The Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen (CFSO) is a regional charitable foundation dedicated to strengthening communities across the South Okanagan and Similkameen in British Columbia. It pools donations into long-term endowment funds and uses the investment income to provide ongoing financial support to local charities, community groups and students.
Role in the regional funding ecosystem
CFSO acts as a bridge between donors and community needs. Individuals, families, businesses and other donors can create or contribute to funds that target specific issues such as social services, arts and culture, environment, health, youth, seniors, or community development. The foundation then distributes grants and awards from these funds to qualified organizations and initiatives in the region.
Types of funding offered
- Community grants: Annual or periodic calls for proposals that offer project-based funding to registered charities and qualified donees delivering services in the South Okanagan–Similkameen.
- Strategic or targeted grants: Funding focused on priority themes identified through community consultations, often supporting longer-term or collaborative initiatives.
- Scholarships and bursaries: Financial awards that support local students pursuing post-secondary education, often established in honour of individuals, families or organizations.
- Donor-advised funds: Structures that allow donors to recommend grants to charities while CFSO manages the administration, governance and due diligence.
General eligibility and application approach
While specific criteria vary by program, grants are generally available to registered charities and other qualified recipients operating in the South Okanagan–Similkameen. Applicants are typically asked to demonstrate community benefit, clear objectives, realistic budgets and the capacity to deliver the proposed project. Application windows, documentation requirements and review timelines are outlined on the foundation’s granting pages.
Governance, transparency and impact
CFSO is governed by a volunteer board of directors drawn from the region and supported by professional staff. The foundation reports on its grants, scholarships and investment stewardship through public communications and impact stories that highlight supported organizations and projects. By building permanent community capital and redistributing earnings as grants, CFSO aims to provide stable, long-term funding that responds to evolving local priorities.