Community Foundation North Okanagan

06/04/2026

Cancer Society's Wheels of Hope program needs volunteer drivers to help local cancer patients get to and from treatment, both in Vernon and to Kelowna, Salmon Arm, and Enderby. 🌷
The schedule is flexible, from once a week to once every other week, and drivers are reimbursed 50 cents per kilometre.
If you have a vehicle and a little time to give, this is a meaningful way to support neighbours when they need it most.
🌼 Apply at volunteercancer.ca or email [email protected]
Because taking on cancer takes all of us. It takes a society.

04/18/2026

🌱 Got a small idea with BIG potential? 💡
Neighbourhood Small Grants are back! If you have a project that brings people together and strengthens your community, we want to hear about it. 🙌

🎨 Paint a mural
🌼 Start a garden
📽️ Host a movie night
📦 Deliver care packages
♻️ Lead a ReThink Waste workshop
Whatever your idea, you could receive up to $500 to bring it to life! 💵

Applications open April 7 – May 15, 2026
For residents of the North Okanagan

Learn more and apply at www.cfno.org/neighbourhood-small-grants

04/15/2026

🎉 It's back — and we want YOUR ideas!
Got a vision for a neighbourhood event or skill-sharing workshop? Apply for a Neighbourhood Small Grant and get up to $500 to bring it to life!

📅 Applications open April 7 to May 15th, 2026.

This grassroots program is all about connecting and celebrating our neighbourhoods. No experience needed — just a great idea that brings people together. The application is quick and simple!

We believe everyone has something to offer their community. 💛

Learn more and apply at: www.cfno.org/neighbourhood-small-grants

03/10/2026

Grant Recipient Spotlight: Take a Hike Foundation 💚⛰️

One initiative supported through CFNO’s Smart & Caring Community Grants program is the Take a Hike Youth Mental Health Foundation’s Take a Hike Vernon Program, delivered in partnership with School District #22.
“Take a Hike Vernon is a barrier-free, full-time program that brings mental health support, academics, and land-based learning together in a safe and caring community. With no cost to youth or families, open access to counselling through the summer, and practical supports like meals and outdoor gear, we’re helping vulnerable students build resilience, stay connected to school, and graduate with confidence,” says Jaydeen Williams, Manager of Philanthropy.
Learn more about Smart & Caring Community Grants: www.cfno.org/smart-caring-community-grants

📅 Applications for 2026 are open March 1–31
🔗 Learn more / apply: www.cfno.org/smart-caring-community-grants
📩 Questions: [email protected]

03/05/2026

Community Foundation North Okanagan is looking for approximately four new volunteers to join our Smart & Caring Community Grants Program Review Committee.

This is a great fit for reliable people with experience in the non-profit sector, especially in:
✨ Arts & culture
✨ Social services
✨ Mental health

You’ll help review local grant applications and support funding decisions that make a difference across the North Okanagan.

Apply by March 20

Required dates:

• March 23–25: online or in-person interview
• April 13–27: application review
• May 11, 4–8 PM: in-person adjudication meeting

Approximate time commitment is 14–16 hours per year.

Interested?
Apply here: https://www.cfno.org/volunteer

Know someone who’d be a great fit? Please share this post with your networks.

03/02/2026

CFNO’s Smart & Caring Community Grants Program is officially accepting applications. If your organization is working to strengthen community and create positive social change in the North Okanagan, we’d love to hear from you.
✅ Apply online March 1–31
🔗 Application + eligibility resources: www.cfno.org/smart-caring-community-grants
📩 Questions before you apply? [email protected]

02/05/2026

Get ready 📢 Smart & Caring Community Grants open March 1!
Every spring, Community Foundation North Okanagan invites registered charities and other qualified organizations to apply for funding through our Smart & Caring Community Grants Program.
Grants can support projects and programs, operations, equipment, and more,especially work that creates positive social change and helps address inequities in the North Okanagan.
📅 Applications open: March 1–31, 2026
🔗 Details + eligibility + resources: www.cfno.org/smart-caring-community-grants
Questions about eligibility? Reach out before you apply: [email protected]

📍 Grant Information Session: Thursday, February 26 | 12:00–1:30 pm | 3402–27th Ave, Vernon (Room 006)

02/04/2026

Read Upper Room Mission Vernon's latest post! Great information and a realistic view. Also there is a voting poll to participate in.
"we are focusing on walking alongside those who are struggling. Our new vision is rooted in the belief that connection is the bridge from a park bench to a permanent home. When we offer a relationship instead of just a hand-out, we provide the dignity and support necessary for real change to begin."

Upper Room Mission ED Jacco de Vin discusses the "relational poverty" facing Vernon's unhoused neighbours in Polson Park and why "walking alongside" is the key to lasting change.

02/02/2026

Please join us in welcoming Amy Timleck to Community Foundation North Okanagan as our new Donor Relations & Grants Coordinator!
You may recognize Amy from her work with Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Services Society and the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives. This is a bit of a full circle moment, as she’s also served on our Neighbourhood Small Grants committee for the past three years.
Amy will be supporting donor care and helping keep our grant programs running smoothly for local charities and community groups.
We’re so glad to have you on the team, Amy! 👋

01/29/2026

Vernon and area friends 💙 Schubert Centre Society needs our help. 💙
They must complete a required water system upgrade. The cost is $24,300 + tax — and it’s not optional.

Schubert Centre is a non-profit senior centre offering community programs and activities, plus a Coffee Shop, Thrift Shop, tours, catering, rentals, and more.

How you can help:
• Donate (cash/cheque/card) or e-transfer: [email protected]
• Support their events, programs, and activities
• Donate an item for a silent auction
• Share this post to help spread the word

Questions or larger donations: 250-549-4201
Contact: Dania Israel – [email protected]