Community Patronage Fund
Shaping long-term community impact together.
28%
of our annual pre-tax income given back to our membership and communities.
What is Patronage?
Patronage is a rebate payment we provide to our membership when the Credit Union does well. In other words, we share our profits with YOU!
About the Community Patronage Fund
Every year, Bulkley Valley Credit Union sets aside a portion of our earnings to support projects that make a long‑term difference in the communities we serve. The Community Patronage Fund helps bring to life capital projects that create visible, lasting benefits – places and spaces that strengthen connection, support wellbeing, and reflect the values of our region.
This fund is rooted in our cooperative identity. As a financial institution owned by our members, we believe our success should flow back into our communities in meaningful ways. The Community Patronage Fund is one of the ways we honour that commitment.
Investing in Lasting Community Impact
At Bulkley Valley Credit Union, our cooperative structure means we reinvest in the people and places that shape our region. The Community Patronage Fund helps us do that by supporting capital projects that create lasting, visible improvements – places to gather, play, learn, and connect.
These projects reflect our mission to build healthy, sustainable communities and our commitment to strengthening the long‑term wellbeing of the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District.
For smaller initiatives, events, and grassroots efforts, our four Community Support Committees continue to offer year‑round assistance. Together, these programs ensure that community impact happens at every level
What the Fund Supports
The Community Patronage Fund is designed for capital or physical projects of approximately $10,000 or larger, that create long‑lasting, visible benefit within our communities. Projects must align with at least one of our mandate areas.
Mandate Areas:
- Reconciliation
- Financial Literacy
- Climate Sustainability
- Physical Activity
- Economic Development
- Community Benefit
- Youth & Education
Examples of Eligible Projects:
- Playground or park upgrades
- Community facility improvements
- Public art installations or murals
- Trails, outdoor recreation spaces, or accessibility enhancements
- Equipment or infrastructure that provides long‑term community use
- Signage, wayfinding, or community beautification projects
What the Fund is Not Intended For:
- Events, festivals, or one‑time activities
- Programs, workshops, or ongoing operational costs
- Fundraisers or sponsorship requests
- Short‑term or temporary installations
- Projects without a physical or visual community benefit
- Projects outside BVCU’s market area (Bulkley Valley & Lakes District)
If your project is smaller in scale or focused on events or programming, our Community Project Funding may be a better fit.
Who Can Apply:
- Registered non‑profits
- Registered charities
- Social enterprises
- Indigenous communities and organizations
- Municipalities
- Community organizations
Applicants must be located within BVCU’s market area. Membership is not required, but is encouraged.
Recognition Requirements
Because this fund supports capital projects, we ask that funded projects include prominent, durable recognition of Bulkley Valley Credit Union’s contribution. Examples include:
- Plaques
- Permanent signage
- Naming rights
- Other visible acknowledgements
Application Timeline
Applications are accepted annually January 1st through September 30th.
Funding decisions are generally made by October 31st. Projects needing earlier consideration may be reviewed throughout the application window.
Reporting Requirements
Successful applicants must:
- Provide progress updates if requested
- Submit a final impact report once the project is complete
This helps us understand the impact of the fund and share stories with our members and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum project size?
Yes. Projects should be approximately $10,000 or larger.
Can businesses apply?
Social enterprises may apply if the project provides broad community benefit.
Can the fund support events or programs?
No. This fund is for capital or physical projects only. For smaller-scale projects or community events/programs, apply for funding via our Community Support Committee.
Do applicants need to be BVCU members?
No, but membership is always welcome.
Can I apply if my project is still in early planning?
Yes. Some fields in the application form are optional for early‑stage projects, but a budget and supporting documents are required.