NKDF - Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society

04/30/2026

04/07/2026

Grants awarded! At the final Board meeting of the funding cycle, NKDF - Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society directors approved $127,412 in funding for five new projects.

The Vanderhoof International Airshow Society was granted $45,000 to help host the 2026 Airshow on July 25-26, 2026.

The Nechako Senior Citizens Society received $40,000 for the Connaught Place renovation project.

The Endako Rod and Gun Club was granted $25,000 to build two berms to enhance the safety of the shooting range.

The Vanderhoof Flying Club was awarded $9,912 to purchase a replacement engine for the Flying School instruction aircraft.

In the Under $7,500 Grants Program, Rip'n the North Bike Club was granted $7,500 for the Trail Revitalization project.

NKDF Chair Rod Holland says, "we are thrilled to invest in these projects that celebrate community, expand recreational opportunities and provide support for our residents. Projects such as these play a crucial role in strengthening the places we call home."

For the full press release and more details on these projects please visit: https://www.nkdf.org/news/105/29/Nechako-Kitamaat-Development-Fund-Grants-127412-for-Projects-in-Vanderhoof-and-Fraser-Lake

03/31/2026

We were in Fraser Lake this month to present a cheque to the Mouse Mountain PAC. We were delighted to see all the students with their new cross country ski equipment.
It is so gratifying to see the huge smiles from the kids and the pure enjoyment.
It makes it easy for us to say yes to granting funds for these types of recreational projects.

03/16/2026

Southside Health and Wellness Centre is now a training partner with the Canadian Red Cross and delivering both standard and emergency first aid training. NKDF is proud to contribute funding for the purchase of the first aid and CPR equipment needed to deliver the training.

We have some exciting news to share :).

01/28/2026

We are delighted to celebrate the grand opening of the new Wax Cabin with The Omineca Ski Club and our fellow funders: Northern Development Initiative Trust, Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako and Chinook Community Forest.
Over the years Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society has proudly partnered with the Omineca Ski Club as they have successfully upgraded and expanded this amazing facility that includes groomed trails, ski equipment rental and the new Wax Cabin.
In total NKDF has provided $102,000 for 5 different projects including $31,000 for this new Wax Cabin. A priority for NKDF is supporting projects that contribute to the health and wellbeing of our communities and residents. It is easy to support projects like these that create recreational opportunities that let everyone enjoy the outdoors and unique beauty of our region!
Associations like Omineca Ski Club are successful because of the high quality of volunteers involved. Congratulations on a job well done! Bring on more snow and let the skiing season continue!

01/21/2026

It might be an icy cold day, but tulips and Spring are just around the corner - which means breaking ground on new projects! Are you working on a grant application to NKDF for an upcoming project? The deadline to submit is January 30. This is the final intake for the fiscal and we have funding to disperse so if you have an eligible project, now is the time! https://www.nkdf.org/how-to-apply/program-guidelines

01/15/2026

A big welcome to new NKDF Director Val Erickson who joins the board as a representative of Vanderhoof.
Val has a keen interest in environmental and social responsibility and believes in supporting and giving back to the communities where she lives and works in. She is eager to support NKDF’s mission and looks forward to connecting with the communities it serves.
https://www.nkdf.org/about/board-members

01/15/2026

A warm welcome to new NKDF Director Laura Blackwell who joins the board as a representative of Burns Lake.
Laura has spent more than 30 years as a publisher with Black Press Media. Deeply committed to the Burns Lake community, she has volunteered with numerous local organizations. Through decades of involvement, she has built strong, respectful relationships throughout the community. https://www.nkdf.org/about/board-members

01/14/2026

A big congratulations to newly appointed NKDF Chair, Rod Holland.
Rod has resided in northwest BC since 1997 and spent his career in service to the communities he has called home. While it was work that initially brought Rod and his family to the region, it is the outdoor lifestyle and sense of community that has kept them here.
Learn more: https://www.nkdf.org/boardmembers/Rod-Holland

12/19/2025

Funding for Fire Halls in Haisla and Southside

The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society Board of Directors has approved $53,500 for two new projects.

Haisla Nation was granted $34,500 to purchase advanced life-saving equipment, including automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and automatic CPR machines, to enhance the Haisla Nation Fire Department medical first responder program.

The Southside Volunteer Fire Department received $19,000 to Upgrade the Fire Hall to enhance the operational readiness by improving the safety and functionality of the fire hall for volunteer firefighters.

Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth
"These investments build safety and resilience. New equipment for the Haisla Nation and upgrades to the Southside Volunteer Fire Department strengthen local capacity to respond to challenges, essential for economic growth and stability in our communities."

Tayna Thorpe, Manager, Communities and Social Performance, Rio Tinto
“Volunteer first responders play a key role in keeping Northern and First Nation communities safe. Through the Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Rio Tinto is very proud to help provide the equipment and resources required to assist people in need.”

Cindy Shelford, NKDF Chair
“We are pleased to invest in these two projects that strengthen community resilience by supporting the hard work of our volunteer emergency response teams.”

The next grant application deadlines is January 31, 2026. For more information, please visit http://www.nkdf.org/ For requests under $7,500 applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

11/20/2025

Does your Society have a small project that is almost ready to start and just needs a bit of funding? For projects that meet our eligibility criteria and are seeking $7,500 or less we can get you a quick response - three weeks or less - on your application. Visit www.nkdf.org for full grant criteria.