A renewed partnership between the Pauw Foundation and BCF will help expand community grants, deepen local impact, and invest in the future of the Bow Valley.
The Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation is proud to announce renewed financial support to the Banff Canmore Foundation (BCF). The Pauw Foundation has committed $900,000 over the next three years to strengthen community programs, empower local nonprofits, and build long-term resilience across the Bow Valley.
This $300,000 annual donation from 2025 to 2027 reinforces the long-standing partnership between the Foundation and BCF, connected by a shared vision of a healthy, vibrant, and engaged Bow Valley. It builds on more than 12 years of continuous support, empowering BCF to expand its vital work and deepen its impact throughout the Bow Valley.
“Our relationship with BCF began with a $10,000 donation to rebuild trails after the 2013 floods,” said Cathy Geisler, Executive Director of the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation. “But that was just the beginning. Since then, we’ve contributed over $724,000 to support local initiatives. Our renewed commitment reflects our ongoing belief in the power of collaboration to drive lasting, generational impact in our community.”
Since 2013, the Pauw Foundation’s support has fuelled a wide range of community initiatives. These include annual contributions to the BCF Community Grants Program, a partnership with BCF and Canmore Rotary to respond to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and targeted investments to increase BCF’s capacity for strategic grant giving. In 2024, the Foundation also provided seed funding for Banff Mental Health and Addictions Week and helped establish the BCF Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, further addressing critical local needs.
With this $900,000 commitment, the Pauw Foundation will continue to strengthen the Community Grants program, helping local nonprofits grow their capacity, develop sustainable operations, and connect with donors.
“Support from the Pauw Foundation allows us to deepen our impact, not just through annual grant cycles, but by building a sustainable foundation for the future of the Bow Valley,” said Laurie Edward, Executive Director of the Banff Canmore Foundation. “This funding helps us expand initiatives while building up donor support, especially for long-term and endowed funds, to ensure we can meet the evolving needs of our community for the future.”
As part of its 2025 initiatives, BCF will distribute increased Community Grants, continue developing targeted funds, and work closely with local organizations to enhance resilience and collaboration within the nonprofit sector. This donation ensures BCF can address today’s priorities while building a foundation for long-term community strength and sustainability.
About the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation
Established in 2013, the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation is a private foundation in Banff, Alberta, Canada. Funded by the profits of Banff Caribou Properties Ltd. and Banff Lodging Company, the goal of the Foundation is to reinvest in Banff and the Bow Valley by supporting projects that contribute to a more active, vibrant and happy community. pauwfoundation.com/
