Kal Rotary looking to give away $105K to North Okanagan charities

The Kalamalka Rotary club has extended the deadline that local charities have to apply for grant funds that support the needs of the community.

North Okanagan non-profit organizations now have until the end of February to apply for funds that go towards projects in healthcare and education, as well as arts and science, and parks and recreation.

The Rotary Club of Kalamalka said in a media release the deadline has been extended in response to the challenges caused by the pandemic.

In the fall, the Rotary Club of Kalamalka raised $105,000 in its virtual Dream Fund fundraiser and is looking for local organizations to support with the funds.

"We knew that this year’s Dream Auction could not proceed in its usual format," Kalamalka Rotary president Dustin Stadnyk said in the release. "We also knew the needs of families that depend on these funds have grown, not vanished. We’ve committed to find a way to support them."

While $105,000 is an impressive sum for an online fundraiser, the annual Dream Auction often raises more than double that amount.

The club is asking that applicants consider the overall community situation this year and submit applications where there is a critical need for funds. Unlike regular years, the club will also consider applications to help with charities operating funds and capital projects.

Kal Rotary says projects need to have a broad community impact and a defined start and finish date. Applicants must also demonstrate financial accountability and show a sustained organizational capacity.

Since the Kalamalka Rotary Dream Auction began in 1985, the club has raised close to $4.5-million local and international projects and programs.

For more information on grant guidelines and applications go here.

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