The Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies (CFKR) is very pleased to announce $265,000 in funding to support four projects benefitting the Elk Valley, Cranbrook, and the surrounding area through the Government of British Columbia’s Community Prosperity Fund.

The Community Prosperity Fund is a $25 million investment from the Government of B.C. that aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion. The fund was announced on the inaugural B.C. Nonprofit Recognition Day. This fund is part of the Government of B.C.’s commitment to supporting the non-profit sector and empowering local communities to make decisions about community needs and priorities.

Through CFKR, the Community Prosperity Fund is investing in the following organizations and projects:

Elk Valley Family Society: $40,000 to fund organizational capacity-building and digital transformation to support a rapidly growing portfolio of affordable/social housing in Fernie, Sparwood, and RDEK Areas A and B.

Kootenay Employment Services Society: $56,000 to support staff time focussing on the recruitment and retention of immigrants as a key priority in addressing the labour market and community needs.

Community Connections Society of Southeast BC: $69,000 to enhance food security by supporting staffing within the Cranbrook Food Recovery project.

ANKORS: $100,000 to hire staff with lived experience who will support the most vulnerable citizens in Cranbrook regarding issues such as homelessness, addictions, and mental health (lead image).

Through the Community Prosperity Fund, funded recipients have an opportunity to implement the funding over up to three years and support operational expenses or project delivery. The Community Prosperity Fund supports vital non-profits that serve communities in B.C. Recipients funded are important partners, often providing services to the most vulnerable in all corners of British Columbia.

To learn more about the Community Prosperity Fund, visit the Vancouver Foundation website.  For more information about the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies, visit www.CFKRockies.ca.

According to Megan Dykeman, Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development and Non-Profits, “Over the past few years, British Columbians continue to showcase resilience, innovation, and tenacity as they face new challenges. Community service groups across the province are playing a pivotal role in supporting communities.”

Dykeman added, “Myself and Premier David Eby are elated to announce $60 million in funding to not-for-profits, and we thank local community foundations who have supported in the funding’s distribution.”

CFKR Executive Director Lynnette Wray stated, “CFKR is honoured to be one of more than 50 local community foundations from across BC that are participating in the Government of B.C.’s Community Prosperity Fund.”

“We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to support these important non-profit projects in our communities. We share our heartfelt thanks with all the applicants as well as with the members of our local CFKR granting committee and board of directors who made this possible,” said Wray.

Photos submitted

Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies

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