Ten $10,000 grants will support community-led solutions across the Kootenays

The Kootenay Savings Community Foundation is celebrating 30 years of community investment by opening a special one-time funding opportunity: 10 Community Impact Grants of $10,000 each to help turn local ideas into lasting impact across the Kootenays.

The new grants focus on four funding pillars: Economic Development, Health, Housing, and Youth Employment & Retention.

“These grants are about more than celebrating where the Foundation has been. They are about investing in where our communities are going,” said Clara Reinhardt, Board Chair of the Kootenay Savings Community Foundation. “We want to support local organizations and community leaders who understand what their communities need and have strong ideas about how to make a lasting difference.”

The grants are designed to provide opportunities throughout the Kootenay Savings service area. Eligible applicants include nonprofit and community organizations, grassroots groups, and collaborative partnerships whose work benefits communities served by Kootenay Savings.

Applications will be assessed based on community need, potential impact, geographic reach and population, with an emphasis on ensuring smaller and rural communities have meaningful access to funding.

“Kootenay Savings has always believed that strong communities create a stronger region,” said Mark McLoughlin, CEO of Kootenay Savings Credit Union. “These grants are an opportunity to help community organizations turn local ideas into meaningful action.”

Applications will be accepted from September 1-30, and can be submitted online at kscu.com through our community webpage.

“We’re looking for ideas that may not fit the traditional model of community funding,” said Paul Butler, Manager of the Kootenay Savings Community Foundation. “This $100,000 offers an invitation to think bigger, bring people together and show us what could be possible for our communities.”

The Foundation’s traditional grant program will resume in 2027, with a single annual intake in the fall.

e-KNOW file photo

Kootenay Savings Community Foundation

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