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By Victor Kaisar

Social Grants

Kamloops awards 2026 Social and Community Development grants to six organizations

Jan 10, 2026 | 3:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — The City of Kamloops has awarded 2026 Social and Community Development Grants to six non-profit organizations, with money going to less than one-fifth of the total number of applicants.

A total of $123,156 was handed out following what the city calls a “thorough evaluation process” led by staff which was based on recommendations from the Social Planning Engagement Group. Applications opened in October last year, and the city says there were 34 not-for-profit organizations that applied for funding before the Nov. 7 deadline.

“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,” said the City of Kamloops in a statement.

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

Five non-profits got $20,000 each while the Open Door Group Social Services Society was awarded $23,156 for its Growing Together Framework program. A breakdown of the groups and initiatives that were funded – as provided by the city – are listed below:

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• BGC Kamloops – Youth Life Skills Program – $20,000: 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.
• Kamloops Food Policy Council – Meal Service Coordination – $20,000: 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.
• Literacy in Kamloops Society – Expanded Digital Literacy Program – $20,000: This program offers free, one-to-one technology support for adults and seniors, helping participants build confidence using essential digital tools and online services.
• Open Door Group Social Services Society – Growing Together Framework – $23,156: 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.
• People in Motion – Memories in Motion Program – $20,000: 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.
• The Tree (Kamloops Family Resources Society) – Expanded Drop-In Program – $20,000: 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.

According to the city, the Social and Community Development Grants have funded over 40 different social agencies in Kamloops over the last six years.

The city has approximately $123,000 available each year to support social community initiatives, with each applicant limited to a maximum of $30,000.

A list of projects that were previously funded by this grant can be found here.