Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation

09/01/2026

Great news for Bow Valley families!

The Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation is donating $1.1 million to Canadian Rockies Public Schools, bringing our support for CRPS to more than $7 million since 2013.

This donation will help fund student support services, mental health initiatives and innovative educational programming, reaching students across the division and creating more opportunities to learn, grow and thrive 📚 🌱

“We are grateful to the Pauw Foundation for their visionary and ongoing commitment to CRPS students,” said Debbie McKibbin, Superintendent of Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS).

“The Pauw Foundation’s continuous support empowers our school division to nurture students’ growth from athletic opportunities and outdoor experiential learning to mental health supports and scholarships. This generous donation ensures that every student has the tools, the support, and the opportunity to thrive both inside and outside the classroom."

Strong schools help build strong communities. We are pleased to continue this partnership and invest in the students and families who make the Bow Valley such a special place to live ⛰️

08/31/2026

The Outdoor Learning Gear Fund is back for a second year! We consistently hear from educators who are working in lower-income areas that one of the biggest barriers to getting their learners outside is a lack of warm, weather-appropriate clothing.

Thanks to the generous support of the Pauw Foundation, the Gear Fund is here to help! This fund will provide $500 grants to 40 classes, so students facing socioeconomic barriers can get the gear they need - ensuring that weather is never a reason to stay indoors. 💛

Applications are now open: https://takemeoutside.ca/outdoor-learning-gear-fund/

08/28/2026

As Bow Valley families start thinking about heading back to school, many local kids are also looking forward to getting back to the sports they love.

For local kids, that means getting back on the court, into the pool, onto the field, and wherever else they love to play ⚾

Through the Bow Valley True Sport and Recreation Council True Sport Youth Fund, the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation donated a record $100,000 to 18 local organizations this year. The funding helps reduce financial barriers and gives more young people the chance to play, learn new skills, make friends, and be part of a team 🏐

Here’s to a great fall season!

08/25/2026

A full-circle moment for Wim last week!

Wim visited the future Wim Pauw Centre for Hospitality and Tourism at YWCA Banff to see the progress firsthand. Decades ago, as an electrician, he installed the backup generator, boiler and electrical panel when the space housed the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital 🛠️

Wim had fun pointing out his original work and hearing how today’s teams are challenged to interpret "old-school pencil sketches" to navigate existing systems.

Now, Wim’s donation is helping transform the space into a place where people can build careers in hospitality 🌟

Working closely with YWCA Banff and SAIT, the Centre will expand access to education and career opportunities in the hospitality sector, with the first cohort expected in early 2028.

It’s exciting to see Wim’s vision taking shape. Stay tuned for more updates.

08/18/2026

The Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation is continuing its support for the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley with a $22,000 donation toward community and outdoor education programming 🌱

Through education, outreach, and collaboration, the Biosphere Institute helps youth learn more about climate, wildlife, and biodiversity.

Their work reflects our commitment to education, mountain culture, and strong community connections.

08/14/2026

A HUGE thank you to everyone who has voted, shared, and shown up for Spirit North over the past two weeks. We’ve felt your support every step of the way. 💛

We’re a Top 5 Finalist in the 2026 Defender Service Awards, with a chance to win a customized Defender 130 and $30,000 USD!

If you haven’t voted today, this is your final chance!

🗳️ Cast your final vote today : https://www.landroverusa.com/experiences/events-and-sponsorships/defender-service-awards/vote/outdoor-accessibility.html -now-open

Voting closes August 14 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Thank you for being with us all the way to the finish line. 🤞

08/14/2026

Strong communities are built on connection—both in town and in the mountains.

The Town of Banff's MountainLIFE program brings people together to get outside, stay active, and connect through guided outdoor experiences designed for all abilities 🏔️

It's about building friendships, having fun, and creating a stronger community, all while exploring Banff and beyond.

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The Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation supports programs that strengthen the Bow Valley. We invest in health, well-being, and opportunities for people to connect with one another and the places they call home.

08/10/2026

08/10/2026

Don’t miss your chance to help us support Spirit North!

There are four days left to vote in the Defender Service Awards. If Spirit North wins, they’d get a customized Defender 130 and extra funding, which would help their Community Program Leaders travel further to northern communities and bring sport, play, and land-based programming to more Indigenous youth.

You can vote once a day until Friday, August 14, at 11:59 p.m. ET. ✔️

08/10/2026