The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society (NKDF) is a non-profit regional development fund that uses income from the BC‑Alcan Northern Development Fund to provide grants for economic and community development projects in communities affected by the Nechako Reservoir and Kitimat‑Kemano project in northwest British Columbia. View Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society (NKDF)'s website for more information.
The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society (NKDF) is a regional non-profit development fund created from contributions by the Government of British Columbia and Alcan Inc. under the BC‑Alcan Northern Development Fund Act. Incorporated on 18 August 1999, the Society invests income from a legacy fund to support sustainable economic activity and community stability in communities impacted by the Nechako Reservoir and the Kitimat‑Kemano power project.
NKDF operates as a place-based grantmaker focused on the Nechako‑Kitamaat investment area in northwest British Columbia. It provides grants to local governments, First Nations and incorporated non-profit organizations serving communities such as Kitamaat Village, Burns Lake, Fraser Lake, Vanderhoof and several Carrier and Haisla Nations. The Society has funded hundreds of projects and more than $13 million in grants since inception, targeting both economic diversification and broader community well-being.
NKDF grants address key aspects of economic and community development. Eligible initiatives typically fall into four broad categories:
NKDF maintains clear program guidelines, evaluation criteria and reporting requirements. Standard grants are considered at up to four application deadlines each year, with decisions made by a board of directors appointed by the Province to represent the investment area. To complement these regular intakes, NKDF offers an Under $7,500 Grant Program that accepts applications on a continuous basis, allowing faster decisions on smaller community projects. In all cases, grants normally cover no more than 50% of total project costs, encouraging leveraging of other funders and in‑kind contributions.
Priority is given to projects that align with long‑term economic development goals, create or enhance jobs, attract additional investment, promote collaboration among communities, and demonstrate strong local support. Applicants must provide budgets, multiple quotes where feasible and letters of support, and are required to submit final reports and invoices for the entire project. Larger grants may also require annual follow‑up reporting on economic benefits to ensure accountability and long‑term impact.
Through its targeted grants, NKDF supports First Nations, municipalities, regional organizations and non‑profits working in areas such as tourism, small business support, skills training, emergency services, arts, recreation, food security and senior housing. Projects range from major infrastructure upgrades to smaller community initiatives under $7,500. Over time, this portfolio has contributed to job creation, diversification of local economies and improved quality of life throughout the Nechako‑Kitamaat region.