Osprey Community Foundation

Hometown Heroes Wanted!

October 15, 2025

Matching Campaign seeks to raise $75K to invest $150K in future community initiatives 

In 2025, two cornerstones of the Nelson community are celebrating major milestones: Osprey Community Foundation marks 25 years of service, while its long-time partner, Nelson & District Credit Union (NDCU), celebrates an impressive 75 years. To honour these achievements, Osprey and NDCU have launched a special Matching Fund Campaign aimed at doubling community gifts to Osprey’s Community Fund. 

NDCU has pledged $50,000, and Osprey is contributing $25,000 from a recent unrestricted bequest, creating a $75,000 matching fund. The community is now invited to match this amount—raising another $75,000—to unlock a total of $150,000 . 

“We’re asking the community to help us raise $75K in matching funds so we can invest $150K for future generations,” says Tina Choi, Executive Director of Osprey. “Every dollar donated will be doubled and go directly into Osprey’s Community Fund.”  

The Osprey Community Fund is an endowed fund that generates earnings to support a wide range of community priorities year after year. All eligible donations are tax-deductible and will receive a charitable tax receipt. 

The partnership between Osprey and NDCU is longstanding. In 2001, NDCU became the first organization to establish a fund with Osprey. Since then, the Nelson & District Credit Union Fund has grown to over $135,000, distributing more than $57,000 in community grants the past five years alone. 

“This campaign demonstrates our ongoing trust in Osprey’s work and our commitment to ensuring that funding and decision-making remain rooted in the community,” says Tom Atkins, Senior Manager – Member Experience at NDCU. 

Those wishing to make a contribution—knowing their gift will go twice as far—can donate online at ospreycommunityfoundation.ca/invest/ or contact Eden DuPont, Communications & Development Director, at development@ospreycommunityfoundation.ca. 

NDCU Members and community were invited to celebrate NDCU’s 75th anniversary on Thursday, October 16, as part of International Credit Union Day. To mark Osprey’s 25th anniversary, DuPont is also collecting stories and reflections from former board members, fund holders, and community supporters. 

“100 years of combined community building is definitely worth celebrating,” says DuPont. “It’s heart-warming to connect with the generous individuals who have already contributed to the matching fund. We call them our hometown heroes!”