurance policy) or gifts of appreciated stock or real estate. The Community Foundation handles investment management and administrative responsibilities for the endowment so the OSO’s staff can concentrate on generating funding for their current needs.

Invest in the OSO today for a richer Okanagan tomorrow by making an online donation here: https://cfno.org/oso-matching-campaign/

Make the most of your giving & contact Leanne today.
Leanne Hammond
Community Foundation North Okanagan
250-542-8655
Leanne@cfno.org

Community Foundation North Okanagan

Small amounts of money have the potential to bring powerful changes into local communities. Last year, Project Leaders of the Neighbourhood Small Grants program, used their $500 grants to host an educational farm movie night, plan an interactive seminar to re-think waste disposal, deliver care packages to those negatively affected by the pandemic, along with many more creative ideas that fostered local connections.
The Community Foundation North Okanagan is leading the Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program for the North Okanagan region, which offers small grants up to $500 to individuals for projects that connect people socially or involve sharing skills or talents.
Lisa Deargle, communications director at the Community Foundation says, “A small grant of $500, can kickstart people’s imagination and wiliness to start a project.”
“In a year where so many of our local citizens experienced hardships and all of us saw divisive topics driving wedges between our relationships, we’re hoping this program will start bringing neighbours together through their common desire to make the world a better place. A small grant has the potential to be a beautiful start to something huge.”
There is no single right way to build community connection, and this unique program is taking a more grassroots granting approach to get neighbours connecting, creating, and making lasting memories. This year the Community Foundation has $20,000 to give away. Everyone is encouraged to apply and bring their ideas to life!
Last year over half of the projects were held using online video platforms like Zoom. The other projects were held outdoors on farms, trails, public parks, parking lots, and on neighbourhood streets. The only major challenges reported by the project leaders were learning and guiding others through using Zoom.
“I think the most memorable part of this experience was just seeing the looks on everyone's faces as they worked on their projects, and the big smiles at the end of the class. It is amazing how you can connect with people you don't know through the power of creativity and a shared project.” An NSG Project Leader describes the most memorable experience of leading a project.
Lisa Deargle adds, “The more connected we are, the stronger our sense of belonging to our community and the more easily we can work together to make it a better place to live.”
For more information on the program and to apply online, visit www.cfno.org/nsg or email Lisa Deargle at lisa@cfno.org.

Community Foundation North Okanagan

With the new season of Spring about to begin, Community Foundation North Okanagan is announcing the opening of the Smart & Caring Communities Grants Program. Applications are being accepted through the new online granting portal until March 31, 2022.
“Last year this program awarded $248,000 to local charities”, says Leanne Hammond, Executive Director of the Community Foundation. “Thanks to the continued support of donors, this program has been offering flexible funding to organizations that focus on making positive social change and that are helping to balance the inequalities in our region.”
All North Okanagan charitable organizations are encouraged to apply for funding in the following areas: Arts & Culture, Education, Environment (including animal welfare), Health, and Social Services.
Leanne Hammond adds, “Organizations that have not previously received funding should consider applying for a grant. Organizations and projects that support Indigenous-led organizations and initiatives, engage youth in leadership, or are working towards the mitigation of climate change are strongly encouraged to apply.”
On March 8th at 12 pm, charitable organizations are invited to participate in a Grant Information Session. This interactive session will introduce the new online granting portal application process, answer grant eligibility questions, offer grant writing tips, review the budget process, and guide organizations without charitable status to partner with intermediaries.
Highlights from 2021 Smart & Caring Community Grants Program:
Okanagan College Foundation - Kalamalka Garden Drying Shed
K’nmalka? Senqualten (Kalamalka Garden) is an Indigenous Garden that serves as a unique working environment where Indigenous youth can be employed to teach their traditional knowledge. This grant helped complete the build of a drying shed for the garden and will be used for traditional drying practices to make teas, foods, medicines, and gifts.
Canadian Red Cross - BC Southern Interior - Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP)
This grant helped purchase the equipment needed to meet the unexpected growth this program experienced since the onset of COVID-19. Many families have needed homecare equipment longer as they attempt to keep their loved one’s out of long-term care.
Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to visit www.cfno.org or contact Leanne at leanne@cfno.org.

Community Foundation North Okanagan

Youth Initiative Grants - are open!
The Youth Initiative Grants is a program led by the Central Okanagan Foundation and United Way British Columbia - Southern Interior. We are proud to announce that, thanks to the success of these youth-led projects, this collaborative funding partnership has just expanded to include Community Foundation of the North Okanagan and Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen to reach all Okanagan communities. Being offered for the fourth year, now the program welcomes youth from the North, Central and South Okanagan Similkameen to apply for a grant of up to $2,000.
Young people have proven to have creative and effective ideas to implement meaningful change in their communities. The Youth Initiative Grants offer youth up to the age of 25 the chance to develop and run projects to benefit both youth and the whole community. To meet the eligibility criteria, youth must partner with a registered charity, First Nation organization, school, or church.
Last year, youth who were awarded grants led some inspirational projects that garnered thoughtful community conversation and engagement. For instance, OneWorld Youth Crew (OWYC) heard that the Okanagan Falls Legion Branch 227 issued a call to local artists requesting a mural of a female soldier. OWYC started researching and discovered Mary Greyeyes – the first Indigenous military officer. They also learned that she was a champion for diversity during her time of service.
“With the project goal of increasing inclusion and diversity through art, we believe that connecting with the Legion and influencing their choice to include a woman Indigenous soldier helps to strengthen the relationship between veterans, our local band and SOICS, an immigrant-serving settlement office.” Reports OWYC in their project evaluation.
Other youth-led projects funded last year included CRIS Adaptive Adventures youth-led Amazing Race, Penticton Overdose Response Project - a partnership with Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy and UBC Okanagan Campus Health, Okanagan Mission Secondary Composting Project, and Westside Learning Centre Farm Initiative.

To find out more and apply visit https://cfno.org/youth-initiative-grants/.

We're committed to giving back to the community!
View the Pledge

304 – 3402 – 27th Avenue

Vernon, British Columbia

V1T 1S1

250 542 8655

http://www.cfno.org

Causes we care about

Top company causes

Arts & Culture
Health & Well-being
Social Services

Top

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Seeking Community Input - What do you think about life in the North Okanagan?