Established in 1991 the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen has been working giving choices and funding change to those who want to donate to our local communities, and also to help those who are seeking funding.
Here in the South Okanagan Similkameen we manage $15.9 million in funds and, in our 30 years of service, we have made more than 2,400 grants to local projects totalling more than $6.9 million. We are continually expanding the giving choices for individuals and organizations to support their community, finding new ways to fund projects, programs and events that help make our communities better places to live.
Our Connection to Community Foundations Across Canada
While our focus is local, we are a part of Community Foundations of Canada, a national membership network for Canada’s 191 community foundations. Together we are a philanthropic movement working across sectors to help Canadians invest in building strong and resilient communities.
How we started
We began in the early ‘90s as the Penticton & District Community Foundation with founding donors, the Penticton Rotary Club, City of Penticton, Penticton & District Community Arts Council and the Vancouver Foundation. By 1994, we distributed our first earnings from this initial donation to six charitable agencies. In the late ‘90s, we expanded to encompass all of the communities in the South Okanagan Similkameen, with a name change to reflect this larger mandate. We continue to grow and invite you to join us in making our communities happier, healthier and more vibrant.
Official Charitable Status
We are an official charity registered with Canada Revenue Agency. You can access public information about the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan by viewing our listing with the Charities Directorate.
Charitable Registration Number: 140150509 RR0001
Governance
The Community Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors who collectively represent the broad public interest and diversity of all communities in the region. The Board is supported by six professional staff members who manage the daily operations of the Foundation.
