50 Years of Giving Back — Together
For five decades, Community Foundation North Okanagan has helped local people give back to the place they call home.
From mental health to housing to the environment, we turn community generosity into lasting local solutions. Thanks to the support of our donors, we’ve granted millions to local charities working to build a stronger, more resilient region.
But what exactly is a community foundation?
Think of it as your community’s permanent savings account — one that grows over time and gives back forever. Donations are carefully invested, and the earnings support local charities year after year. We connect generous individuals with the organizations doing vital work on the ground — funding what matters most, when it’s needed most.
What makes us unique is our deep connection to local priorities. Your neighbours serve on our board. Local people identify the challenges. And together, we create lasting solutions.
“Community foundations act as a bridge,” says Leanne Hammond, Executive Director of CFNO. “We help turn everyday generosity into real, long-term impact.”
Since 1975, the Community Foundation North Okanagan has been a catalyst for positive change, connecting generous donors with causes that matter. As we mark our 50th year, we celebrate the lasting impact of community philanthropy and look forward to building an even brighter future together.
“As we reflect on 50 years of community building, we’re inspired by the generosity and vision of our donors, past and present. Their commitment to planting trees under whose shade they may never sit has created a legacy of positive change in the North Okanagan. Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to foster a just society and innovative solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
Share your story
Your CFNO Story Matters: Help us celebrate 50 years of community impact by sharing your experience with the Foundation.
Do you have a story about a grant that made a difference in your neighbourhood?
Has your organization received support from CFNO over the years?
Are you a donor who believes in giving back locally?
We’d love to hear how CFNO has impacted your life or community. Your story could inspire the next 50 years of giving.
