The First West Foundation is helping communities be the best they can be with the Valley First Community Endowment.
Twelve charities in the Okanagan, Similkameen, and Thompson valleys will receive a combined grant total of $113,700.
“Our team embraces trust-based philanthropy principles, and one way we’ve implemented this is by providing multi-year commitments to our community partners,” said Susan Byrom, Executive Director of the First West Foundation. "By providing grant funds over an extended period, we empower our partners to plan and execute longer-term projects without the constraints of short-term funding uncertainty."
The grants support six sustainable development goals - no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, reduced inequalities and partnerships for the goals.
Local recipients include Kelowna Community Resources, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Desert Valley Hospice Society, the South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre Society, Ozanam Recovery House and Project Literacy Central Okanagan.
The Valley First Community Endowment has given over $1.8 million through 240 grants since 2011.