The Community Support Fund is a grant offered to registered non-profit organizations, community groups, community associations, and charity organizations. It provides financial assistance to address local needs, promote social welfare, and improve the quality of life for people within our communities.

The Fort St. John Co-operative Association allocates $50,000 annually for the Community Support Fund, donating to various community projects. These contributions demonstrate Fort St. John Co-op’s dedication to fostering community growth and well-being.

“We believe in the power of community,” said Brad Lussier, General Manager of Fort St. John Co-op. “Aligned with our brand values, we are community-minded and invest locally to ensure our profits stay right here, within the communities we serve. This commitment is evident through our various funding programs, including the Community Support Fund. We believe that a thriving community is the heart of a successful business, and for the past 80 years, we’ve been proud to support local non-profit organizations, projects and initiatives that help strengthen and grow our communities.”

Meet the 2025 Community Support Fund Recipients

Between October and November 2024, we received several applications from meaningful community organizations within our trading areas. After a careful review by our Board Members and the Senior Leadership Team, seven organizations were selected from Fort St. John, Fort Nelson and Prespatou to receive funding from the 2025 Fort St. John Co-op Community Support Fund. These donations will support local organizations representing key support categories, including palliative care, educational programs, poverty relief program, seniors housing programs, and youth development. 

The following organizations received donations:

		Fort Nelson Hospice Society The society provides compassionate care and support for individuals with life-limiting illnesses, focusing on improving their quality of life. The funds will help cover the expenses of hosting their grief support group, held weekly and their monthly widows’ dinner.
		Fort St. John Public Library The library is a community cornerstone, offering a variety of information and support for lifelong learning in a welcoming, entertaining, and safe environment. The grant will help fund entertainment for the Dungeons and Dragons bi-weekly program organized for teens.
		Fort St. John Women’s Resource Society This organization works to relieve poverty in Fort St. John and the surrounding areas by providing, leasing and operating non-profit residential accommodations and incidental facilities exclusively for women of primarily low or moderate income and their children. This includes women with disabilities, and those who have been emotionally, physically, or sexually abused or traumatized by their partners. The donation will directly support their "Art Therapy Groups for Families Who Have Experienced Violence” project.
		North East Immigrant Services Society (NEISS) This society provides vital settlement services for newcomers, refugees, temporary foreign workers, international students, and families displaced by war or turmoil in their home countries. The donation will help expand their community support initiatives.
		North Peace Seniors Housing Society (NPSHS) NPSHS provides safe, affordable, and attractive independent living for seniors. The Society manages the Drop-In Program, a community-driven initiative led by seniors for seniors. The grant will support the renovation of their event space, which serves as the central hub for the Drop-In-Program. “On behalf of the North Peace Seniors Housing Society and the Drop-In Organization, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation. Your support will enable us to renovate the Drop-In Room, transforming it into a bright, accessible space that fosters social well-being and combats isolation among seniors in our community. With the newly updated kitchen, we will once again host our beloved potluck gatherings, bringing the community together in a spirit of camaraderie and support. This renovated venue is more than just a room; it's a vibrant hub where seniors can engage, socialize, and thrive. Your contributions have ensured that this venue remains a cherished and well-used resource for the entire Fort St. John senior community. Thank you to the Co-op Community Support Fund for making this important project a reality.” – Tracy Ray, Executive Director, NPSHS
		Prespatou Independent Housing Society This society focuses on extended healthcare for local seniors by adding six assisted living units to the existing twelve. The funds will support the purchase and installation of flooring and bathroom tiling in the extended care wing of the independent housing unit.
		RL Angus Elementary School PAC Committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that enhances the educational experience of students. The grant will help them purchase a brand-new volleyball set-up for the school gym, promoting physical activity and team-bonding among students and the community.

The Community Support Fund will be accepting applications again this fall.