Endowment Funds

Individuals, families and organizations have established a variety of funds with the BVCF, all with the overall purpose of enhancing quality of life in our communities. Each fund is OPEN and so donations large and small can be accepted to any of them at any time.

From the estate of Alec Duncan Cooper, proceeds from this fund are for scholarships for the top student in mathematics and the top student in physics graduating from the Smithers high school in each year. The scholarships are to be for room, board and tuition.

Telkwa’s Fritz Pfeiffer donated funds to establish a legacy to fund bursaries or scholarships for, or otherwise support, students from the Bulkley Valley attending or wishing to attend universities or colleges in British Columbia(mature students are encouraged to apply).

Graduating students receive support from this fund for post-secondary education expenses.

The George Tugnum Adult Learning Award was created by his son, Curtis,
in memory of his father. This award is in recognition of George Tugnum’s
accomplishments, the most notable one being his return to high school in
1968 after leaving school in 1943. He graduated from Smithers
Secondary School in 1970, alongside his son. The award is to support
and apply for students who returned to high school to graduate or upgrade
to qualify for postsecondary education.

This fund is an award for graduating Smithers Secondary School students who have demonstrated courage and determination in meeting their own challenges while showing passion for their interests and respect for fellow students.

Paul Backhouse and his family joined the Bulkley Valley community in 2015, when he became Crown Counsel in Smithers. Paul’s commitment to justice and service was evident in the principles he upheld as a legal professional and his deep concern for the challenges faced by marginalized populations in the community. Paul’s passion was finding wilderness adventure in the many ways the northwest offers in abundance – making fresh tracks in the mountains, rock- and ice-climbing, mountain biking, and white-water paddling. Those with whom he shared these experiences appreciated his sharp wit, integrity and good company. Paul was deeply committed to his family and finding ways to make his young son smile was his greatest joy.

In August 2020, Paul died when he was struck by a vehicle while cycling near Smithers. His loss was felt deeply across the many communities he served, as well as by his many friends and colleagues.

Established via a gift from his family, the Paul Backhouse Memorial Fund will let Paul’s passion, commitment and values live on in the community he called home. The Fund will support organizations that promote outdoor physical activities, environmental initiatives, children and families, and support for marginalized populations throughout the Bulkley Valley.

The Paul Backhouse Memorial Fund is open for donations from anyone who wishes to celebrate Paul’s memory. All donations will be permanently invested to create an impact for generations to come.

This fund was established by the Affordable Recreation Committee and the BV Healthy Affordable Accessible Recreation Committee. Proceeds are used to purchase equipment and pay for recreation fees for financially challenged children and youth.

This fund was established by long time Smithers residents, Bob and Nora McEwen. The income from this fund is allocated to the Bulkley Valley Regional Swimming Pool for the development and education of children and adults who are mentally or physically disadvantaged.

Established by the Celebrity Golf Committee, this fund provides grants to charitable non-profit organizations providing services to mentally and physically challenged children and adults.

Established by Gordon and Betty Williams for BVCF operational costs.

This fund was established by the Town of Smithers under the BC Games Society’s Legacy Fund Program. The income from this fund provides grants to charitable non-profit organizations in the field of recreation.

This fund was established when the Morice Community Skills Center was closed. The income from this fund provides grants to charitable non-profit organizations in the Houston area for educational equipment and learning resources focusing on distributed learning opportunities

These are our general endowment funds, built by many generous donors, and used for community grants to all our fields of interest and all the communities in our area and for Learning Awards.

This fund was established by a grant from Northern Development Initiatives and matching funds from Bulkley
Valley Community Foundation. Income from this fund provides grants to non-profit organizations within the Village of Hazelton.

This fund was established by a grant from Northern Development Initiatives and matching funds from Bulkley Valley Community Foundation. Income provides grants to non-profit organizations within the District of Hazelton.

This fund was established by a grant from Northern Development Initiatives and matching funds from Bulkley Valley Community Foundation. Income provides grants to non-profit organizations within the District of Houston.
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