CAPACITY GRANTS

Funds for a purpose

Investing in organizational strength creates opportunities to succeed

Capacity building grants are key contributors to helping our charitable partners advance their purpose and support the organization’s internal needs building strength and sustainability for our communities.

Capacity Grants have a maximum funding amount of $10,000. Grants are restricted to the initiative outlined in your application, which may include:

  • Leadership training
  • Volunteer training
  • Governance training and consulting
  • Strategic and organizational planning support
  • Internal workshops
  • Infrastructure support (e.g., office equipment)

We also steward grants from the First West Credit Union Leaders’ Fund, awarded annually. The Leaders’ Fund was established to meet the growing demand for professional development, training and operational enhancement within your organization. Recipients of a Leaders’ Fund grant are selected through our community endowment grant application program.

Facing the challenges of aging

As we all age, no matter where we live, we face new challenges. While some seniors enjoy retirement and new opportunities, others experience social isolation, declining health, housing barriers, and reduced independence.

By 2035, 25% of British Columbians will be over 65. In Kelowna, B.C., 31,000 residents have already surpassed this milestone. That’s why we’re proud to support the Seniors Outreach & Resource Centre with a $10,000 capacity grant, helping them expand and grow their services to meet the needs of the growing senior population.

Strategic clarity for positive change

“It is critical to consider how we can best use our resources to effect positive change for clients and our community.

With a capacity grant, our board and staff will have the opportunity to spend time with a skilled coach that brings outside support, perspective, and expertise to help us define our intended impacts and develop strategic clarity for future services. We feel that establishing strategic clarity – a shared vision among all elements of our organization – can help unlock our charity’s fullest potential.” —Ian Gerbrandt, Executive Director

Who we've funded

Find out which local charities received a Capacity Grant in 2025.