Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the abundance of things we enjoy here on Bowen Island.
Our vibrant arts and culture scene, the close-knit nature of our small-town life, and the safety we feel while raising our children are just a few of the many things that make our island home so special. Islanders come together in countless ways — from work parties to maintain trails to Fix-It Fairs and knowledge-sharing workshops — demonstrating time and again that this is a place where people look out for one another.
Whether it’s our shared commitment to protecting our spectacular natural environment or the simple act of neighbours helping neighbours, Bowen is a place that fosters community connection.
At the Bowen Island Community Foundation, we are deeply thankful for the generosity of our donors. Thanks to the incredible contributions of both individuals and organizations. The Community Impact Fund, which has been at the heart of the Foundation for two decades, continues to make a meaningful impact across the island.
Built by small and large donations, this fund is designed to be responsive, addressing the evolving needs of Bowen Island. Guided by Vital Conversations — a facilitated community engagement process — the Foundation’s board of directors identifies areas of greatest need, distributing grants that range from $2,500 to $25,000 for projects that benefit everyone.
In 2024 alone, $75,000 in Community Impact Grants were awarded to the following initiatives:
Snug Cove House: $25,000 for accessibility upgrades, including handrails, alarm lights, and bathtub grab bars;
The Hearth: $6,000 for the Authentically Indigenous Festival;
Archer Florendo: $3,000 for the Queen vs Green Festival;
Bowen Golf: $17,000 towards an artificial turf project to expand inclusive youth programming;
BIRCH (Bowen Island Resilient Community Housing): $5,000 for a phased development plan for Lot 1 on Mount Gardner Road;
BICS (Bowen Island Community School): $4,000 for grounds upgrades, including a communications board for the playground to support non-verbal, neurodiverse, and blind community members;
SKY (Seniors Keeping Young): $15,000 to expand programs for seniors.
As we give thanks this season, we invite you to consider contributing to the Community Impact Fund. Your donation for any amount will help ensure that the Foundation can continue to support projects like these that make Bowen Island the place we all love to live.
For more information or to make a gift, visit bowenfoundation.com
