Donate


We welcome donations of all sizes.

No donation is too small or too large. Every dollar counts. We accept donations by the following means:

  • Online donation: Click on one of the below CFKR endowment fund links to donate to an individual CFKR endowment fund, via the Vancouver Foundation’s secure online donation website, or click here
  • E-transfer: Email to [email protected] (Please include the donor’s full name and contact information in the notes)
  • Cheque: Made out to “CFKR“, Mail to P.O. Box 242, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 4H8 or deliver in-person to our physical office at the Ground Floor Co-Working Space, 131 7th Ave. S., Cranbrook, BC 
  • Cash: Please deliver in-person to our physical office at the Ground Floor Co-Working Space, 131 7th Ave. S., Cranbrook, BC
  • Publicly traded securities: Through our partnership with the Vancouver Foundation, we are able to accept donations of publicly traded securities–for further information, please click here, and contact Lynnette Wray, Executive Director, by phone (250-426-1119) or email ([email protected])
  • Employer-Matching Donation Programs: Please ask your employer if they have a program to match their employees’ charitable donations. This is a quick and easy way to potentially double the value of your donation! For example, CFKR has an active account with Benevity, a service that many companies use for their employer-matching donation programs.

 

CFKR holds 45 permanently invested endowment funds:

  1. Addressing Homelessness Fund:
    • Providing support to people in Cranbrook who are currently experiencing homelessness or are at risk for homelessness
  2. Arts, Culture and Heritage Fund
    • Benefiting community projects and programs in the areas of arts, culture, and heritage, in Cranbrook and the surrounding area, as recommended by the CFKR Granting Committee
  3. BGC Cranbrook
    • Supporting the operations and/or programming of BGC Cranbrook (formerly the Cranbrook Boys and Girls Club)
  4. Casey & Corrine Hanemayer Fund
    • Benefiting community projects and programs in Cranbrook and the surrounding area, as recommended by the endowment fund holder
    • Click this link for more information about the Hanemayers
  5. Casey & Corrine Hanemayer-Health Fund
    • Benefiting health-related community projects and programs in Cranbrook and the surrounding area, as recommended by the endowment fund holder
  6. Children First Fund
    • Benefiting the Children First Program in Cranbrook and the surrounding area, which supports integrated and comprehensive Early Childhood Development service delivery for children 0 to 6 years of age and their families
  7. Columbia Outdoor School/Blue Lake Camp Legacy Fund:
    • Supporting the operations and/or programming of the Columbia Outdoor School/Blue Lake Camp.
  8. Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies Operational Fund
    • Supporting the operations of the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies (CFKR)
  9. Community Matters Legacy Fund:
    • Benefiting community projects and programs in Cranbrook and the surrounding area, as recommended by the endowment fund holder
  10. Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce Education Fund:
    • To support education and/or training at the College of the Rockies for local, future/current business leaders, with the annual selection process to be completed by the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce bursary selection committee.
  11. Cranbrook Community Forest Society Legacy Fund:
    • To support the operations and/or programming of the Cranbrook Community Forest Society
  12. Cranbrook Community Fund
    • Benefiting community projects and programs in Cranbrook and the surrounding area, as recommended by the CFKR Granting Committee
    • Includes the City of Cranbrook, rural Cranbrook, ʔaq̓am, Moyie, Fort Steele, Mayook, Bull River, Wardner, Jaffray, Tie Lake, Rosen Lake, Galloway, Yaq’it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it (Tobacco Plains), the South Country, and the portion of Wycliffe not served by the Kimberley and District Community Foundation.
  13. Cranbrook Community Theatre Legacy Fund:
    • To support the programs and operations of the Cranbrook Community Theatre Society, including amateur theatre and other performances, rental space for community groups, and the stewardship of one of Cranbrook’s key heritage buildings
  14. Cranbrook History Centre Fund
    • Benefiting the Cranbrook History Centre
  15. Cranbrook Past and Present Teachers’ Legacy Fund:
    • Supporting student success and wellness in Cranbrook’s public schools, as recommended by the Cranbrook Retired Teachers’ Association and the Cranbrook District Teachers’ Association; this fund recognizes, in perpetuity, the dedication and lasting positive impact of teachers in Cranbrook
  16. Cranbrook Public Library Fund
    • Benefiting the Cranbrook Public Library
  17. Dianne Wray Memorial Scholarship Fund:
    • Providing an annual scholarship, in perpetuity, in memory of Dianne Wray, to a graduate of Mount Baker Secondary School who will be studying nursing at an approved post-secondary institution, with the annual selection process to be completed by the Mount Baker Secondary School scholarship selection committee
    • Click this link for more information about Dianne Wray
  18. East Kootenay Foundation for Health Fund:
    • Benefiting the East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH)
  19. East Kootenay Foundation for Health Roy and Annabel Maundrell Fund:
    • Benefiting EKFH, specific to the Invermere and District Hospital
  20. East Kootenay SPCA Fund
    • Supporting the operations, programs, and services of the East Kootenay SPCA Branch (EK SPCA), which operates under the auspices of the BC SPCA
  21. Elkford Community Fund:
    • Benefiting community projects and programs in the District of Elkford and surrounding area, as recommended by the Elkford Community Fund Steering Committee
  22. Environmental Endowment Fund:
    • Benefiting environmental programs and projects in the community, as recommended by the CFKR Granting Committee
  23. Fernie Community Fund:
    • Benefiting community projects and programs in the City of Fernie and the surrounding area, as recommended by the Fernie Community Fund Steering Committee
    • Includes the City of Fernie and surrounding area, east to Hosmer and west to Elko
  24. Fernie Community Fund-Dr. Sparling and Mrs. Mary East Memorial Scholarship Fund: 
    • Benefiting an eligible graduate from Fernie Secondary School (FSS), as identified by the FSS scholarship application process and in consultation with the East family, who is pursuing studies in an area of Medical Science at an approved post-secondary institution
    • The East family has deep ties to Fernie and the surrounding area. Dr. Sparling East was a long-time family physician and both Dr. East and Mrs. Mary East were dedicated community volunteers.
    • For more information, click on the following links: Dr.SparlingEast, Mrs. Mary East, Fernie Pride By Dr. Sparling East
  25. Friends of Fort Steele Society Fund:
    • Benefiting Fort Steele Heritage Town
  26. Greg Fisher Community Fund:
    • Benefiting community projects and programs in Cranbrook and the surrounding area, as recommended by the endowment fund holder
  27. Hough Ingalls Fund for Animal Welfare:
    • Benefiting animal welfare projects and programs in Cranbrook and the surrounding area, as recommended by the endowment fund holder
  28. Janice Regnier Fund For Mental Health and Addictions:
    • Benefiting community projects and programs in Cranbrook and the surrounding area, in the field of mental health and addictions, as recommended by the endowment fund holder
  29. Jim and Delphine (Bella) Kennelly Legacy Fund:
    • Supporting programs, initiatives, and special projects related to healthcare and education in the communities of Cranbrook and Fernie, including programs, equipment, and projects to enhance healthcare across the full lifespan at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital and the Elk Valley Hospital as well as programs and capital projects to enhance post-secondary education at the College of the Rockies, including a focus on Health and Human Service programs when possible, as recommended by the endowment fund holder
    • The Jim and Delphine (Bella) Kennelly Legacy Fund has been created to celebrate and acknowledge a lifetime of community service and leadership in local commerce by both Jim and Delphine, in Cranbrook as well as Fernie. Throughout their lifetimes and through the amazing examples of their own parents, they dedicated a great deal of time to education, healthcare, municipal governance, and catholic parishes in the area, where they raised their family and developed their businesses.  Being actively and generously involved in the local community has been paramount to them both.
    • Click on this link for more information about Jim Kennelly
  30. Joyce Metcalfe Memorial Scholarship Fund:
    • Benefiting an eligible graduate from Mount Baker Secondary School (MBSS) who is involved with music and needs to travel outside of Cranbrook and area in order to attend their post-secondary education, with the annual recipient selected by the MBSS scholarship selection committee.
    • This scholarship honours Joyce Metcalfe, who led the Cranbrook Girls Bugle Band for 41 years, from the mid-1950s to the mid-1990s. The Cranbrook Girls Bugle Band, which was established in 1941 by Pop Price, performed across North America, won many awards, and included over 100 girls at its peak. Over 3,500 local girls have participated in the band. In recognition of her dedication and commitment, Joyce was named Cranbrook’s Citizen of the Year in 1976. Joyce, passed away in 2006, and this scholarship celebrates her love for the Cranbrook Girls Bugle Band and the many opportunities it provided to local students.
    • For more information, click on the following links: Memories of Joyce Metcalfe, History of the Cranbrook Bugle Band
  31. Key City Gymnastics Club Fund:
    • Benefiting the Key City Gymnastics Club
  32. Key City Theatre Legacy Fund:
    • Supporting the operations and/or programming of the Key City Theatre
  33. Kimberley/Cranbrook 2008 Winter Games Fund for Arts and Culture:
    • Benefiting community projects and programs related to arts and culture in Cranbrook and the surrounding area, as recommended by the CFKR Granting Committee
  34. Kimberley/Cranbrook 2008 Winter Games Fund for Sports
    • Benefiting community projects and programs related to sports in Cranbrook and the surrounding area, as recommended by the CFKR Granting Committee
  35. Knights of Pythias Crescent Lodge #33 Fund
    • Benefiting the annual $750.00 award to the Community Volunteer Award recipient’s charity of choice, with the balance to community projects/programs in Cranbrook and the surrounding area, as recommended by the CFKR Granting Committee
    • In 2010, upon the surrender of their Charter and dissolution of their Lodge, the Knights of Pythias Crescent Lodge No. 33 gifted the then Cranbrook and District Community Foundation with $25,000, to establish the Knights of Pythias Crescent Lodge No. 33 endowment fund. The Knights of Pythias Crescent Lodge, and their companion branch, the Pythian Sisters, had a long history in Cranbrook, and, at one time, owned a hall located between City Hall and Rotary Park. They contributed to many charities and good works in this area.
    • The Fraternal Order Knights of Pythias began in 1864 and was the first non-sectarian fraternal order to receive a charter by a special act of the United States Congress, when Abraham Lincoln was President. It is based on the legendary friendship of Damon and Pythias during the ancient days of Syracuse and the philosopher Pythagoras. Pythians practice Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence.
  36. Mark Mahovlic Memorial Scholarship Fund
    • Benefiting an eligible graduate from Mount Baker Secondary School (MBSS), as identified by the MBSS scholarship application process, who meets the following criteria: a caring, friendly, and helpful MBSS graduate, with a passion for golf/hockey; preference given to a student pursuing post-secondary studies in computers/technology; special consideration to students attending the College of the Rockies or Mount Royal University; financial need may also be considered
    • Mark grew up in Cranbrook and graduated from Mount Baker in 2009. He pursued a Bachelor of Computer Information Systems at Mount Royal University. Making friends wherever he went, Mark was a young man with a wide variety of skills and found his passion in hockey, golf, drafting, woodwork, computers and technology. A gentle giant, Mark was always there for people who needed a friend or helping hand.
    • Click on this link for more information about Mark Mahovlic
  37. Melodie Hull Fund for Mental Health and Addictions
    • Benefiting community projects and programs in Cranbrook and the surrounding area, as recommended by the endowment fund holder, which support adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses and/or persons challenged by addictions who are striving to maintain wellness; projects and programs could include psychosocial programs and initiatives, drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, and recreational programs, including outdoor activities
  38. Neil and Patricia Sinclair Fund:
    • Addressing local community needs across the lifespan (i.e., children, youth, adults, and/or seniors), through community-based social/health programs. The focus of this fund is to support service to clients, including necessary operating expenses, but excluding capital projects, as recommended by the CFKR Granting Committee
  39. Niedermayer Family Fund
    • Benefiting community programs and projects in Cranbrook and the surrounding area, as recommended by the endowment fund holder
  40. Northern BC Friends of Children Society – East Kootenay Branch Fund
    • Benefiting East Kootenay Friends of Children in their work to provide financial assistance to families whose children need to travel in order to attend required medical appointments
  41. Outdoor Recreation Fund
    • Benefiting non-competitive and non-motorized outdoor recreation activities in Electoral Areas C and E of the Regional District of the East Kootenay, including capital costs (e.g. trail maintenance equipment, interpretive signage) and/or operating costs (e.g. annual website maintenance fees, Directors and Officers liability insurance, annual accounting fees), as recommended by the CFKR Granting Committee
  42. Pidoca Construction Group Memorial Scholarship:
    • Benefiting an eligible graduate from Mount Baker Secondary School (MBSS), as identified by the MBSS scholarship application process, who is pursuing studies in carpentry at an approved post-secondary institution
    • Brent Richard McIver was born and raised in Cranbrook and graduated from MBSS in 1993. Brent established the Pidoca Construction Group before his 30th birthday and built many attractive, luxurious homes across the Lower Mainland and the East Kootenays. Brent cared about carpentry and expected all carpenters to care about their trade as well. The Pidoca Construction Group Memorial Scholarship is awarded to an inspired Carpenter of Tomorrow who seeks to create something special and stunning with their hands, their minds, and their hearts.
    • Click this link for more information about Brent McIver
  43. Seniors’ Enhancement Fund
    • Benefiting community projects and programs specific to seniors who reside in Cranbrook and the surrounding area, as recommended by the CFKR Granting Committee
  44. Sparwood Community Fund
    • Benefiting community projects and programs in the District of Sparwood and the surrounding area (i.e. including Michel, Natal, and Elk Prairie), as recommended by the Sparwood Community Fund Steering Committee
  45. StellerVista Credit Union Fund:
    • Benefiting the Cranbrook Salvation Army’s local food programs
    • Formerly known as the East Kootenay Community Credit Union Fund
  46. Symphony of the Kootenays Fund
    • Benefiting the Symphony of the Kootenays

Help us help our communities by donating to CFKR’s current operations:

  • E-transfer: Email to [email protected] (Please include the donor’s full name and contact information in the notes)
  • Cheque: Made out to “CFKR“, Mail to P.O. Box 242, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 4H8 or deliver in-person to our physical office at the Ground Floor Co-Working Space, 131 7th Ave. S., Cranbrook, BC 
  • Online donation: Click on this link to make a safe and secure donation via credit card
  • Cash: Please deliver in-person to our physical office at the Ground Floor Co-Working Space, 131 7th Ave. S., Cranbrook, BC
  • Employer-Matching Donation Programs: Please ask your employer if they have a program to match their employees’ charitable donations. This is a quick and easy way to potentially double the value of your donation! For example, CFKR has an active account with Benevity, a service that many companies use for their employer-matching donation programs.

By donating to CFKR’s current operations, you will be helping CFKR to administer our annual granting process to local non-profits, grow existing endowment funds, establish new endowment funds, and provide positive leadership on key community initiatives.


CFKR welcomes donations to the Shelter for Ukrainians Fund:

  • CFKR has entered into a three-year agency agreement with the Shelter for Ukrainians Society, to provide funding to assist individuals, who are fleeing war in Ukraine, with their temporary and/or permanent re-settlement needs such as shelter, essential supplies, and support services, in CFKR’s service are (i.e., Elkford, Sparwood, Fernie, Cranbrook, and the surrounding rural areas) as well as the neighbouring communities of Kimberley and Creston, with the potential to include other communities in the East and West Kootenays.
  • CFKR is accepting charitable donations for this project, providing tax receipts to donors, and stewarding the funds.

 

  • CFKR is offering several options for donations:
    • Interac E-Transfer to [email protected] (In the notes, please include “Ukraine” as well as the donor’s full name and contact information)
    • Cheque: Made out to “CFKR”, note “Ukraine” in the memo, mail to CFKR, Box 242, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 4H8 or deliver to CFKR office — Ground Floor Coworking Space, 131 7th S, Cranbrook, BC
    • Cash: Deliver to CFKR office — Ground Floor Coworking Space, 131 7th S, Cranbrook, BC
    • On-line credit card donations via the following link: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/71649
      • Includes an additional processing fee
    • Employer-Matching Donation Programs: Please ask your employer if they have a program to match their employees’ charitable donations. This is a quick and easy way to potentially double the value of your donation! For example, CFKR has an active account with Benevity, a service that many companies use for their employer-matching donation programs.
  • In the future, following the conclusion of this initiative, any remaining funds will be carefully stewarded by CFKR, with the goal of directing them towards a similar purpose, including the potential to establish a new endowment fund

CFKR looks forward to developing new Opportunity Funds:

  • CFKR enters into Opportunity Fund agreements with donors who would like to start an endowment fund but need some time to reach the endowment threshold of $20,000
  • For more information, please contact Lynnette Wray, Executive Director, by phone (250-426-1119) or email ([email protected]

Donor Stories

The reasons people choose to give are diverse. Each of our donors has their own story, own motivations, and a unique vision of how to strengthen our community. However, one of the things our donors all share is a collective desire to enhance our community, for good and forever. Read a few of their stories:

Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce Education Fund

The Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce established this fund with CFKR to support education and/or training at the College of the Rockies for local, future/current business leaders.

This new fund struck a chord with a local resident, who has generously shared her story of what donating to this fund means to her.

“Honestly, I had no idea what a strong woman my mother was until just recently. Mom was widowed at 33 years old, with five children, no education and very little money. And yet, when she passed away at the age of 88, my siblings and I learned that, through her hard work and thrift, our little old mom had quietly squirrelled away quite a sweet inheritance for each of us.

I promised myself that I’d find a place where I could make a lasting contribution in her memory. I wanted it to be something that supports learning, and I was considering some type of scholarship. When the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce announced its new education endowment fund, held by the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies, I knew this was the perfect fit.

Mom likely never would have used the word ‘legacy’ to describe what she was doing as she denied herself conveniences and entertainment in order to save for her family. But I know she’d be pleased that a small slice of her hard-earned savings will be quietly working to make a difference to people beyond her family, supporting education in perpetuity. I love that idea, too.”

–Helen’s daughter

Thanks to the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce for planting this seed and to generous donors like Helen’s daughter, for helping it grow!

 

Melodie Hull Fund for Mental Health and Addictions

In 2015, Cranbrook resident Melodie Hull, a registered psychiatric nurse, realized her goal of establishing an endowment fund supporting local people with chronic and persistent mental health challenges and addictions. The Melodie Hull Fund for Mental Health and Addictions was established in 2008 with $500. It is now endowed at more than $15,000. The Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies will ensure Melodie’s fund serves the community in the way she envisioned, and will do so forever.

Melodie could have chosen to donate her entire gift as a one-time donation and made a single and important impact in the community. But by creating an endowment, Melodie ensures organizations assisting people with mental health challenges and addictions will have a local, permanent and sustainable source of financial support. In another 15 or 30 or 45 years this story will still be relevant – it is not just a moment in history for Melodie Hull and and the Cranbrook community… it is a growing legacy.

 

Casey and Corrine Hanemayer

In 2006 Casey and Corrine Hanemayer made a donation of more than $780,000 dollars to the then Cranbrook and District Community Foundation and established the first endowment fund named for residents of our community. The Casey and Corrine Hanemayer Fund forms an endowment that gives grants back to the Cranbrook community forever. The grants from the Haneymayer funds are given annually, in their names.
When the Hanemayers fund was originally developed the Foundation’s granting power more than tripled. The Hanemayers have lived in Cranbrook since 1951 and raised their four children here. Mr. Hanemayer is well-known in the community for his activities in the local building trade, and his involvement with the local cable TV business during the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. Once the Hanemayers came forward as our community’s champions, others followed. The gift from the Hanemayers was in the form of securities, and changes to capital gains tax make donations such as these increasingly attractive as donors explore tax-effective options of charitable giving and beneficial tax options.
 
 

Scott and Rob Niedermayer

The Niedermayer brothers, Scott and Rob, and their families, established a new endowment fund, the Niedermayer Family Fund, to give back to Cranbrook forever. Like many donors, the Niedermayers reserve the opportunity to determine annually which charity will receive the grant. The fund is invested by the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies through the Vancouver Foundation. From the interest earned, annual grants will be available to local community charities.
 
The former National Hockey League brothers have young families and they feel this is a way of demonstrating civic responsibility to their children. The Niedermayer brothers grew up in Cranbrook and have been running the Scott and Rob Niedermayer Hockey School since 2001, attracting over 200 young participants on an annual basis, some as far away as Europe.“With an endowment fund, and it is long term, we can see our money at work in the community,” Scott said.

Why the Niedermayer family chose to donate to the Community Foundation:

 

In Memory of Joyce Metcalfe

Joyce Metcalfe was one of the most revered and loved “Grand Ladies” of Cranbrook. Joyce gave 41 years of service and dedication as the Director of the Cranbrook Girls Bugle Band and was recognized for her tremendous commitment in 1976 as Cranbrook’s Citizen of the year. To honour the memory of Joyce, who passed away in the spring of 2006, and her love for the Cranbrook Girls Bugle Band, the Band and the then Cranbrook and District Community Foundation established a memorial fund in her honour. Appropriately, the fund was the first in-memoriam fund created by the Cranbrook and District Community Foundation. Originally set up as an endowment to support the operations of the Band, with the dissolution of the Cranbrook Bugle Band, in the spring of 2021, the re-named Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies re-purposed the fund to provide the annual Joyce Metcalfe Memorial Scholarship at Mount Baker Secondary School, for students who are involved with music and need to travel outside of Cranbrook and area in order to attend their post-secondary education. What a wonderful way to honour Joyce and her decades of dedication to the Cranbrook Girls Bugle Band!


Five great giving options. Choose the one that’s right for you

The Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies offers a broad range of fund types to fit the needs of both donors and grantees. Details are available from the Community Foundation, or you can discuss giving with your financial advisor or lawyer to find out how giving to the Foundation can help you meet your philanthropic goals while maximizing your tax advantage.

Unrestricted Funds

You can use your gift to meet ever-changing community needs – including future needs that often cannot be anticipated at the time your gift is made. We evaluate all aspects of community well-being – arts and culture, education, environment, health and social services, youth, and more. The flexibility of your unrestricted gift makes it possible to respond to the community’s most pressing needs, today and tomorrow.

Field of Interest Funds

You can target your gift to address needs in an important area of community life. The arts. AIDS. Aging. At-risk youth. You identify your personal interest area when making your gift; our board awards grants to community groups and programs that are making a difference in the area you select.

Designated Fund

You can direct your gift to a specific charity or issue area. Help provide ongoing funding for a senior centre, museum, your church, or virtually any nonprofit charitable organization. You identify the recipient you wish to benefit through your gift; our staff manages the annual distribution of funds.

Donor Advised Fund

You can have ongoing involvement in the use of your gift. You work with our professional grantmaking staff, identifying ways to use dollars from your Donor Advised Fund to address the issues and needs you care about most. Your recommendations are submitted to our board for approval; we then distribute grant dollars.

Agency Endowment Fund

An attractive option for local charities that currently manage, or are interested in establishing their own endowment fund. An Agency Endowment Fund through your local community foundation makes it easy and efficient to create and manage a permanent endowment for your organization. You build the fund. We take care of the rest.