Central Okanagan Foundation

09/11/2026

❤️ Supporting recovery in the Okanagan Indian Band community

The Central Okanagan Foundation is grateful to stand alongside the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) as the community moves from emergency response into recovery and rebuilding following the Bradley Creek Wildfire.

Together with the Community Foundation North OkanaganCommunity Foundation of the North Okanagan, we were honoured to each contribute $10,000 to help support households impacted by the wildfire.

We’re also grateful to Habitat for Humanity Okanagan, Residents of Predator Ridge, Dustyn Baulkham and the kiʔláwnaʔ Stamiya Two Spirit Powwow Kelowna Pride for their generous contributions, as well as the many individuals and organizations who have stepped forward to help.

As Chief Dan Wilson shared, “It is good to know we have such good neighbours.”

That spirit of neighbours supporting neighbours is what makes our communities so strong. We are honoured to be part of the collective effort to support OKIB through recovery and in the months ahead.

Thank you to everyone who continues to show up with generosity and care.

09/09/2026

📣 Join Our Team!

The Central Okanagan Foundation is growing, and we’re looking for two passionate people to join our team:

✨ Community Impact & Communications Strategist
✨ Board & Governance Coordinator

These are exciting opportunities to contribute to the work of a community foundation that connects generosity with meaningful community impact.

If you’re collaborative, organized, passionate about the nonprofit sector, and looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the Central Okanagan, we’d love to hear from you!

Learn more about the positions and apply here:
👉 https://www.centralokanaganfoundation.org/careers-volunteer-opportunities/

Please help us spread the word by sharing these opportunities with your network!

09/04/2026

📣 Applications are open for the 2026–27 Impact & Leadership Development Program (ILDP) – Impact Storytelling cohort!

Across the sector, organizations are facing rising demand, rising costs, and shrinking government and philanthropic funding. Diversifying revenue is essential, but sustainable growth starts with a strong foundation, clear direction, strong systems, and a focus on impact and financial resilience. Like rings on a tree, growth happens layer by layer.

This year’s program helps nonprofits, charities, and social enterprises across the South, Central, and North Okanagan turn their impact data into clear, evidence-based stories that strengthen funder relationships, build community trust, and align their teams.

✨ What to expect:

• 12-month cohort, with active programming January–September 2027
• Workshops, bi-weekly 1:1 coaching, and peer roundtables
• Approximately 8 hours/month commitment
• $15,000/organization program value, with participants contributing 25–50% on a sliding scale
• Applications close September 27, 2026

You’ll leave with practical skills, templates, presentation materials, and an organization specific impact story playbook that can be implemented on repeat.

Know an organization ready to strengthen how they measure and tell their story? Encourage them to apply. Is that you?

👉 Learn more and apply: https://abundancecollective.ca/impact-leadership-development-program/

ILDP is a collaborative, capacity-strengthening initiative brought together by Community Foundation North Okanagan Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen Central Okanagan Foundation, Valley First (a division of Tru Cooperative Bank)and Abundance Collective (which emerged from Purppl), delivering the coaching, program design, and administration.

09/01/2026

📣 Fall Project Grants are now LIVE!

The Central Okanagan Foundation is excited to announce that applications for our Fall Project Grants are officially open!

If your charity has a project that will make a positive impact in our community, we encourage you to take a look at the grant opportunity and apply.

You’ll find all the details, eligibility requirements and application information on our website.

Learn more and apply here - https://www.centralokanaganfoundation.org/grants/central-okanagan-foundation-grants/

We look forward to seeing the ideas and projects that are helping make the Central Okanagan a stronger, more connected community. 💙

Next Application Opening: September 1, 2026 - Project Grant Next Application Deadline: October 1, 2026, at 3:30pm The funds for the Central Okanagan

08/14/2026

❤️ Standing together when our communities need us most.

The Central Okanagan Foundation’s 2026 Wildfire Response Fund is helping us respond to the devastating wildfires affecting communities from Peachland through to Lake Country.

The fund will support residents who have been impacted, including evacuees from the Peachland, Summerland and Bradley Creek fires who are being supported in West Kelowna, while also supporting the local nonprofits and community partners working on the ground.

Our response is focused on both the immediate needs of our communities and the longer term work of recovery and rebuilding.

We also recognize that wildfire impacts extend beyond our immediate region. We are proud to support and work alongside our neighbouring Community Foundations in the North Okanagan and South Okanagan Similkameen as they respond to the needs in their communities.

As a Community Foundation, our role is to help connect resources with community needs, listening, responding and supporting the organizations doing this important work.

Please consider making a donation to the Central Okanagan Foundation’s 2026 Wildfire Response Fund. Your generosity will help us continue supporting our communities in the weeks and months ahead.

Donate or learn more: https://www.centralokanaganfoundation.org/the-impact/

Thank you for standing with our communities.
Thank you to all the fire fighters and first responders.

08/11/2026

🔥 A resource to keep close and share with your community.

As wildfire conditions continue to evolve, knowing where to find reliable information and support can make a big difference.

The Central Okanagan Foundation's Wildfire 2026 Community Resource Guide brings together important resources for people impacted by the wildfires near Summerland/Peachland and Vernon.

The guide includes information on evacuation alerts and orders, Emergency Support Services, reception centres, food and financial assistance, animal welfare, and local organizations providing support on the ground.

📍 Resources are included for Kelowna, West Kelowna, Penticton and Vernon.

We encourage you to save this guide, share it with family and friends, and pass it along to anyone who may need it.

Please remember that information can change rapidly. Always follow official directions from BC Wildfire Service, your local government or First Nation.

08/08/2026

❤️ Supporting our neighbours in the South Okanagan

Our hearts are with everyone impacted by the devastating wildfires in Summerland and the surrounding communities.

We are incredibly grateful to the firefighters, first responders, emergency crews, volunteers, and everyone working tirelessly on the ground to keep people safe and support those affected.

The Central Okanagan Foundation is proud to stand alongside our neighbours and our fellow community foundation, the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen.

The SOS Wildfire Response Fund has been established to help those impacted by the fires.

If you are looking for a way to help, please consider making a donation and sharing the fund with your network.

Donate or learn more: www.cfso.net

08/06/2026

❤️ Standing with our neighbours during wildfire season.

Our thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by the wildfires affecting communities across British Columbia. We are deeply grateful to the first responders, emergency personnel, volunteers, and community members who continue to support one another during this challenging time.

For those who are looking for ways to help:

• Support the Central Okanagan Wildfire Response Fund through the Central Okanagan Foundation:
https://www.centralokanaganfoundation.org/the-impact/

• Support the North Okanagan Wildfire Response Fund through the North Okanagan Community Foundation:
https://www.cfno.org/wildfire-response-2026

Thank you to everyone who continues to show compassion, generosity, and care for our communities.

07/30/2026

The Board of Directors of the Central Okanagan Foundation is deeply saddened by the passing of former Director and Governance Committee Chair Kim Logan.

Kim brought thoughtful leadership, sound judgement, and a genuine commitment to community service to his work with the Foundation. He asked important questions, considered the consequences of decisions, and generously shared his knowledge and experience. His contributions strengthened our Board and reflected a lifetime of service to others.

We extend our sincere condolences to Kim’s wife, Jeanine, and to his family, friends, and colleagues. We are grateful for the opportunity to have known and worked alongside him.

Those wishing to honour Kim’s memory are invited to consider making a donation to the Central Okanagan Foundation: www.centralokanaganfoundation.org/donate

Kim’s full obituary is available at: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/logan-kim

We celebrate the life of Kim Spencer Logan, who peacefully crossed over from this life on July 24, 2026, at the age of 73, in Kelowna, British Columbia. Kim was born on July 26, 1952, in Grande Prairie, Alberta, and lived a life defined by curiosity, exploration, and a genuine love of learning. From...

07/27/2026

Help make a difference this August 1! 🥔

The Ugly Potato Day Okanagan returns on Friday, August 1, with an ambitious goal of distributing nearly 200,000 lbs of fresh fruits and vegetables to 10,000 people in our community.

At the Central Okanagan Foundation, we're always inspired by community led initiatives that bring people together while helping address food insecurity and reducing food waste. Events like Ugly Potato Day demonstrate the incredible impact that volunteers, local organizations, and community members can have when they work together.

📍 Evangel Church Parking Lot (Gordon Drive & KLO Road)
📅 Friday, August 1 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Find all the details and register here:
https://uglypotato.fobi.ai/

Please help spread the word so this incredible event can reach as many people as possible!