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CFKR joins initiative to support local, youth-led projects
The Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies (CFKR) is joining the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge, making funding available to youth-led projects that address diverse and urgent local priorities.
For Elkford, Sparwood, and Fernie, CFKR will have $5,000 available for each community, for a total of $15,000 in the Elk Valley. CFKR will also have $15,000 available for projects in Cranbrook and the surrounding area.
“This is incredibly exciting,” said CFKR Executive Director Lynnette Wray. “Youth are facing pressures on many fronts, and so are our communities. We want to be part of creative solutions that enhance equity, sustainability, and fairness, and that help lay the groundwork for a brighter future.”
Grant applications will be accepted between May 22 and September 18.
For more information on how to apply, or contact CFKR (email: [email protected]; Phone: 250-426-1119).
The RBC Future Launch Community Challenge is a partnership between RBC, Community Foundations of Canada (CFC), and local community foundations, including CFKR.
This initiative will enable youth to apply for funding to support their bold ideas to address urgent community priorities. It is an opportunity for young people to lead, learn new skills, gain experience, and build relationships in their local communities — all things that will help them prepare for the future of work. Later this year, CFKR will also bring youth and community members together for ‘Vital Conversations,’ opportunities for community dialogue focused on creating a better future together.
Through the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge, participating community foundations across Canada will make grants and learning opportunities available to youth-led initiatives in 150 communities, from coast to coast to coast. The RBC Future Launch Community Challenge aims to empower Canadian youth for the jobs and community realities of the future.
“Young people are already demonstrating tremendous leadership in communities in Canada and across the world. Look no further than the massive youth-led initiatives such as global student marches against climate change. The RBC Future Launch Community Challenge is an exciting opportunity to help shift power into their hands further, by bringing them to the decision-making table where they can lead in developing solutions for the future,” said Andrew Chunilall, CEO CFC.
“RBC believes strongly in the power, vision and potential of youth, and the influence they can have in their communities,” said Mark Beckles, senior director, Youth Strategy and Innovation, RBC. “That’s why we are thrilled to partner with CFC to help young people make a difference in communities across Canada while building the 21st century skills needed to prepare for the future of work.”
The RBC Future Launch Community Challenge will be hosted by Community Foundations of Canada and participating community foundations and is made possible thanks to a $5M donation from RBC Foundation. It is part of RBC Future Launch, a commitment by RBC and the RBC Foundation to empower Canadian youth for the jobs of tomorrow. Over the next 10 years, RBC Future Launch is dedicating $500 million to help young people access meaningful employment through practical work experience, skills development opportunities, networking solutions and mental well-being supports and services.
CFKR takes a broad and inclusive view of what a community is and provides grants to the widest possible range of organizations and initiatives. Participating in the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge builds on CFKR’s long-time support to local youth and youth leadership.
CFKR was federally incorporated in 2003 and is a CRA-registered charity. It is governed by a 13-member volunteer board and employs one staff person. CFKR currently holds a total of approximately $2.5 million in 36 permanently invested endowment funds, including the Elkford Community Fund, Sparwood Community Fund, and Fernie Community Fund.
CFKR Vision: Together, making our communities even better places to live, work, and play, now and forever.
CFKR Mission: We build permanently invested endowment funds, provide grants to qualified donees to address local community needs, and offer positive leadership to explore community priorities.
CFKR Values: Community, Accountability, Responsiveness, Excellence, and Sustainability (CARES).
CFKR
