City of Kamloops Awards 2026 Social and Community Development Grants

Release Date

The City of Kamloops is pleased to announce the successful recipients of the 2026 Social and Community Development Grants. 

The City issued a call for applications in October 2025, with 34 not-for-profit organizations submitting applications. After a thorough evaluation process led by City staff and based on recommendations from the Social Planning Engagement Group, grants will be awarded to the following six organizations:

  • $20,000 awarded to BGC Kamloops - Youth Life Skills Program: This program provides free, hands-on early intervention for vulnerable youth between the ages of 11 and 24, building independence, confidence, and healthy decision making while addressing employment, housing, food security, and mental wellness needs.
     
  • $20,000 awarded to Kamloops Food Policy Council - Meal Service Coordination: This program brings together emergency meal providers through a dedicated meal provision working group to improve coordination, reduce duplication, close access gaps, and strengthen system efficiency.
     
  • $20,000 awarded to Literacy in Kamloops Society - Expanded Digital Literacy Program: This program offers free, one-to-one technology support for adults and seniors, helping participants build confidence using essential digital tools and online services.
     
  • $23,156 awarded to Open Door Group Social Services Society - Growing Together Framework: This program supports a planning and feasibility initiative to develop a sustainable, evidence-based model for a collaborative horticulture program integrating therapeutic gardening, mental health inclusion, and food security.
     
  • $20,000 awarded to People in Motion - Memories in Motion Program: This program supports essential operational costs to provide safe, reliable, donation-based transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities, including essential trips and community outings.
     
  • $20,000 awarded to The Tree (Kamloops Family Resources Society) - Expanded Drop-In Program: This program expands drop-in services to weekends, providing meals, hygiene supports, peer support, and a safe space for women who are unhoused or precariously housed, addressing a critical service gap and supporting approximately 1,500 annual visits.

Over the last six years, this grant has funded over 40 different social agencies in Kamloops. Social and Community Development Grants fund special projects, operational costs, and/or capital expenditures that address specific current social problems and/or issues that are identified in the City’s Social Plan or the Council Strategic Plan. 

The City would like to thank all organizations that applied. Your continued support and service in our community are acknowledged and appreciated.