Valley First Community Endowment

Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the 2025 grant cycle are now closed. 

EOI's will re-open in March 2025 and be held for review for the 2026 grant cycle.

The Valley First Community Endowment provides grant through two funding streams: 

Impact Grants for charities whose purpose aligns with one of the following Sustainable Development Goals: No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Heath & Well-being, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, Partnerships for the Goals. Impact Grants are available in amounts up to $15,000. Impact Grants are unrestricted funds available to organizations whose purpose is to improve people’s capacity and ability to care for themselves and their families, organizations that teach new skills, build individual resiliency, and/or foster an approach to an individual’s self-sufficiency. 

Capacity Grants are restricted funds to support an organization’s internal learning needs, team training, leadership development and infrastructure enhancements. Capacity grants are available in amounts up to $10,000 and alignment to the Foundation's selected Sustainable Development Goals is not a requirement. 

Types of projects considered:

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

Click here for our 2024 Valley First Community Endowment grant recipients.

Applications will be considered using the following criteria:

• Preference will be given to projects benefiting the communities in which Valley First operates (Armstrong, Kamloops, Kelowna, Keremeos, Oliver, Penticton, Princeton, Vernon, and West Kelowna).
• The Foundation's role is one of partnership and we welcome collaboration with other funders to help you advance your mission. 
• Organizations should benefit many and offer equal access.
• Funding is available to federally-registered charities and "qualified donees" as described by the CRA.

Application Process and Timeline

If you are interested in applying for a grant, please fill out our expression of interest form. If your project fits within our criteria, you will be invited to submit a full application for a grant closer to the application deadline. If your submission falls outside of the Foundation’s granting abilities, you will be contacted. We reach out to community partners on an ongoing basis.