North Peace Community Foundation Celebrates Startup Milestones

(Fort St. John, British Columbia) – The North Peace Community Foundation (NPCF) was established in 2021 to bring together the financial resources of industry, business, families and individuals through grants created by endowed funds for projects and programs that focus on “For the Future of the People” of BC’s North Peace region. The North Peace Community Foundation is pleased to update the community on the significant start-up milestones achieved.

The founding Board of Directors continue to work through establishing a governance structure with key policies that are reflective of the NPCF’s core values: Community-Driven and Community-Led; Planned; Transparent; Accountable; Protective of Funding and Assets; and Adaptable. Building off of the earnest work already completed during the community consultation and feasibility assessment by the founding Board and many members and stakeholders in the community, NPCF’s mission has been set to bring together the financial resources of industry, business, families, and individuals to encourage philanthropy and provide long-term support for community opportunities.

“I am so happy that the Vision of a Community Foundation For The People has been realized,” says Lori Ackerman, Mayor of Fort St. John and current Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

NPCF is pleased to share that the Foundation has been granted charitable status effective January 1, 2022, and have recently proudly achieved membership with Community Foundations of Canada (CFC), a national network of over 200 Community Foundations coast-to-coast-to-coast. NPCF is grateful for the guidance and leadership provided by CFC, in particular to CFC’S Director, Learning and Network Engagement, a person who may be familiar to many through instrumental charitable and philanthropic work throughout the North Peace region and beyond, Tracey Vavrek. Tracey’s leadership has been instrumental in the establishment of NPCF, and the Board and staff are grateful for her expert guidance, and shared commitment to the impactful work of Community Foundations in the regions they serve.

“I am thrilled to welcome North Peace Community Foundation into the network of over 200 community foundations from coast to coast to coast. The founding board of North Peace Community Foundation has worked so hard to make their tremendous vision come to life,” said Tracey Vavrek, Director of Network and Learning Engagement at Community Foundations of Canada. “The establishment of a community foundation will support local organizations for decades to come, centering local philanthropy on the issues that matter most.”

Key milestones include the finalization of a logo design which has great meaning to the Foundation due in large part to the significant contributions by Doig River First Nation’s Manager of Cultural Heritage Resources & Language Department, Verena Hofmann, in developing the Foundation’s tagline of “For the Future of the People” and providing the Dane-Z̲aa Z̲áágéʔ translation. The Foundation’s brand includes a beautiful beaded design element provided by local acclaimed artist and creative contributor, Garry Oker. The beads that shine brightly in the brand represent “The People” that the North Peace Community Foundation was created by and for. Working with local graphic designer Karen Thierson of Indigo Designs, these contributions were built upon to create a thoughtful logo that includes a significant nod to water and the many ways in which water is a vital element in and through our region, the interconnectedness of our communities, and the diversity that we invite and celebrate. NPCF’s Executive Director, Susan Adams, is looking forward to sharing further upcoming announcements and activities including a significant donation announcement, a call-out for Directors and Committee members, and a region-wide photo contest. Please stay tuned to your favourite local media for more details in coming weeks!

Media Contact:

Susan Adams
Executive Director

North Peace Community Foundation

778.576.1669
susan@northpeacecf.com