Connecting Community

We make a meaningful and lasting impact through community collaboration. Our goal is to mobilize the gifts of donations and the community’s wealth of ideas and energy to build a lasting legacy.

Our Current Initiatives

  • Our 2023 Vital Signs report takes a closer look at the communities making up the North Okanagan, while making comparisons to the entire Okanagan and the province of British Columbia. These reports show us where we are falling short in providing for our most vulnerable citizens and offer a platform of data and trends to examine for future solutions. Read the report now.

  • The Better Together Fund offers donors a way to support important projects that arise, right when that help is most needed. Whether we are called upon to handle wildfires or flooding, food shortages or funding shortfalls – this type of support can push a project over the finish line.
    Find out more.

  • This is our responsive grant-making program that addresses a wide variety of health, social, cultural, educational, and environmental needs while keeping a pulse on the issue areas that are specific to our North Okanagan region.
    Find out more.

  • Do you have a great idea to strengthen connections in your community? Residents in the North Okanagan are encouraged to apply for up to $500 to grow their idea and connect with their neighbours and community.
    Find out more.

Discover what’s news at CFNO

News
Ideas that Connect Neighbours
Ideas that Connect Neighbours

Each spring the Community Foundation gets excited to announce that our Neighbourhood Small Grants program is open to individual community members to apply for grants of up to $500 to plan and host community projects.

Neighbourhood Small Grants is a grassroots program that connects and celebrates our neighbourhoods and communities. Grants are given to anyone with an idea that contributes to their community - no experience is necessary, and applications are quick and simple.

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In Awe of Generosity
In Awe of Generosity

Most not-for-profits, whether they are feeding children or seniors, offering mental health support, helping animals in need, or creating wonderful visual art or music to soothe our souls – start each fiscal year at the same starting point. Zero.

And yet, somehow they persevere. Finding every dollar needed to carry on. Through grants, donations, charging a modest fee for their goods or services, or depending on that core group of volunteers that continually show up to host fundraising events – they hang in there for the greater good.

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Building a sense of community through a cultural hub
Building a sense of community through a cultural hub

The doors at the new Greater Vernon Cultural Centre will open soon!

When communities gather to explore innovative art exhibitions, dynamic educational programs, and local heritage the benefit is long-lasting relationships and the potential for continuous personal learning and growth.

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Supporting positive community change through responsive grant-making
Supporting positive community change through responsive grant-making

The Smart & Caring Community Grants offers grants for organizations that focus on making positive social change and work towards balancing the inequalities in the North Okanagan region.

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Vital Signs Report shows physical health and mental wellbeing of locals.
Vital Signs Report shows physical health and mental wellbeing of locals.

The prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders, along with depression are higher than both the provincial average and the Interior Health average. Vernon is reporting 37.2 percent of people with mood & anxiety disorders, and 32.5 percent of people report having depression.

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New Vital Signs report shows intersection of financial stress and mental health
New Vital Signs report shows intersection of financial stress and mental health

This report shows us that many people will be struggling to celebrate this holiday season, and many will be making sacrifices or going without. “The cost of living has increased way beyond my wage. This effects my physical and mental health.”

Read More →

Since our inception in 1975, we have supported charities in the North Okanagan through $12 million in grants, by convening and collaborating on large-scale community projects and incubating small grassroots programs.

Make a donation.

You believe in a better world, and you want to help make it happen. At Community Foundation North Okanagan, we share your optimism. We believe in the power of giving and, with your help, we can make a meaningful and lasting impact in our communities — together.
Your donation truly makes a difference.