Today is the 27th of February, 2026, and we have some exciting news from the Kimberley and District Community Foundation (KDCF). This year, the KDCF has announced the recipients of the 2025 Community Grants, which represent the largest annual funding cycle of the foundation. These grants aim to support organizations in and around Kimberley in various fields, including arts, culture, sports, environment, health, and education. A total of $23,000 will be distributed among ten local non-profits.

The recipients this year are doing remarkable work in their respective areas. Here’s a quick rundown of the projects that are receiving funding:

  • Healthy Kimberley – S.W.I.M.: Funding for an aquatic exercise program tailored for seniors.
  • Wildsight – Regenerative Harvest Project: Support for a community garden and free sustainable agriculture programs.
  • Kimberley District Heritage Society – Interpretive Heritage Panels Project: Creation of informational panels highlighting Kimberley’s history.
  • East Kootenay Regional Search and Rescue Society – Handheld Radio Project: Acquisition of new handheld radios to enhance the safety of rescue teams.
  • Living Lakes Canada – Hahas Lake and McGinty Lake Monitoring: Baseline monitoring of the lakes to support environmental stewardship.
  • Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy – Baby Steps and Baby Goose Programs: Programs that promote language and literacy development in young children.
  • Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society – Website Improvement Project: Enhancements to their website as a digital resource for grief and end-of-life conversations.
  • Kimberley Arts Council – WERX@C64 Studio Upgrade: Upgrading art studios to improve program quality.
  • Kimberley Pride Society – PrideFest: Support for PrideFest programs aimed at promoting inclusion and awareness of 2SLGBTQIA+ experiences.
  • BC Lakes Stewardship Society – Lazy Lake Monitoring: Replacement of outdated monitoring equipment for Lazy Lake.

A Commitment to Community Support

The KDCF expresses heartfelt gratitude to the donors who make this vital work possible. The funding for these grants comes from the earnings generated by the KDCF’s permanent endowment funds, which amounted to $42,819 in payouts in 2025. Since its inception in 2001, KDCF has distributed over $850,000 to more than 50 organizations, showcasing a long-standing commitment to community support.

One noteworthy aspect of the KDCF is that it operates without any paid staff and is governed by a volunteer board. This ensures that a significant portion of the funds raised goes directly to the community projects that need it most. Currently, the foundation manages more than $1.05 million in permanent endowment assets, which allows it to continue its mission of supporting local initiatives.

How You Can Get Involved

The KDCF encourages community members to contribute to future funding cycles by donating or establishing their own endowment funds. This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals or businesses looking to make a positive impact in Kimberley and its surroundings. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, every little bit helps in nurturing the vibrant community spirit that defines this area.

For more information on the KDCF and its ongoing initiatives, feel free to check out the full article at kimberleybulletin.com.