Why Local Decision-Making Matters for the Bow Valley
Each year, Banff Canmore Foundation's Community Grants program helps bring bold ideas to life that strengthen belonging, build resilience, and improve quality of life across the Bow Valley.
But behind every grant decision is a group of people who make it possible: our volunteer Grant Review Committee.
Local Voices. Local Impact.
The Bow Valley is full of people who care deeply about this place and the people who call it home. That’s why BCF believes grant decisions should be made with the community, for the community.
This year’s Community Grant Review Committee reflected that belief more than ever, bringing together business owners, climate leaders, funders, donors, and grassroots organizers. Among them were new voices like Edmund Ong, a climate scientist and Chair of Bow Valley Climate Action, who offered technical insight into environmental projects—and discovered the value of cross-sector conversations well beyond his field.
“What I love about BCF is how the organization acts as a central nexus point—bringing together community builders with expertise, experience, and lived knowledge to help make more informed decisions that better our community.”
– Edmund Ong, 2025 Community Grant Review Committee Member
The result was a thoughtful and balanced slate of funding recommendations shaped by lived experience, diverse expertise, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of those who call Bow Valley home.
What We Saw in 2025 Applications
Food Insecurity Rising to the Top
Among the most urgent themes in this year's applications was food insecurity. Organizations highlighted the growing need across the Bow Valley, particularly among individuals and families facing economic hardship. For many committee members, it became clear that the most direct path to improving community wellbeing—especially mental health—was making sure people have access to nourishing, reliable food.
"There is a direct correlation between food insecurity and its impact on mental health and wellbeing. It highlighted that the basics are not being met for a group of Bow Valley members,"
– Jodi Gammad, BCF Foundation Services Coordinator.
In the context of rising affordability challenges, feeding people was no longer seen as just a service—it became a community priority.
Growing Collaboration & Community-Focused Impact
Another trend was the increasing strength of collaboration between grassroots groups and registered charities. These partnerships are helping smaller, informal initiatives gain access to funding while extending the reach of established organizations. They also allow groups to combine capacity, knowledge, and networks, offering a more holistic and sustainable community impact.
More broadly, the committee noticed a shift toward applications ready to act. The committee prioritized projects that moved beyond the conceptual stage and demonstrated clarity, feasibility, and a clear plan to deliver community impact with funding support. These were not just good ideas but were set to provide impact with the right people, timing, and partnerships in place.
A notable example was a $4,000 grant to St. Michael's Anglican Church for Solar Energy Installation. While the application focused on installing solar panels, the broader impact came into focus during committee discussions. The solar system would reduce the church's emission and electricity costs over the long term—savings that would directly benefit their food program, which provides meals to Bow Valley residents in need. It was a simple project with long-lasting, ripple-effect benefits: supporting sustainability while keeping food on the table.
This layered impact—where environmental and social outcomes intersect—epitomizes the type of community solutions BCF aims to support. Grants aren’t just about funding action; they enable lasting change.
A More Thoughtful, Inclusive Process
BCF evolved its review process this year to allow more time and space for deeper consideration. Instead of a single evaluation cycle, committee members participated in multiple review rounds, giving them time between meetings to reflect, do additional research and investigation, and bring more informed perspectives to the table at decision time.
"This year's process sparked some of the most thoughtful, lively conversations we've had—pushing us to ask harder questions and dig deeper into what our community needs in this moment."
– Jodi Gammad, BCF Foundation Services Coordinator.
BCF invited more funders into the process, giving them visibility into which projects received funding and which did not. These funders sometimes stepped in to support projects outside BCF's granting envelope—another example of how shared decision-making can lead to greater community investment.
To support culturally grounded and inclusive decisions, BCF also engaged external advisors, including guidance from Mînî hrpa, to inform applications related to Truth and Reconciliation.
Committee members described the process as respectful, collaborative, and rich in cross-pollination. Each member leaned on others' strengths to understand the full landscape of applications.
Looking Ahead
This year's experience reaffirmed that community grantmaking is not a transaction—it's a relationship. Some applications may not be funded in their first year, but they're not forgotten. BCF plays a vital role as more than a funder—it's a connector, convener, and potential incubator for ideas that need time and support to evolve.
Several committee members emphasized that grantmaking isn't just a single award—it's a long-term journey where we help ideas grow, build partnerships, and eventually take root.
The goal? To meet today’s needs while nurturing tomorrow’s possibilities.
A Final Word: We're Not Alone
What stood out most to one committee member wasn’t a specific project—it was the people.
“The Bow Valley is filled with amazing people who care deeply about this community. People bring commitment, expertise, and passion to the challenges we’re facing. That’s what gives me hope.”
– Edmund Ong, 2025 Grant Review Committee Member.
Thank You to Our 2025 Committee
Banff Canmore Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to every volunteer who brought their insight, energy and cares to the 2025 Grant Review Committee. Their thoughtful evaluations, honest questions, and deep local knowledge helped ensure BCF funding supports the projects that matter most.
