This program provides funding to support community programming and partnerships aligned with priority social impact areas. Eligible activities include initiatives focused on food insecurity, financial literacy, mental health, and employment readiness, up to a maximum funding amount not specified in the available information.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Increasing community impact

Develop strategic partnerships

Reduce the ecological footprint

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Closing date : April 15, 2026

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

Health care and social assistance

Location

British Columbia

Legal structures

Non-profit

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

All groups

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

Mental Health and Crisis Intervention
Social Services
Economic, Social and Community Development
Employment and Training

Target groups

General public

Revenue structures

All structures

Scope

Local
Regional

Activities funded

Programs and initiatives that reduce food insecurity through long-term programming or sustainable agriculture support.
Financial literacy programming that improves financial well-being and quality of life.
Initiatives that increase access to effective mental health services or improve mental health support systems.
Employment readiness initiatives, including job creation and skill development programs and services.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 7,500

Eight-week financial literacy and job-readiness training for newcomers

$ 9,200

Produce boxes and community meals to reduce local food insecurity

Eligibility

The organization must serve communities associated with Valley First (including listed cities and adjacent areas).
The proposed initiative must align with at least one stated focus area (food insecurity, financial literacy, mental health, or employment readiness).
The request should support programming and/or build organizational capacity consistent with the program’s community impact objectives.

Who is eligible?

Organizations serving Valley First communities (including and adjacent to the listed cities)
Organizations delivering community programming in food insecurity, financial literacy, mental health, or employment readiness

Eligible geographic areas

Armstrong (and adjacent areas)
Enderby (and adjacent areas)
Kamloops (and adjacent areas)
Kelowna (and adjacent areas)
Keremeos (and adjacent areas)
Oliver (and adjacent areas)
Penticton (and adjacent areas)
Princeton (and adjacent areas)
Rutland (and adjacent areas)
Vernon (and adjacent areas)
West Kelowna (and adjacent areas)

How to apply

Step 1: Choose request type
- Determine whether your request is a community investment request or a marketing sponsorship.
Step 2: Submit request
- Complete and submit the online application for community investment requests.
- For marketing sponsorships, email your sponsorship package to the marketing services contact.
Step 3: Meet timing requirements
- Submit by the applicable deadline date (January 15, April 15, July 15, or September 15 in 2026).
- For Neighbourhood Grants, submit at least three weeks before the event or initiative implementation.

Processing and Agreement

A decision is communicated by email within 21 business days following the applicable application deadline date.

Additional information

Four recurring intake dates are listed: January 15, April 15, July 15, and September 15 (2026).
For Neighbourhood Grants, requests must be submitted at least three weeks before the event or initiative takes place.
Community investment priorities align with select Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., Zero Hunger, Climate Action, Reduced Inequalities).

Contacts

marketingservices@firstwestcu.ca

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Partnerships Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Community Partnerships. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Community Partnerships?

Who is eligible for the Community Partnerships program?

What expenses are eligible under Community Partnerships?

Programs and initiatives that reduce food insecurity through long-term programming or sustainable agriculture support. Financial literacy programming that improves financial well-being and quality of life. Initiatives that increase access to effective mental health services or improve mental health support systems. Employment readiness initiatives, including job creation and skill development programs and services.