Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
Stock photo of a community garden (Image Credit: Image Credit: ID 156677122 © James Andrews | Dreamstime.com)
By Liam Verster
Community Projects

Deadline approaching to apply for Neighbourhood Small Grants

May 6, 2026 | 10:47 AM

Local groups and individuals wishing to launch projects in their communities have just a few days left to shore up some outside funding.

Community Foundation North Okanagan (CFNO) will close the applications for its Neighbourhood Small Grant program Friday, May 15.

The program will deliver grants of up to $500 in support of projects that bring people together, strengthen neighbourhood connections, and make the North Okanagan communities more vibrant, welcoming and resilient.

“We know there are wonderful ideas out there waiting to happen,” Lisa Deargle, Community Coordinator at CFNO, said.

“If you’ve been thinking about hosting a block party, starting a community garden, putting on a workshop, or doing something creative with your neighbours, this is your nudge. The application is short, the support is real, and we’d love to hear from you before May 15.”

Class A, B Fire Restrictions
RDNO to implement fire bans in coordination with BCWS
1h ago
Housing Market
North Okanagan housing prices starting to climb
2h ago
Fire Bans
Category 2 and 3 Fire Bans taking effect Thursday
May 05, 2026

These projects can include block parties or potlucks; community gardens or beautification projects; skill-sharing workshops, repair cafes or storytelling circles; youth-led or intergenerational projects; welcoming initiatives for new neighbours and newcomers.

“Even a small amount of funding can create a real ripple effect,” Deargle added.

“One conversation, one shared meal, one project on a quiet street can change how a whole neighbourhood feels.”

Individuals and volunteer-led groups looking to access some funding for their projects can apply online here.

by Liam Verster
View Comments

Other Matters

Class A, B Fire Restrictions
RDNO to implement fire bans in coordination with BCWS
The Regional District of North Okanagan is aligning with the province in issuing fire bans.Effective noon Thursday, May 7, Class A and Class B open burning would not be permitted within the RDNO boundaries.These restrictions align with those being put in place by the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS).Class A (Category 3) op...
1h ago
Read More
Significant Upgrades
Interior fire dispatch network expands backup safeguards with new 911 system
A major upgrade is underway for fire dispatch systems serving dozens of communities in B.C.'s Interior.Kelowna and Kamloops are implementing a two-phase transition to Next Generation 911 technology, designed to improve system stability and allow both centres to support each other during large-scale emergencies.Phase tw...
1h ago
Read More
Big Goals
Kelowna fundraiser targets emergency department bottlenecks
Kelowna General Hospital's biggest fundraiser of the year is marking a milestone.The KGH Foundation's Day of Giving returns May 13 for its 10th year, with a $2.5-million goal to support upgrades to the hospital's Emergency Department, one of the busiest in British Columbia.Last year, the department saw nearly 102,000 p...
1h ago
Read More
Community Projects
Deadline approaching to apply for Neighbourhood Small Grants
Local groups and individuals wishing to launch projects in their communities have just a few days left to shore up some outside funding.Community Foundation North Okanagan (CFNO) will close the applications for its Neighbourhood Small Grant program Friday, May 15.The program will deliver grants of up to $500 in support...
1h ago
Read More
Housing Market
North Okanagan housing prices starting to climb
Though still mainly in favour of the buyers, the housing prices in the North Okanagan started to climb in April.The Association of Interior Realtors (AoIR) said the benchmark prices for single family homes and for condominiums and apartments were down on an annual basis, except single homes saw prices rise when compare...
2h ago
Read More
Agricultural needs
Seasonal housing in Glenmore gets green light
Kelowna City Council has said yes to a proposal for temporary housing for over a hundred agricultural workers along Glenmore Road North.The proposal for the parcel near John Hindle Drive, above a cherry orchard, includes housing the 105 workers in 15 dormitory trailers.Additional facilities would include four washroom ...
18h ago
Read More
Play Place Upgrades
Raffle fundraiser going to new accessible playground
A local school group is raising money to ensure all kids have a place to play.Hillview Elementary Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is running a 50/50 Raffle to raise money for a new accessible playground at the school.The PAC said Hillview "supports many students with diverse learning and accessibility needs, yet the...
21h ago
Read More
Fire Bans
Category 2 and 3 Fire Bans taking effect Thursday
The season's first fire bans for the Okanagan and surrounding area come into effect this week.The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) will put a ban on Category 2 and 3 open burning within the Kamloops Fire Centre starting at noon Thursday, May 7.The bans for the area that include Vernon, Kelowna and the Okanagan and Shuswap ...
May 05, 2026
Read More
Boil Before Drinking
Boil Water Notice issued for Stepping Stones properties
Select properties in an area off Highway 97 have been advised to boil their water before drinking.Greater Vernon Water and the Regional District of North Okanagan issued a Boil Water Notice (BWN) for properties on Stepping Stones Cres. and for 360 to 380 Stepping Stones Drive Tuesday, May 5."A power outage in the ...
May 05, 2026
Read More

What Matters

Class A, B Fire Restrictions
RDNO to implement fire bans in coordination with BCWS
1h ago
Housing Market
North Okanagan housing prices starting to climb
2h ago
Fire Bans
Category 2 and 3 Fire Bans taking effect Thursday
May 05, 2026
Water Main Repair
Water outage to affect dozens of Coldstream properties
May 05, 2026
Youth Mental Health Services
Foundry fundraiser opens to public, hits $5M milestone
May 05, 2026