Introduction
Why we invest
We aim to foster the development of a strong and resilient community.
We strive to cultivate a vibrant and resilient community. One of the ways we achieve this is by investing in the nonprofit sector that supports sports, events, arts, culture, heritage, and social initiatives for the residents of Kelowna.
We contribute to non-profit organizations through various means, including annual project and operating grants, lease and operating agreements, service agreements, policy development, permissive tax exemptions, community partnerships, and ongoing educational opportunities on important topics relevant to the sector.
Our investments in non-profit organizations helps to:
• Promote active and healthy lifestyles
• Strengthen neighbourhoods
• Cultivate life-long engagement in sports
• Enrich cultural vitality
• Facilitate event development
• Enhance social sustainability
• Support the effective management and operation of sport, recreation and cultural facilities
“We have seen an incredible revival of our non-profit organizations given how much the past years have changed, not only in respects to the aftermath of the global pandemic but also locally with the change in the landscape of our city. With our growing city comes new opportunities but also new challenges. Our local nonprofits continue to be innovative in their approach to finding solutions and serving our community. We are more aware than ever of the critical role non-profits play in our society. We are proud of the Kelowna we are building together.”
– Jim Gabriel, Divisional Director, Active Living & Culture, City of Kelowna
What investment helps us achieve
Nearly 4,000 residents contributed to the creation of Imagine Kelowna, a vision for our community by 2040. Strategic investments in non-profit organizations are essential in bringing that vision to life. By implementing various sector-specific plans, strategies, and policies, we are united in our pursuit of a shared goal.
New plans and strategies providing direction for the future
Building a Stronger Kelowna
Kelowna is rapidly growing, creating a need for enhanced recreation and leisure facilities that promote community well-being. The City of Kelowna is addressing this through key projects, including the redevelopment of Parkinson Recreation Centre (PRC), construction of new activity centers in Mission and Glenmore, and optimization of sports fields in Rutland. These initiatives, supported by $25.1 million in grants, will add 273 childcare spaces, and create inclusive, sustainable spaces for all ages. The PRC redevelopment, guided by Integrated Project Delivery, emphasizes collaboration and sustainability, aiming for net-zero carbon facilities. Partnerships with institutions like Okanagan Regional Library, non-profit childcare providers, UBCO, Interior Health and Okanagan College are being explored to enhance community connections. The City is committed to maintaining stable property tax rates while investing in these essential community spaces, which are vital for fostering physical, cultural, and social activities that enhance overall well-being.
Read more at kelowna.ca/strongerkelowna.
Homelessness Strategy
Since 2018, Kelowna has undergone significant changes, with the challenges of homelessness escalating due to the toxic drug supply crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the unaffordability of housing. An increasing number of individuals are experiencing homelessness for the first time, and there has been a rapid rise in the number of people living outdoors.
In response, City Council approved expanding the City’s Social Development department in the 2024 budget to increase capacity for mobilizing solutions to complex social issues, including homelessness. While housing and homelessness are at the forefront, the City also recognizes the broader aspects of social development, such as social inclusion, accessibility, poverty reduction, childcare, and planning for youth and seniors.
Read more at kelowna.ca/socialdevelopment.
Emergency Transit Assistance Program
Since 2001, the City has partnered with United Way BC (UWBC) to provide transportation assistance for lowincome individuals and families in Kelowna through the Emergency Transportation Assistance Program (ETAP). Through ETAP, transit tickets are distributed to local community organizations, supporting individuals in need with access to public transportation for essential services, including employment, education, healthcare, childcare, food security and shelter. Currently 10,200 adult single-ride tickets are distributed each year. However, with Kelowna’s population rising 38% since 2012 and escalating costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, housing crisis, and inflation, demand for ETAP assistance has surged.
In response, the City has expanded the program to better meet these growing needs. In 2024, the annual ticket allocation increased to 22,200 single-ride tickets, alongside 100 additional 30-day passes per month to support individuals and families requiring frequent travel.
A 7.5% program management fee has also been added to sustain UWBC’s ongoing delivery of the program. These enhancements aim to meet a larger share of community needs, promote regular transit usage, and strengthen UWBC’s ability to manage and adapt ETAP effectively.
Read more at uwbc.ca/program/transit-assistanceprogram.
Community Ticketing Box Office
TheBoxOffice.ca is a platform designed to support event promotion and ticket sales across the Okanagan, offering strategic marketing and local insights. Launched in 2024 as an expansion of the KCT Box Office program which went live in 2022, its goal is to revolutionize the event ticket landscape by providing reliable, user-friendly, and comprehensive ticketing solutions for all types of events. The platform’s next steps include launching a new website, enhancing user experience, and expanding its presence in the events sector.
Learn more at theboxoffice.ca.
Kelowna Food Innovation Project
The Kelowna Food Innovation Project (KFIP) is a collaborative effort led by the City of Kelowna and United Way BC funded by a Poverty Reduction Planning & Action Grant from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM). The project unites local partners to address food insecurity and establish sustainable food systems within the community. The project focuses on strengthening food security through local collaboration, developing a comprehensive food resource map, and implementing three cornerstone projects:
Food Literacy Network
This initiative involves creating a Central Okanagan Food Literacy Network, where community members can participate in foodrelated activities such as food literacy programs.
Low-Income Grocery Store
Indigenous Garden
This store aims to support the “missing middle”—those who struggle to afford groceries but wish to pay for their food—by offering subsidized prices, smaller portion sizes, and ready-to-eat meals.
An Indigenous community garden will be developed, emphasizing cultural values and practices and guided by knowledge keepers and Elders.
KFIP’s mission is to enhance food accessibility, reduce food waste, and improve food literacy within the community. This project values collective governance and centers the voices of people with lived and living experience of poverty (PWLLE), creating a foundation for meaningful, inclusive change in Kelowna’s food system.
Public Art Plan
The City of Kelowna is developing a Public Art Plan to guide public art initiatives, set priorities, and ensure high standards from commissioning to conservation.
The plan will:
• Articulate the ambitions and principles for public art
• Identify public art priorities
• Set parameters
• Establish a Public Art Policy
• Create an implementation and action plan
Phases 1 and 2 of community engagement have taken place through focus groups with local artists, cultural organizations, and tourism and business representatives, ensuring diverse perspectives, including Indigenous voices, are considered.
These engagements will shape a Public Art Plan that integrates public art into Kelowna’s evolving cultural identity and supports community collaboration and artistic growth.
Engagement for the Public Art Plan was initiated through Parks Master Plan survey and will continue throughout 2025.
A draft Public Art Plan is now completed and is currently being reviewed internally ahead of re-engaging external collaborator focus groups, and ultimately to council for adoption in early 2025.
Read more at kelowna.ca/publicart.
Sport and event Application based grant programs
Community Sport Delivery Program
The Community Sport Delivery Program is intended to support the staffing needs of local sports organizations (e.g. head coach or administrator) and assist in the delivery of local sports participation and performance initiatives. This program grant funds paid positions, to help provide a wide range of programs and services for athletes, coaches and volunteers, that align with the Canadian Sport for Life model, from grassroots to competitive levels.
Allocation
Sport Education Program
The Sport Education Program is designed to provide financial assistance to local coaches or officials interested in upgrading their training and/or certifications beyond introductory levels. The program grant can also be used for local sport organizations to host advanced sport development courses/ seminars for local coaches and officials.
Annual Allocation $5,000
*2023-2024 distribution details are listed under the Athletic Excellence Program.
Athletic Excellence Program
The Athletic Excellence Program provides financial assistance to high-performance athletes or teams for travelrelated expenses associated with participating in high-level sporting events such as national or world championships.
Annual Allocation
$16,000
2023-2024 Individual Grants
2023-2024 Team Grants
“I was so excited to be a part of the U19 AA team this year and proud to represent BC at the Canadian Ringette Championships in Dieppe, NB. Thank you for helping me with travel expenses so I could fly across the country to participate in this event. It was an amazing experience, and I made new friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for the support and we look forward to next season!”
– Michelle Koebel, Kelowna Ringette Athlete
Event Hosting Program
The Event Hosting Program recognizes and supports events that reflect Kelowna’s principles and values, and enrich the community. Support from this program boosts an event’s health and sustainability, so it can remain an integral part of our vibrant community. The Event Hosting Program is application-based and consists of three categories (events, tournaments, and 55+). Each category has its own set of objectives and criteria.
Event Hosting Grants
2023-2024 Tournament Hosting Grants
UBC Okanagan CanWest XC Championships
Kelowna Badminton Club Provincial Championships (Masters)
Kelowna Minor Hockey Provincial Championships (U15 Tier 2)
Kelowna Curling Club Pan Continental Championships
$3,000
$4,000
$2,000
$5,000
Central Okanagan Minor Baseball Provincial Championships $4,000
BC School Sports Provincial Championships (Basketball/Curling)
Kelowna Adult Softball Association Provincial & National Championships
BC Ball Hockey Provincial Championships $2,000
Kelowna Raiders Lacrosse Provincial Championships $2,000
Major Events Program
The Major Events Program fosters event development and helps to attract new large-scale participant-based or spectator events to Kelowna, by assisting with things such as identification, bid/hosting fees, creation of bid packages and leverage to obtain additional funding.
Annual Allocation $90,000 2023-2024 Major Events
The Raiders and their Management team would like to thank the City of Kelowna for their initiative and providing the team with an Event Hosting grant to continue to help promote the sport of Lacrosse in our City! Feedback from all Teams and Officials pointed out that this was the best Senior tournament that they had attended in years!”
– Jules Morris, General Manager, Kelowna Raiders
Community social development
The Community Social Development Grant makes funding available to organizations offering social services or programs, with the goal of generating, promoting or accelerating socially beneficial services or programs in Kelowna. Grants are available to registered non-profit, Kelowna-based organizations that make an impact on the social well-being and resiliency of the community.
Annual Allocation
$196,100
2023 Operational Funding Support
BrainTrust Canada Association
Bridges to New Life
Central Okanagan Food Bank
Childhood Connections
Community Recreational Initiatives Society
Elevation Outdoors
Freedom’s Door
Hands in Service
Helping Out People Exploited (HOPE) Outreach
John Howard Society of the Okanagan & Kootenay
Karis Support Society
KCR Community Resources
Kelowna & Area Cycling Coalition
OCCA Communities Association
Okanagan Fruit Tree Project
Project Literacy
SHARE Society
2024 Operational Funding Support
Autism Okanagan
Bridges to New Life
Central Okanagan Food Bank
Childhood Connections
Community Recreational Initiatives Society
Elevation Outdoors
Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society
Freedom’s Door
Hands in Service
Karis Support Society
Kelowna Women’s Shelter
Niteo Africa Society
OCCA Communities Association
Okanagan Fruit Tree Project
Senior’s Outreach Society
Kelowna & District SHARE Society
Third Space Life Charity
2024
Projects
Central Okanagan Food Bank
Project funding to support a Cultural Needs Program which addresses the unique needs of newcomers and refugees in the community. Grant funding to be used toward translation software, specialized workstations, provision of culturally specific foods and the hiring of a Cultural Connections Navigator.
Metis Community Services
Project funding to support the Mashkwa Healing Grounds which will serve Metis and urban Indigenous residents through traditional medicine, healing, land teachings and community resources.
Arts and culture
There are four categories of arts and culture grants available on an annual basis. The purpose of these grants is to enrich the arts, culture and heritage experiences for Kelowna residents.
Core Operating
Core Operating Grants provide consistent and reliable annual support to established, professional non-profit arts and cultural organizations that provide impactful, quality programs and services, demonstrate sustainable operations, and contribute to the realization of our cultural vision, principals, and goals as outlined in the 2020-2025 Cultural Plan. Funding assists these organizations with operational sustainability and enables them to develop and deliver their programs and services to the community.
Annual Allocation $180,200
2023/2024 Core Operating Grant Recipients
Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art Ballet Kelowa
New Vintage Theatre
Okanagan Symphony Orchestra Society Opera Kelowna Society
General Operating
General Operating Grants are available to arts, culture and heritage organizations that carry out most of their work in Kelowna. These grants support the ongoing operations of already-established organizations, and cannot be used for start-ups, events, or capital projects. These grants acknowledge the importance of the work these organizations do, and their positive contributions to Kelowna’s quality of life, identity, and economy. Grants are provided to recipients who demonstrate vision, accountability, and a spirit of community service in their operations.
Annual Allocation
$109,300
2023/2024 General Operating Recipients
Arts Council of the Central Okanagan
Central Okanagan
Heritage Society
Central Okanagan
Performing Arts Festival
Centre Culturel Francophone de l’Okanagan
Chamber Music Kelowna
Creative Okanagan
Artist & Event
Development Society
Cool Arts Society
Dolyna Ukrainian Society Inner Fish Theatre Society
Inspired Word Cafe
Kelowna City Concert Band
Okanagan Historical Society
Okanagan Society of Independent Filmmakers
Okanagan Festival Singers
Ponderosa Fibre Arts Guild
Project Program
This program supports non-profit organizations that put-on festivals, events, or special projects that are open to the public, highlight the arts, culture, or heritage, and align with the City’s cultural vision, principles, and goals.
Annual Allocation
$55,000
2023 Project Grants
Cool Arts Society – 20th Anniversary Celebration, Exhibition & Book
A 20th anniversary celebration including an exhibition and a book providing a history of Cool Arts, the current exhibition pieces and a biography of each of the current artists.
Kelowna Pipe Band Society – 100th Anniversary Spring Fling
An annual Spring Fling Competition to celebrate the Pipe Band’s Centennial Anniversary. Up to 10 bands from across the BC Interior, engaged in a piping and drumming competition.
Global Citizen Events – Sustainable Development Challenge
An opportunity for youth of all ages, from elementary to high school, to learn and create an art project showcasing one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Kelowna Bhangra Academy Club – Annual Cultural Event
An event focused on the traditional folk dance of bhangra, showcasing local talent, food and music.
Kelowna Bonsai Club – 40th Anniversary Celebration
A celebration of 40 years of history in Kelowna, featuring bonsai trees, Japanese musicians and performers.
Kelowna & District S.H.A.R.E Society – Colouring Connections/Share Fest
A festival in partnership with Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society involving the painting of a mural celebrating the community and providing an opportunity for education and connection.
Kelowna Japanese Language Society – Japanese Language & Calligraphy Classes
Hosting of weekly Japanese language and calligraphy classes.
Kelowna Taiwanese Cultural Society – Film Festival & Cultural Festival
A festival to showcase and celebrate Taiwanese culture and to foster an appreciation of diversity within the community.
Livessence Society for Figurative Artists & Models –Figurative Drawing Workshops
Hosting of weekly sessions and workshops in the practice of figurative drawing.
New Vintage Theatre Society – Best of Black Cat - 10 Minute Playbook
A playbook showcasing the last 10 years of winning plays from the Black Cat Theatre Festival. Accompanying this is a digital e-book and audiobook.
Okanagan Artists Alterative Association – Okanagan Arts & Culture Marketing Strategy (OACMS)
A creation of a collaborative marketing strategy including brand development, design, and paid advertisement.
Orchard Valley Quilters Guild – Quilting Workshops
A series of quilting workshops exploring various techniques offered to members of our community.
Rhizome Eco-Social Education Society – Riparian ReAnimation
A multi-generational, community-based art project involving the creation of large-scale puppets inspired by the creatures of Kelowna’s Brandt’s Creek riparian habitat.
Theatre Kelowna Society – Kinsmen Okanagan Zone
Theatre Festival
A theatre festival which presents seven or eight community theatre presenters from the Okanagan Valley.
2024 Project Grants
Aesthetiks Lab Society – Fashion WEEKend
An event celebrating fashion as an art form by showcasing local and provincial fashion designers of all ages.
Creators Arts Studio – Kelowna Dance Teacher Training
A structured, multi-disciplinary dance teacher training program that services the dance sector as a whole.
Federation of Canadian Artists – Okanagan Branch Art Exhibition
A juried art exhibit featuring local artists and art exhibitions focused on youth artists and artists with diverse abilities.
Global Citizen Events – Sustainable Development Challenge
Youth of all ages, from elementary to age 25, learn and create an art project showcasing one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Inspired Word Cafe – New Leaves Festival
An event focused on the concept of “turning a new leaf” in the arts by showcasing local talent, comedy and music.
Community Art
The Community Art Program is a component of the City of Kelowna’s Public Art Program and supports projects that engage practicing artists with residents in a collaborative, collective, creative process which results in a temporary work of art. It is as much about process as it is about the artistic product or outcome. It is a way for the community to engage in with arts in a meaningful and interactive way.
Annual Allocation
$15,000
Funded Projects 2023
Weaving the Wool Future – Larissa Beringer
A large rya tapestry using raw wool sourced from small grazing orchards that actively implemented regenerative farming practices. The collective weaving took place in a public space on a custom built, upright, warp-weighted loom constructed from wood sourced from a local mill.
Our Okanagan – Sarah Rambold
A large-scale collaborative mural created from one of Sarah’s photographs, showcasing an iconic Kelowna landscape. The photograph was originally featured in the Kelowna Art Book, which highlights the work of several local artists. This installation celebrates the city’s beauty and its vibrant artistic community.
Kelowna Japanese Language Society – Japanese Language & Calligraphy Classes
Hosting of weekly Japanese language and calligraphy classes.
Kelowna Taiwanese Cultural Society – Film Festival & Cultural Festival
A festival to showcase and celebrate Taiwanese culture and to foster an appreciation of diversity within the community.
Niteo Africa – Stories from Around the World
A series of events celebrating multiculturalism through sharing cultural folktales and storytelling.
Orchard Valley Quilters Guild – Workshops & Exhibitions
A series of quilting workshops and exhibitions exploring various techniques offered to members of our community.
Upstage Kelowna Show Choir Society – Show Choir Concert
A choir production enhanced with a variety of performance styles, visual effects and musical genres.
Electric Light – Jordan Doody
A community art project that illuminates the dynamic intersection between historical and contemporary public art in Kelowna. The project uses projected light to activate one of Kelowna’s most iconic landmarks, brightens the night and showcases a visual experience celebrating the beauty of water in all its elemental forms.
Funded Projects 2024
In-Tension – Jackie McLaughlin
This interactive installation showcased a large, abstract metal cornucopia overflowing with a floral sculpture that cascaded onto the ground. The piece encouraged passersby to take a flower. As the days passed and the display diminished, viewers began to reflect on the consequences of taking without consideration.
PSOUNDS – Jessie Rivest
An immersive public art exhibition that transforms everyday spaces into “points of sound” through QR codes. Participants listen, upload recordings, and engage with evolving soundscapes of stories, music, and nature.
People of Kelowna – Shoaib Shabir
Photography that aims to capture the diversity and uniqueness of our community, featuring people of all ages, races, genders, and backgrounds, fostering empathy, understanding, and connection among residents.
Heritage grants
The Heritage Grants Program promotes the conservation of residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and agricultural heritage buildings by providing building owners with grants covering a portion of their costs for conservation work (up to 50 per cent). The intent is to recognize the value of Kelowna’s built heritage. All work funded by the program must meet the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada. Heritage-designated buildings are eligible for a maximum of $12,500 per three-year period, and buildings listed on the City of Kelowna’s Heritage Register are eligible for a maximum of $7,500 per three-year period.
Annual Allocation
$35,000
Harding House
(pictured at top)
Built in 1929, the Harding House (1807 Marshall Street) is a one-and-one-half-storey wood-frame, stucco-clad cottage style residence incorporating picturesque qualities and period revival references.
The house, located in the Marshall Street Heritage Conservation Area, received a heritage grant last year for the prep and painting of the exterior of the house, using the Benjamin Moore Historical True Colours for Western Canada palette.
Heritage Building Project
2023
First United Church - Designated, 721 Bernard Avenue
W.D. Walker House - Designated, 4464 Lakeshore Road
Cadder House - Designated, 2124 Pandosy Street
Annie Stirling House, 2178 Pandosy Street
McCulloch House, 1939 Abbott Street
2319 Pandosy Street
Harvey House - Designated, 715 Sutherland Avenue
Surtees Barn - Designated, 4629 Lakeshore Road
Thompson House - Designated, 3940 Miller Road
2024
Surtees House, 4629 Lakeshore Road
Pettigrew House - Designated, 732 DeHart Avenue
George Meikle House, 757 Lawrence Avenue
Harvey House - Designated, 715 Sutherland Avenue
McDougall House - Designated, 1060 Cameron Avenue
Roof repair of the very large roof on the church.
New fiberglass shingle roof with continuous ridge venting.
Repair/replacement of the back staircase (incl. landings) to bring up to code and prep & paint using True Colour Palette.
The prep and paint of the exterior wood elements using Historical Paint Colours for Western Canada.
The prep and paint of the exterior using Historical Paint Colours for Western Canada.
New 5” eavestroughs with a heritage style profile and downspouts.
Conservation of some areas of the brick facade, repair of roof and flashings and new paint on the back dormers
Conservation work (repair, prep and paint) on the 22 wood windows (including frames and sashes).
Conservation of five of the lead-glass windows-including the restoration of one of the windows
Prep and painting of the exterior of the house using Historical Paint Colours for Western Canada
New eavestroughs in 5” Continuous Eavestroughs (seamless) that are a ‘heritage style’ profile.
Prep and paint of the window sashes using a dark colour from the True Colour-Historical Paint Colours for Western Canada.
Conservation work on the west side of the house including repair of the soffits and the flat roof base for the sunroom.
Restoration of six single-hung windows and the painting of the sashes, window, door trims and fascias on the building.
With the help of the City of Kelowna Heritage Grant Program in 2023, we were able to re-roof the W.D. Walker House with upgraded, stronger, more weather resistant materials. This provides superior protection, enhanced ventilation, and helps to preserve this beautiful heritage building for future generations.
Organization development
Adaptability & Sustainability
This one-time grant program provided participating organizations an opportunity to assess current levels of adaptability, learn a framework to explore and identify actions to foster adaptability and to re-assess the impact of those actions. Funds were distributed for use towards the implementation of an action plan.
Allocation
$50,000
Adaptability & Sustainability Grants
Organization Name
Creative Okanagan
Dolyna Ukrainian Cultural Society
Kelowna Japanese Language Society
Kelowna-Kasugai Sister City Association
Kelowna Ringette Association
Kelowna Ultimate Players Society
Livessence Society for Figurative Artists & Models
Okanagan Society of Independent Filmmakers
Okanagan Symphony Society
The Lantern Folk Roots Music Society
Organization Development Grant Program
The Organization Development Grant program assists non-profit sports, events, social service and cultural organizations with projects that develop organizational capacity and sustainability.
Outcomes of an organization development project include: increasing the ability to adapt to change, building organizational strength and resilience, enhancing the capacity of the organization to develop a broader and more sustainable funding model and being more strategic in the delivery of impactful programs and services in the community
Organization Development grants can be used to help cover consulting fees or training costs to a maximum of $5,000.
Annual Allocation
$30,000 Organization
Advocacy Canada
Kelowna - Kasugai Sister City Association
Kelowna Kiwanis Festival
Kelowna Metis Association
Kelowna Outrigger Racing Canoe Club Association
Kelowna Visual Performing Arts Centre Society (RCA)
Okanagan Society of Independent Filmmakers
Okanagan Symphony Society
Launch Financial Education Society
Seniors Outreach & Resource Centre
Inspired City Summit
Central Okanagan Hospice Association
Centre Culturel Francophone de l’Okanagan
Childhood Connections - Okanagan & Family Society
Impact Toolbox
Inner Fish Theatre Society
Kelowna Art Gallery Association
Kelowna Family Service Centre Society
Kelowna Museums Society
Pandosy Neighbourhood Association
Pickleball Kelowna
Third Space Life Charity
In its third year, the City’s capacity-building conference provides a valuable opportunity for non-profit organizations across the Okanagan to connect, learn, and explore the latest best practices in the non-profit sector.
Attributed to outstanding participant feedback and exceptional growth from year one to year two, the conference will continue annually as part of the City of Kelowna’s new Inspired City Summit series. This full-day event features an inspiring keynote speaker, ample networking opportunities, and a selection of informative and educational breakout sessions for non-profit organizations.
REBOUND 2023: Following your vision, building your future. || REIMAGINE 2024: Explore, reflect, connect. || EVOLVE 2025: Engaging, collaborative, impactful.
Thanks to our generous sponsors Valley First, Central Okanagan Foundation, Wilson M. Beck Insurance, The Dogooders and The EQ Development Group.
Permissive tax exemptions
Permissive Tax Exemptions (PTE) are available to registered charities and non-profit organizations offering services that fulfill a basic need, or otherwise improve the quality of life for residents of Kelowna. The community benefits from PTEs through the provision of more cost-effective services.
The Rotary Centre for the Arts sees many benefits from the privilege of permissive taxes. Supported by the City as a centre that delivers arts and culture education and experiences, our many services and events are deemed essential and beneficial to the community. The majority of our 12 artist studio tenants are further financially supported by this tax exemption, several of which support art workshops and education for at-youth risk, marginalized families, and physically challenged adults. Permissive taxes also help to attract new tenants to our studios.”
– Colleen Fitzpatrick, Executive Director, Rotary Centre for the Arts
Strong Neighbourhoods
Strong Neighbourhoods fosters connection and engagement at the neighbourhood level. We offer two types of grants that help empower residents to enhance their neighbourhoods and support connections between neighbours: the neighbourhood grant, and the youth development and engagement grant.
Neighbourhood Grants
The Neighbourhood Grant offers up to $1,500 in matching grant funds to support small scale, neighbourhood based, and resident led projects that deepen community.
This program provides assistance to residents at the neighbourhood level for the purpose of:
• Stimulating small-scale, resident-driven projects that enhance neighbourhood and quality of life.
• Inspiring connections and building relationships among neighbours.
• Harnessing local experience and expertise in neighbourhood initiatives.
• Encouraging active participation in improving neighbourhoods.
• Promoting neighbourhood-based solutions to everyday concerns.
The neighbourhood grant aims to achieve the following outcomes:
• Residents will contribute their time and expertise to support neighbourhood-based projects or events.
• Residents will actively engage in enhancing their neighbourhoods, making them even better places to live.
• Residents’ connection to the community will be deepened and strengthened.
Annual Allocation
$15,000
This program is funded by the Central Okanagan Foundation and administered by the City of Kelowna.
Neighbourhood Grants
Book Borrow Box
Tallgrass Park Playbox
Rutland Community Picnic
McIntosh Gardens
Pandosy Art Festival
One Water Community Events
This project installed a “take a book/leave a book” box along a busy street connecting two sections of the Mission Creek Greenway trails. $700
Installation of a locked metal box filled with games and sports equipment to encourage community connectionsand free outdoor activities.
A community event featuring performances, games, and communitybuilding activities, providing an opportunity for residents to connect. $500
A garden revitalization project featuring native plants aimed to welcome residents while fostering a stronger sense of community.
A festival to celebrate local artists and bring neighbours together, featuring art displays and tote-painting to encourage connection and friendship. $500
A festival to celebrate local artists and bring neighbours together, featuring art displays and a tote-painting activity. $1,500
Total Impact $5,950
A festival to bring neighbours together for a day of music, games, food, and birdhouse painting.
Gateway Community Garden & Beautification Project
Terai Place Berm Cleanup and Block Party
Porch Concert & Kids Games Event
Following the removal of cedar trees for fire safety, residents came together to create a garden to beautify space and grow food. $1,500
Neighbours gathered to clean up the berm area along Highway 33, removing debris and overgrowth to enhance safety and aesthetics. $1,000
A porch concert featuring live entertainment, food, and games to foster a fun, interactive, and lively atmosphere encouraging neighbours to connect.
A community event to celebrate the fall season and neighbourhood unity with games, a dance party, food, crafts, and activities for all ages, cultivating connections and strengthening community spirit.
A series of creative workshops, including soap making, basket weaving, and bracelet design, culminating in an Art Gala to strengthen the neighborhood, build connections, and showcase talents. $1,500
One Summer Night
Beach Party
Amberhill Block Party & Planting
Ledge Rock Court AED Save Station
Dilworth Green Improvement Project
A community event featuring wood-fired pizza, live music, where neighbours mingle, children play, and new friendships form.
An event to strengthen neighbourhood bonds by inviting residents to contribute to a potluck and enjoy entertainment including live music.
A neighbourhood Block Party, to enhance community bonds by beautifying a shared space where residents can connect socially. $700
Residents installed an AED Save Station, with 24/7 access to the device, training sessions for life-saving skills, and a focus on safety and connection. $1,500
A neighbourhood restored greenery and enhanced the front of their complex to improve aesthetics and strengthen community pride. $1,500 Lost Recipes
A cooking event to bring neighbours together to share family recipes, and celebrate culinary traditions while fostering community connection, cultural exchange, and supporting newcomers to Canada. $1,500
Total Impact $13,400
Youth Development & Engagement Grants
The Youth Development & Engagement Grant is a matching grant of up to $1,000 designed to empower youth (aged 1324) to participate in civic engagement, receive mentorship and shape their neighbourhoods by leading neighbourhood enhancement projects or events.
In working with other youth, this grant will provide the opportunity for youth to build neighbourhood relationships, gain a greater sense of neighbourhood pride, develop leadership skills, and have fun!
Annual Allocation $5,000
Neighbourhood Association Affiliation Pilot Program
The City of Kelowna values neighbourhood associations that actively foster resident connection and engagement through neighbourhood programs, events and services that benefit and increase the quality of life of Kelowna’s residents. The Neighbourhood Association Affiliation Pilot Program (NAAPP) is a two-year (2024-2026) pilot program that aims to create a formal relationship between the City of Kelowna and eligible associations who are committed to building strong neighbourhoods in partnership with the City.
Currently, five neighbourhood associations are participating in the program, with a second intake taking place at the end of 2024.
“Our neighborhood event was a huge success, uniting a diverse crowd in a spirit of joy and camaraderie as they ventured outside their homes to connect and celebrate together. This achievement was made possible through the combined dedication of community organizations and the active involvement of youth, who played a pivotal role in turning our vision into reality. By fostering new connections and inspiring future collaborations, this project has laid a foundation for ongoing enrichment and vitality within our neighborhood.”
– Anu Januhen, National Indigenous Peoples Day Project Lead
Other support to the non-profit sector
Sister City Program
Sister City relationships between communities foster a range of cultural, educational, recreational and economic benefits and opportunities. The Sister City model is based on a community-to-community relationship built on the principles of similarity, reciprocity, community driven, strategic benefit, exclusivity, proximity and stability.
Kelowna has enjoyed a Sister City relationship with Kasugai, Japan, since 1981. The local Kelowna-Kasugai Sister City Association promotes and enhances the sister city relationship through community programming, cultural events, and planning of delegations. This relationship has resulted in several collaborative cultural exchanges and business ventures.
Learn more on the Sister Cities webpage at kelowna.ca.
Annual Allocation
$2,500
to the sponsor organization
Lady of the Lake
The Lady of the Lake Society is open to young women of Kelowna, ages 15-18 and focuses on the three foundational pillars; mentorship, empowerment, and leadership. The Society believes in promoting the skill development of young women in our community and strives to provide valuable opportunities. Lady of the Lake helps shape the future ambassadors of Kelowna and provides bursaries for the young women crowned.
Annual Allocation
$13,000
Festivals Kelowna
Festivals Kelowna produces free, family-oriented, artsbased events and programs in parks and public spaces throughout Kelowna. Core events include Celebrate Canada Day, Parks Alive!, Arts on the Avenue, Buskers Program, Pianos in the Parks, and New York New Year’s Eve.
Learn more at festivalskelowna.com.
Annual Allocation
$256,000
Adjusted annually by the BC CPI Annual average for the prior calendar year to a maximum 5%, beginning January 2024.
Our gratitude for our local non-profit organizations runs deep. They address a wide range of community needs, from providing vital services to underserved populations, to promoting cultural enrichment, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Beyond their practical contributions, our non-profits foster a sense of connection and belonging, encouraging residents to work together
We would like to recognize the value and dedication of our non-profit staff and volunteers, whose selfless work helps to strengthen our social fabric and improve quality of life for Kelowna residents. We are humbled and deeply grateful for their generosity and acknowledge the crucial role they play in making Kelowna a wonderful place to live, work and play.
PacificSport Regional Sport Centre - Okanagan
As part of the provincial network of Regional Sport Centers, PacificSport Okanagan is a non-profit society that works collaboratively as a partner in the promotion, education, and program alignment of the national Canadian Sport for Life (CS4L) movement to improve the quality of sport and physical activity in Canada. The Okanagan Regional Sport Centre is based in Kelowna and has developed a variety of sport development programs, services, and events to support increased sport participation and improved sport performance throughout the region. The City’s annual funding contributes to PacificSport’s local sport initiatives and the advancement of Kelowna Community Sport Plan.
Learn more on at pacificsportokanagan.com.
Annual Allocation
$22,000
Kelowna International Children’s Games
In 2011, Kelowna hosted the International Children’s Winter Games. Since then, the local International Children’s Games (ICG) legacy committee has provided opportunities for athletes (12-15 years-old) to represent Kelowna at ICG events around the world, sending over 400 athletes and coaches to 15 different international games. These young athletes have experienced international travel, participated in high-level competitions, and gained exposure to
other cultures. The City’s annual funding supports the Committee’s work, helps participants compete at two games per year and contributes to uniform expenses. All other expenses are covered by participants and subsidized through fundraising events, community sponsorship and local sport organizations.
Annual Allocation
$12,000
Apple Race Series
The Apple Race Series includes two staple, longstanding sporting events in Kelowna including the Apple Triathlon and the Kelowna Marathon.
Since the Apple Triathlon was first hosted in 1983, thousands of residents and visitors have participated and/ or volunteered in what is one of Kelowna’s most successful and high-profile endurance events. The Apple Triathlon has a race for every ability, age, and experience level, serving as the national championships site and hosting numerous world champions and Olympic athletes.
The newly dubbed Apple Marathon, formerly the Okanagan Marathon, was established in 1995 and is known for its iconic scenic views along Okanagan Lake and the surrounding valley, and a flat, fast course certified as a Boston Marathon qualifying race.
Learn more at appleraceseries.com.
Annual Allocation
$50,000
for three years (race director)
Stay up to date and connected with projects and opportunities like the ones in this report by subscribing to our various e-newsletters at kelowna.ca/subscribe.
culture@kelowna.ca
kelowna.ca/culture