NPCF plans emergency fund, strengthens connections for regional resilience

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Members of the North Peace Community Foundation (NPCF) presented an annual review of their activities to the City of Fort St. John Council during the last council meeting of 2024.

At the committee of the whole meeting on December 9th at City Hall, Mayor Lilia Hansen and councillors reviewed a presentation by the NPCF’s Executive Director Susan Adams, Board Vice Chair Lita Powell, and Director and Chair of the Community Granting Advisory Committee, Cameron Eggie.

Created with the goal of supporting ‘diverse and inclusive community-building initiatives in BC’s North Peace and Northern Rockies regions,’ the NPCF stated the past year of operations have focused on providing opportunities ‘with long-term benefit for the future of the people.’ 

The foundation began in November 2021 and transitioned to a fully community-led group of volunteers in October 2022. Operational support to the foundation has varied, with a $240,000 grant in 2021, a $125,000 contribution in 2022 and a grant of $120,000 in 2023. 

In 2023, the foundation began distributing grants to the region, reaching a total of $738,000 in grant funding through 32 grants. These funds were distributed through programs such as the Community Connections Benefit Program and the Community Services Recovery Fund, and a partnership with 100 Women Who Care.  

In 2024, the foundation received a $1 million grant from the North Peace Savings and Credit Union Community Legacy Fund, $503,905 from the City of Fort St. John Grants in Aid, $34,430 from 100 Women Who Care FSJ, $240,000 from the BC Prosperity Fund, and $24,064 from private and individual donations. 

In the same time period, the foundation gave out 43 grants and supported 38 organizations, providing the region with a total of $752,099. 

Looking forward, the delegation explained that the foundation intends to increase community understanding and awareness of the foundation, and shift the focus of grantmaking from transactional to transformational. 

The board intends to improve connections with regional leaders and first responder organizations and work to establish an emergency response fund to support organizations on the ground during times of crisis. 

To view the complete presentation, see pages 38 to 49 of the December 9th Committee of the Whole agenda below.