Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen

100 Women - Nov 2024 - Penticton Lakeside Resort
2024-11-27 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Toronto) | Penticton Lakeside Resort, 21 Lakeshore Dr W, Penticton, BC, V2A 7M5, Canada
We are excited to have you join us for our Annual Little Black Dress Event at Penticton lakeside Resort on Wednesday, November 27th!
Do you have to wear a Little Black Dress? Not at all! This is just a chance to dress up a little and celebrate another successful year of giving with 100 Women!
Please RSVP for the event below.
If you and/or guest are unable to join please let us know.
If you need to make your $100 one-time commitment fee and/or your quarterly donations you can do that here.
If you have any questions please email 100women@cfso.net.

Food Security Summit Follow Up Meeting
2024-11-29 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | Okanagan College: Penticton Campus, 583 Duncan Ave. West, Penticton, BC, V2A8E1, Canada
We’re hosting a meeting to follow up on the outcomes of our Food Security Summit, and to chart a course of action to help us create a more food secure South Okanagan Similkameen. Location TBD; space is prioritized for organizations and individuals who registered for the Summit in September.
For more information, please contact kevinronaghan@cfso.net

Applications Open: Neighbourhood Small Grants
2025-03-03 08:00 - 2025-04-18 17:00 (America/Toronto) | BC
🌟 Neighbourhood Small Grants Applications Now Open! 🌟
Do you have a great idea to bring your neighbours together? Neighbourhood Small Grants provides funding of up to $500 to support community-led projects that spark connection, creativity, and inclusivity!
Whether it’s a block party, a community garden, a cultural celebration, or a skill-sharing workshop—your ideas can make a difference!
📍 Who Can Apply? Anyone with a great idea to strengthen their neighbourhood!💡 Funding Available: Up to $500 per project
Apply today and help create a healthier, more vibrant, and connected community! Application closes April 18, 2025.
🔗 Learn more here! 📩 Have questions? Contact kimenglish@cfso.net

NSG & Regional Advisory Committees Volunteer Lunch
2025-03-07 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto) | BC
You’re Invited: Regional & NSG Committee Appreciation Luncheon
We’re gathering in Okanagan Falls to celebrate and thank our dedicated Regional Advisory Committee and Neighbourhood Small Grants Committee members for their contributions!
🌿 Enjoy a relaxed luncheon, connect with fellow committee members, and reflect on the impact of your work in the community.
📩 By Invitation Only – Please RSVP to kimenglish@cfso.net
We look forward to celebrating with you! 🎉

Penticton: Neighbourhood Small Grants Info Session
2025-03-08 10:30 - 23:15 (America/Vancouver) | Penticton Library, 785 Main Street, Penticton, BC, V2A 5E3, Canada
Join us for a free Neighbourhood Small Grants Info Session! Learn how to apply for funding to bring your community-building idea to life, ask questions, and get inspired by past projects. Whether you’re new to NSG or looking for tips to strengthen your application, this session is a great opportunity to connect and explore possibilities. Everyone is welcome!
RSVP your spot to kimenglish@cfso.net

Summerland: Neighbourhood Small Grants Info Session
2025-03-08 16:00 - 16:45 (America/Vancouver) | Summerland Library, 9533 Main Street, Summerland, BC, V0H 1Z0, Canada

Keremeos: Neighbourhood Small Grants Info Session
2025-03-11 17:30 - 18:15 (America/Vancouver) | Keremeos Recreation Centre, 311 9th Street, Keremeos, BC, V0X 1N2, Canada

100 Men Who Care
2025-03-11 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Toronto) | The Standard, 124 Estabrook Avenue, Penticton, BC, V2A 1G3, Canada
Join a great group of guys who’ve donated over $200,000 to support good causes in our communities! Visit the 100 Men webpage to lean more.

Virtual: Neighbourhood Small Grants Info Session
2025-03-12 17:30 - 18:15 (America/Vancouver) | online event
ONLINE
Join us for a free Neighbourhood Small Grants Info Session! Learn how to apply for funding to bring your community-building idea to life, ask questions, and get inspired by past projects. Whether you’re new to NSG or looking for tips to strengthen your application, this session is a great opportunity to connect and explore possibilities. Everyone is welcome!
RSVP your spot and to receive the link: kimenglish@cfso.net

Princeton: Neighbourhood Small Grants Info Session
2025-03-13 16:00 - 16:45 (America/Vancouver) | Princeton Library, 107 Vermilion Avenue, Princeton, BC, V0X, Canada

Okanagan Falls: Neighbourhood Small Grants Info Session
2025-03-25 17:00 - 17:45 (America/Vancouver) | Okanagan Falls Library, 101-850 Railway Lane, Okanagan Falls, BC, Canada

Osoyoos: Neighbourhood Small Grants Info Session
2025-03-25 19:00 - 19:45 (America/Vancouver) | Osoyoos Library, 8505 68th Ave, Osoyoos, BC, Canada

Oliver: Neighbourhood Small Grants Info Session
2025-03-29 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver) | Oliver Library, 1400-5955 Main Street, Oliver, BC, V0H 1T0, Canada

100 Women - April 2025- Dream Cafe
2025-04-30 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Vancouver) | Dream Cafe, 67 Front St, Penticton, BC, V2A 1H2, Canada
We are excited to have you join us at the Dream Cafe on Wednesday, April 30th!
Please RSVP for the event below.
If you and/or guest are unable to join please let us know.
If you need to make your $100 one-time commitment fee and/or your quarterly donations you can do that here.
If you have any questions please email 100women@cfso.net.
Please note member RSVPs are open now and guest spots will open closer to the event date based on capacity.

100 Men Who Care (location to be announced)
2025-05-20 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Toronto) | BC

NPO/Charity Social and Networking
2025-06-05 14:30 - 17:30 (America/Toronto) | The Hub, 260 Martin St, Penticton, BC, Canada
Calling All Fundraisers & Executive Directors!
Are you leading and/or fundraising for a charity or non-profit in the South Okanagan Similkameen?
Join us for an energizing afternoon of connection, collaboration, and community spirit – hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Community Foundation!

Thursday, June 5th
📍 CFSOS’ new office | Optional early drop-in: ⏰2:30pm – 3:30pm
101-246 Martin St, Penticton
Come meet the CFSOS team at our *new office* and enjoy some light refreshments.

📍 The Hub | Main event: ⏰3:30pm – 5:30pm
260 Martin St, Penticton (next door to the CFSOS office)
Let’s come together to celebrate the meaningful work happening across our region.

This is your chance to:
🤝 Meet fellow change-makers
🌱 Share your upcoming events and initiatives
💡 Discover new ways we can support each other
🐾 Connect over our shared passion for people, animals, the environment and more
Enjoy delicious appetizers, learn about the AFP Interior BC Chapter, and meet the friendly faces of both the AFP and CFSOS.
Cost: FREE! But we’d love to know you’re coming– please RSVP below.
✨ Let’s build a stronger, more connected community – together. We can’t wait to see you there!

AFP’s Thrive Mini Conference is also coming up soon on May 30th! click here for more info.

Thrive in 2025: Empowering Fundraisers
📍 UBCO Kelowna | Mini Conference: May 30, 2025
“Thrive in 2025” is a mini conference organized by AFP, designed to grow and strengthen our communities.

Trish & Phil Medical Bursary - Virtual Info Session
2025-06-10 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Toronto) | online event
Interested in becoming a doctor? Join us for a virtual information session where you’ll hear firsthand from a local physician about their journey into medicine—what it took, what they learned, and what they wish they’d known.
You’ll also learn about an incredible opportunity: the Trish and Phil Medical Bursary. This multi-year financial support program can cover up to 50% of your undergraduate tuition and 100% of your medical school tuition for students who plan on returning to practice in the South Okanagan Similkameen region.
Students must register to apply for the bursary, and all registrants will receive a link to the session recording—even if you can’t attend live.
Don’t miss your chance to take the first step toward a future in medicine!
Once registered, a MS teams link to join the virtual session will be sent out by email.

NSG Project Leaders In-Person Gathering
2025-06-10 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Toronto) | 101-246 Martin Street, Penticton
This is a great chance to:

Connect with other local grantees

Swap ideas and inspiration

Learn tips for hosting a safe, welcoming event

Ask questions about your grant or project

Light refreshments will be served, and you’re welcome to bring a friend or co-organizer.

100 Women - June 2025 - Kin & Folk
2025-06-11 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Toronto) | Kin & Folk, 557 Main St, Penticton, BC, V2A 5C6, Canada
We are excited to have you join us at Kin & Folk on Wednesday, June 11th!
Please RSVP for the event below.
If you and/or guest are unable to join please let us know.
If you need to make your $100 one-time commitment fee and/or your quarterly donations you can do that here.
If you have any questions please email 100women@cfso.net.
Please note member RSVPs are open now and guest spots will open closer to the event date based on capacity.

NSG Project Leader Online Meet-up
2025-06-11 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Toronto) | BC

Planned Giving Workshop
2025-06-25 09:30 - 12:30 (America/Toronto) | Okanagan College: Penticton Campus, 583 Duncan Ave. West, Penticton, BC, V2A8E1, Canada
Planned Giving Workshop
📅 Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
🕤 Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Location: Okanagan College Penticton – Community Hall
Join us for a morning workshop designed to help charities explore the potential of planned giving. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your strategy, this session will offer practical tools, fresh perspectives, and professional insights.
What You’ll Learn

What planned giving really means—and why it matters now more than ever
How to build or strengthen your planned giving program, including policies, donor engagement, and stewardship
How endowments can support long-term sustainability and how they fit into your planned giving strategy
Insights from a Professional Advisors Panel on tax benefits, compliance, and working with donors

Who Should Attend?

Executive directors and board members
Donor relations and development staff
Anyone curious about legacy giving and long-term fundraising strategies

A light lunch and refreshments will be offered at the event.

Ntamqen Community Garden Gathering
2025-07-11 09:30 - 13:00, 2025-07-25 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | BC
This event has past.

Ntamqen Community Garden Gathering
2025-08-08 09:30 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | BC
Hello Neighbourhood Small Grant community of friends,
You’re invited to join us at the Ntamqen Community Garden on the homelands of the Lower Similkameen /smelqmix people, for a day of connection, community care, and a little post-gardening river magic. 🌞
Join one or both dates in August – see poster attached.
This is a relaxed invitation to get your hands a little dirty (or just cheer others on), share food, meet others, and celebrate the kind of connections that grow beyond the garden beds. We’ll wrap up the morning with lunch, and for those who can stick around, we’ll bob on the river together – bring your floatie. 😎
What to bring (if you can):

A sun hat, water bottle, and sunscreen

Gardening gloves, there will also be gloves available

Something to share for lunch (no stress if that’s not possible!)

Beach stuff

A friend or two – the more the merrier!

This garden is a very special place – a gathering place rooted in right relationships, neighbourly connections, and delicious veggies. Everyone is warmly welcome.
Please let me know if you’re coming (or just show up – we’ll be happy to see you either way).
Invitation Ntamqen & River Days

Ntamqen Community Garden Gathering
2025-08-22 09:30 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | BC
Nello Neighbourhood Small Grant community of friends,
You’re invited to join us at the Ntamqen Community Garden on the homelands of the Lower Similkameen /smelqmix people, for a day of connection, community care, and a little post-gardening river magic. 🌞
Join one or both dates in August – see poster attached.
This is a relaxed invitation to get your hands a little dirty (or just cheer others on), share food, meet others, and celebrate the kind of connections that grow beyond the garden beds. We’ll wrap up the morning with lunch, and for those who can stick around, we’ll bob on the river together – bring your floatie. 😎
What to bring (if you can):

A sun hat, water bottle, and sunscreen

Gardening gloves, there will also be gloves available

Something to share for lunch (no stress if that’s not possible!)

Beach stuff

A friend or two – the more the merrier!

This garden is a very special place – a gathering place rooted in right relationships, neighbourly connections, and delicious veggies. Everyone is warmly welcome.
Please let me know if you’re coming (or just show up – we’ll be happy to see you either way).
Email: kimenglish@cfso.net
Invitation Ntamqen & River Days

100 Women Who Care - Sept 2025 - The Standard
2025-09-10 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Toronto) | The Standard, 124 Estabrook Avenue, Penticton, BC, V2A 1G3, Canada
We’re excited to welcome you back for our fall 100 Women Who Care event – an evening of shared purpose, connection, and collective giving.
Date: Wednesday, September 10
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Venue: The Standard, Penticton
(A vibrant co-working and event space in the heart of downtown)
We’ll be serving light bites to keep the energy flowing, and drinks will be available for purchase.
🎯 This quarter’s theme: Community Connection
We’re focusing on organizations and projects that foster inclusion and combat isolation. It’s a broad theme, open to interpretation, and we encourage you to nominate charities that reflect this spirit – whether through social programs, newcomer support, mental health initiatives, or creative ways of bringing people together.
RSVP now to confirm your spot—we can’t wait to see you again!
If you need to make your $100 one-time commitment fee and/or your quarterly donations you can do that here.
If you have any questions please email 100women@cfso.net.
Please note member RSVPs are open now and guest spots will open closer to the event date based on capacity.

100 Men @ Abandoned Rail Brewing
2025-09-16 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Toronto) | Abandoned Rail Brewing, 1220 Davenport Avenue, Penticton, BC, V2A 8V1
100 Men Who Care is a great group of guys who’ve donated over $200,000 to support good causes in our communities! Join us at “The Brewery On The Bench” for our next meeting.
Visit the 100 Men webpage to learn more.

Workshop: Built by Neighbours: ABCD & NSG in Action
2025-10-16 - 2025-10-17 | BC
October 16 & 17, 2025 | Penticton, BC
You’re invited to a powerful two-day Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) workshop designed to grow stronger, more connected neighbourhoods – together.
This gathering will bring together local leaders, curious neighbours, grassroots organizers, nonprofit partners, and municipal champions from across the South Okanagan and Similkameen. Through story, tools, and practice, we’ll explore how to activate the strengths that already exist in our communities.
This workshop also lays the foundation for something new:The Neighbourhood Sustainability Stream (NSS) – a fresh addition to the Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program launching in 2026. NSS will support climate resilience, local stewardship, and long-term community wellbeing. Join us to help shape this vision.
What you can expect:

Practical tools to grow what’s already strong
Inspiring local stories and guest facilitators
Meaningful time to connect, reflect, and co-create
Your voice helping shape the future of NSG
Nourishing lunches and good company

Limited spots available:

Registration required.
Valued at $400 per participant, with a sliding scale:
$300 for municipal staff • $200 for nonprofits • Free for NSG leaders and partners.
Participants must commit to both days to receive the subsidized rate.

Want to join us or learn more?Contact Kim English at kimenglish@cfso.net

Vital Signs Launch @ Farmer's Market
2025-10-25 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | Penticton Farmer’s Market
The Community Foundation team will be onsite at the last Farmer’s Market of the year to launch the 2025 Vital Signs report. Fittingly, this report is focused on food insecurity with a deep dive into some of the systemic issues facing a region like ours, which has a seemingly abundant supply of food resources.

Screening of Tea Creek & Vital Conversation: Food Security
2025-11-07 19:00 - 21:30 (America/Toronto) | Tempest Theatre, 125 Eckhardt Ave East, Penticton, BC, V2A 1Z5, Canada
Co-presented with Tempest Theatre
Join us for a screening of this acclaimed film, followed by a Vital Conversation about food security in the South Okanagan Similkameen.
About the film: Indigenous Food Sovereignty Activist Jacob Beaton has transformed his family farm into Tea Creek, an Indigenous Food Sovereignty training centre with a mission to revive the abundance that once defined Turtle Island. Following Tea Creek through the growing season, the film explores the rich history of Indigenous agriculture, the ongoing impacts of colonization and intimately portrays a passionate leader whose vision for change is creating space for healing and abundance.
