Vernon’s discretionary grant applicants ask for $180K

May 21, 2025 | 10:44 AM

Local organizations have applied for over 183 per cent of the city’s discretionary grant budget.

The City of Vernon received 16 applications for the Council Discretionary Grants April intake, totalling $183,461.12.

However, the city only has $100,000 in budget 2025 to distribute through the funding stream.

The requests submitted during the most recent intake were:

B.C. Wildlife Federation: $18,000 to support the launch of the National Archery in the Schools Program at two Vernon schools
DB Foundation for Health Research: $500 to host a one-time Memory Cafe in Vernon in the fall of 2025, with the goal of hosting in September to align with Alzheimer’s Awareness month
Family Resource Centre Society for the North Okanagan: $2,700 for the purchase of nine panic buttons
Hope Air: $15,000 to provide an estimated 40 medical travel arrangements for Vernon patients in financial need
Kalamalka Starfish Society: $15,000 to cover grocery and food costs in support of the program that provides meals to area children
Mackie Lake House Foundation: $5,000 to support the summer tour program
North Okanagan Pipes & Drums: $5,000 to purchase new uniforms
Okanagan Quality of Life Society: $6,300 to purchase new computers, printers and software for the volunteer office administration staff, and to offer First Aid Certification and Recertification courses for the society’s boat captains
Sadok Ukranian Dance Ensemble of Vernon: $1,561 to purchase new costumes
The Salvation Army – Vernon: $75,000 to help fund the purchase of a new walk-in freezer for the food bank
Vernon Montessori Society: $10,000 to purchase class materials and sports equipment, support trips and activities off school grounds, and help fund programs offered at the school
Vernon Community Band (VCB): $400 towards operating expenses for band practices and performances
Vernon Amateur Athletics Association: $5,000 for new high jump mats and adjustable hurdles
Vernon Lawn Bowling Club: $2,000 to replace an aging fridge, with the remainder to be used to replace and/or buy a new faucet and sink for the kitchen
Vernon Paddling Centre Society: $2,000 to cover the rental cost of a wheelchair porta-potty from April 1 to September 30, 2025
Vernon She Shed Society: $20,000 to purchase new equipment and replace the flooring of its new workshop