Community Foundation of the North Okanagan Welcomes 2019 Leadership Team

The Community Foundation of the North Okanagan may be “middle-aged” now in their 40’s, but according to executive director Leanne Hammond, “The foundation has never been more innovative and responsive to both the needs of our communities and the wishes of our donors.” At the group’s recent AGM and reception, speakers shared glowing reports of increased donations, increased grants and most importantly, increased impact.

With the Okanagan Rail Trail goal achieved, and funding to both the community foundation’s Spring Grants program and winter endowment income distribution to charities growing steadily, the organization has much to celebrate. As Board Chair Janice Mori turned the reins over to Herb Wong she highlighted the importance of expanding our definition of philanthropy to think beyond only large monetary gifts from the few, to include innovative ways to offer relevant giving options for both a younger demographic and a wave of new philanthropists who want to see a more immediate impact of their donations. Mori described the community foundation as a place where “public good and personal values intersect.”

New Board Chair Herb Wong echoed his predecessor’s sentiments and pledged to explore new ideas around how to best benefit the communities of the North Okanagan. “Having been involved with the community foundation for many years it is my honour to take the position of board chair for 2019. I look forward to working with this passionate and skilled group of directors and staff to increase engagement with volunteers, donors and charitable causes in all the communities we serve.”

While the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan is known primarily for its solid endowment program and continuous support of local charities through designated and donor advised funds, the Okanagan Rail Trail initiative introduced hundreds of individuals and businesses to one of our area’s best kept secrets. According to foundation staff, working with so many new donors to facilitate gifts large and small has built a momentum they hope to channel into an appetite for continued positive impact and social change in the future. As Hammond notes, “Now that people have seen what we can do when we work together, there is a collective excitement about what we could do next! By always looking ahead we can continue to be the ‘Charity for All Charities’ and a one-stop giving resource for donors who want to support our North Okanagan community today, tomorrow… forever.”

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Community Foundation leadership from top left: Leanne Hammond, George Agar, Annette Sharkey, Mike Nolan, Chris Alveberg, Dave Adams bottom from left: Tyson Amies, Calvin Hoy, Herb Wong, Janice Mori, Brad Marsh, missing from photo Bruce Hopkins.

DID YOU KNOW? THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE NORTH OKANAGAN:
• gave out over $650,000 in 2018 grants to hundreds of local charities
• facilitated over 500+ individual gifts from donors in 2018
• holds over $16 million in endowed funds to create a sustainable stream of funding for the charitable sector each and every year
• manages 175+ individual endowment funds for individuals, families, businesses and charities themselves to generate income specifically for charitable activity
• facilitated 10+ community conversations involving charities, government and other local leaders on issues important to our area
• publishes the Vital Signs Report to highlight where our communities are succeeding and where more help is needed
• in partnership with an amazing array of volunteers and donors, raised donations of $7.8 million for the Okanagan Rail Trail project
For more information about the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan, the various options for giving, granting, or the myriad initiatives the Foundation is involved in, check out their website at www.cfno.org

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About the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan: we provide an ongoing contribution to the quality of life in our communities through building endowments, grant making, and community leadership. Learn more at www.cfno.org

Contact Leanne Hammond, Executive Director 250.542.8655 or cell 250.300.6061