Columbia Basin Trust invests $5 million in a long-term endowment

A new, long-term source of funding will be available to Columbia Basin food banks, as well as First Nations and Métis societies in the Basin that provide food to those in need.

Columbia Basin Trust is investing $5 million in an endowment, to be managed by the Vancouver Foundation, with annual investment returns intended to support local food-access services and strengthen the reliability of food programs across the Basin.

“This endowment is about ensuring food-access services across the Basin have reliable, long-term funding,” said Johnny Strilaeff, President and Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Basin Trust. “When people—from families to seniors—need help, they should be able to count on these services today and in the years ahead, no matter where they live.”

The $5 million will be permanently invested to grow its value over time, providing a dependable income stream. Decisions about how the annual investment returns are distributed will be made by an eight-member advisory committee made up of representatives from participating food banks, First Nations and Métis societies. This approach ensures decisions remain locally informed and community-driven.

This backgrounder includes an overview of food bank service organizations across the Basin.

“Knowing there will be a stable, long-term source of funding for food access across the Basin is incredibly meaningful,” said Matthew Lawson, Executive Director of the Community Connections Revelstoke Society. “For our community, it means greater consistency, the ability to plan ahead, and ultimately more reliable support for individuals and families who rely on these services. It strengthens not just food banks, but the broader network of care that ensures people don’t fall through the cracks.”

“This is what community looks like across the Basin: people coming together to care for one another,” said Julie Rose, Executive Director of the Cranbrook Foodbank Society.

“This endowment provides vital year-over-year financial stability for our food bank and others, strengthening our ability to invest in local food systems and plan for the future with confidence. For the people who rely on us, it means more consistent access to nourishing food, delivered with dignity, care and compassion.”

Columbia Basin Trust supports the efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin to strengthen social, economic and environmental well-being. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, visit ourtrust.org or call 1-800-505-8998.

Lead image: The food bank operated by the Community Connections Revelstoke Society will receive long-term support through a new endowment established by Columbia Basin Trust. Photo courtesy of Community Connections Revelstoke Society

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