Grant and Funding Programs Offered by East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH)
Overview of Available Grants and Funding
East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH) is a charitable health foundation based in Cranbrook, British Columbia. It raises and allocates funds for hospitals, health centres, long‑term care homes and community health programs across the East Kootenay region, supporting medical equipment, facility upgrades and patient comforts through multiple campaigns and funding initiatives. View East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH)'s website for more information.
Content last updated: March 24, 2026
About East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH)
What is the mission of East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH)?
East Kootenay Foundation for Health’s mission is to provide funding for East Kootenay Regional Hospital and other community health facilities, improving and augmenting health care across the region. It aims to support priority needs, build trust with donors, raise awareness of community health issues and work collaboratively to maximize impact.
What type of organization is East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH)?
East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH) is a Foundation.
What is East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH)'s official website?
East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH)'s official website is https://www.ekfh.ca/.
What else should I know about East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH)?
Role of East Kootenay Foundation for Health in the funding ecosystem
East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH) is a regional health foundation serving more than 85,000 residents in the East Kootenay area of British Columbia. As the official charitable foundation for East Kootenay Regional Hospital and numerous community facilities, it raises philanthropic funds and directs them to priority health needs across the Interior Health region. EKFH focuses on providing state-of-the-art medical equipment, patient comfort items, furnishings and other essential infrastructure that complement the public health system.
The foundation’s support reaches several acute care hospitals — including East Kootenay Regional Hospital, Creston Valley Hospital, Invermere & District Hospital, Golden & District Hospital and Elk Valley Hospital — as well as health centres in Elkford, Kimberley and Sparwood, multiple long-term care homes such as Durand Manor and Dr FW Green Home, and a range of community health programs.
Funding themes and typical initiatives
EKFH concentrates its funding on concrete health-care improvements that can be achieved through community donations. Campaigns often aim to:
- Purchase advanced diagnostic and treatment equipment, such as ultrasound machines or specialized oncology and renal equipment.
- Develop or expand clinical spaces, for example oncology and dialysis units, or additions like a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
- Upgrade furnishings and environments in long-term care homes to improve safety, accessibility and quality of life for residents.
- Support new care infrastructure, such as hospice homes or family accommodation near tertiary hospitals.
Recent examples highlighted on the site include major campaigns for a Tier 3 NICU at East Kootenay Regional Hospital, expansion of oncology and renal treatment areas, furnishing upgrades at Durand Manor, acquisition of portable ultrasound units and the “Beneath the Surface” initiative to establish ultrasound services in Invermere. EKFH also partners with other charities and hospital foundations, such as the Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society and the KGH Foundation, on joint projects.
General approach to funding and impact
EKFH does not operate as a competitive grant program for the general public; instead, it channels donor contributions to identified priorities within the regional health system, often in collaboration with Interior Health and local care teams. Donations may be unrestricted, targeted to a particular facility, or directed to a specific area of care. Annual impact reports document funds raised, the number of donors, and the facilities and projects supported each fiscal year, providing transparency and accountability to the community.
By equipping local hospitals and care homes with up-to-date technology and facilities, EKFH helps reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment, supports recruitment and retention of health professionals, and enhances the overall quality and comfort of care delivered close to home.
Mission, philosophy and community engagement
The foundation’s mission is to provide funding for East Kootenay Regional Hospital and other community facilities in order to improve and augment health care across the region. EKFH emphasizes stewardship of donor contributions, awareness of community health needs, and collaborative work with partners to remain effective. It offers many ways to give — including general and monthly donations, planned giving, in-memory gifts, lotteries and community fundraisers — creating broad opportunities for individuals, businesses and groups to contribute to better health care in the East Kootenay.