Vernon City Council at the regular meeting Monday, June 8 (Image Credit: Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

Discretionary, Community & Sustainability Grants

Local non-profits gaining boost from local grants

Jun 10, 2026 | 11:43 AM

The City of Vernon has committed thousands of dollars to support local groups.

The City will be distributing money through three funding streams to support local non-profits, and other groups to support their initiatives.

Council Discretionary Grants

Association of Nigerians and Africans in Okanagan – $1,500 for the 2nd Annual Black History Month initiative in Vernon

Autism Okanagan Association – $2,500 for the regular program funding for Vernon youth and adult programs

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Caetani Cultural Centre Society – $2,500 for the Caetani Summer Solstice Music Festival and Market

Kalamalka Highlanders Pipe Band Society – $1,000 for replacement of worn-out equipment

Local Losers Underground Ltd – $500 for the Lillyfest Music and Skateboarding Festival 2026

NexusBC Community Resource Centre Society – $10,000 for support of regular programming

North Okanagan Cycling Society – $5,000 for the Vernon Hill trail construction

North Okanagan Hospice Society – $1,500 for the Butterfly Release event

North Okanagan Valley Orchestra Society – $500 for the purchase of new music and music stand banners

North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society – $4,000 for the supported services room upgrade

Okanagan Quality of Life Society – $2,600 for the purchase of lifejackets and first aid training

Okanagan Screen Arts Society – $2,500 for accessibility improvements at the Vernon Towne Theatre

Sky Volleyball Club – $3,400 to purchase a dehumidifier

Take a Hike youth Mental Health Foundation – $2,500 for the land-based learning for Take a Hike Vernon Program

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association – $2,000 for the materials for a Downtown Vernon threshold ramp accessibility project

Vernon Lawn Bowling Club – $2,000 for the eavestrough upgrade

Vernon Paddling Centre Society – $2,000 for the adaptive paddling program wheelchair-accessible washroom / porta potty

Vernon Pride Society – $500 for the purchase of a First Aid Kit and PA system

Vernon Upper Room Mission Society – $3,500 (of for the purchase of washer and dryer equipment

Community Event Partnership Grants

Arts Council of the North Okanagan – $948.71 for the Sundog Festival of Arts and Culture

Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon and District Branch – $1,875 for the first Mind of Music Mental Health Festival

Funtastic Sports Society – $3,800 for the 2026 Funtastic Slo Pitch and Music Festival

Greater Vernon Minor Hockey Association – $3,800 for the Annual Tournament Series

NexusBC Community Resource Centre Society – $190.40 for the 2026 Vernon Volunteer Fair

North Okanagan Cricket Club – $3,823.47 for the North Okanagan T20 League

Skate Canada BC/Yukon Branch – $12,500 for 2026 ISU International Adult Competition

Terry Fox Foundation – $278.78 for the 2026 Terry Fox Run

Vernon Farmers Market – $4,183.22 for the 2026 Outdoor Markets

Vernon Paddling Society – $254.82 for the Vernon Freshwater Challenge

Vernon Pride Society – $567.54 for 2026 Pride Week

Vernon Ski Club – $1,954.15 for the 2026 Ski Swap

Vernon Winter Carnival Society – $3,324.88 for 2027 Vernon Winter Carnival events

Sustainability Grants

Vernon Sanji Saheliya Cultural Society – $2,000 to purchase and distribute sustainable products and supplies for their performing arts/cultural event

Tesla Carlston (on behalf of Mountainview Place Strata) – $2,000, to build raised beds in a community garden

Ribbons of Green Trails Society – $2,000 to purchase and install bike racks at Seaton Secondary School

Good Food Box – $2,000 to transition to using compostable bags during food distribution rather than plastic bags

The grant allocations were approved during the regular council meeting Monday, June 8.

—

by Liam Verster

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