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Applications are accepted starting March 1st, 2023 until March 31, 2023.
We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions regarding your organization’s eligibility or the application process prior to completing your application. Contact us at 250-542-8655 or [email protected].
Our Smart & Caring Community Fund and Granting Program unites donors and organizations that want to respond to the most important needs of our local community. Read more about how to offer your support here.
Grants Information Session 2023
DATE: Wednesday, February 22, 2023
TIME: 12 pm – 1:30 pm
LOCATION: 3402 – 27th Avenue, Vernon, BC V1T 1S1
(People Place Building, meeting room will be posted)
To register for this info session email [email protected]
Grants Information Session – from 2022
In 2022, Community Foundation North Okanagan launched the first year of our online granting portal. During this information session, we introduced you to the new process and covered application questions. We show you examples of program and project eligibility, grant writing goals & objectives, presenting your budget, applying in partnership with a qualified grantee, and an interactive Q & A.
Watch the recording here!
Download the presentation slide deck here, for tips & tricks to grant writing.
The Smart & Caring Communities Grants Program is open to applications in the following areas: Arts & Culture, Education, Environment (including animal welfare), Health, and Social Services.
The Foundation would also like to attract organizations that have not previously received funding before to 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 and equitable solutions are strongly encouraged to apply.
Funding Guidelines
Eligibility
Eligible applicants MUST be registered charities and/or qualified donees under the Income Tax Act. If you are not, but you are working together with a registered charity as your intermediary please give us a call to discuss.
What We Fund
The Community Foundation supports a wide range of projects that are of benefit to those living and working within the boundaries of the North Okanagan Regional District including all member municipalities. Funded activities must provide a direct service to the “community” or take an innovative approach to community concerns.
The Community Foundation will consider requests for:
- Projects – specific, time-limited activities or series of activities designed to meet certain goals
- Program Costs – funding for a new or pre-existing program that may be ongoing
Guiding Principles
- The Foundation supports innovation where there is demonstrated need and the likelihood of effectiveness and the organization demonstrates a commitment to the project through a contribution of human and/or financial support
- Significant and appropriate support from other funding sources should be evident
- Projects that will be ongoing after the grant’s end should provide realistic plans for long term funding
- Organizations are encouraged to have 50% of their funding coming from other sources
- The Foundation disburses its funding to many groups throughout the North Okanagan working in many fields of interest. It is therefore necessary to limit the frequency of grant approvals for any one organization to ensure equitable access for all organizations
- All grant recipients will now be required to provide the Foundation with a summary report describing their project outcomes within one year of the grant. Report forms will be provided and can be viewed below.
Examples of Ineligible Requests:
• Retroactive funding (for projects that will be completed before this funding is distributed)
• Debt retirement or reserve
• Generalized fund-raising campaigns
• Sabbatical leaves, student exchanges
• School construction
• Activities of religious organizations that serve primarily their own membership
We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions regarding your project or program’s eligibility prior to completing your grant application. Please note, you will be able to save your work and come back to the application at any time before you submit it. You are also welcome to call us with any questions about the application process.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at 250-542-8655 or [email protected].
Online Grant Portal
Grants Open: March 1st, 2023.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2023.
Forms for Reference:
Progress Report:
All grant recipients will be required to provide the Community Foundation North Okanagan with a Progress Report either before applying for the following year’s grant cycle or within one year of receiving the grant. Failure to submit a Progress Report will restrict your ability to apply for grants in the future.
To submit your Progress Report login into the Online Grant Portal.
Logo & Recognition
When promoting a project that Community Foundation North Okanagan has funded, we ask that you acknowledge the Foundation’s support by using our logo on your website and print materials, and by mentioning us on social media. By acknowledging Community Foundation North Okanagan, you help us raise awareness about philanthropy, generate interest in supporting community initiatives, and encourage more support and funding for projects like yours in the years to come.
You can also acknowledge Community Foundation North Okanagan on social media @cfnokanagan, by using mentions, profile links and hashtags in your posts. You can find us on: