Community-informed funding invests in essential services and the organizations delivering them
More than $450,000 in new grant funding will be available to nonprofits serving the Comox Valley through the Comox Valley Community Foundation’s 2026-27 community granting programs.
This year, eligible organizations will have two new ways to access support: multi-year grants of up to $30,000 per year for three years and a dedicated Nonprofit Capacity Building stream that invests in the strength and sustainability of local organizations.
The new funding options reflect findings from the Foundation’s spring 2026 Nonprofit Sector Survey. More than 80 local nonprofits shared their perspectives on urgent community needs, the challenges involved in addressing them, and the types of funding that would help them respond most effectively.
“This year’s funding priorities recognize that meeting urgent community needs requires strategic investment in both essential programs and the organizations that deliver them,” says Jolean Finnerty, Executive Director of the Comox Valley Community Foundation.
The Foundation’s Community Enrichment Grants will provide $350,000 in funding through two streams:
- Community Needs: Funding for work addressing 1) housing stability and basic needs and
2) mental health and social connection. Organizations may apply for a single-year grant of
up to $20,000 or multi-year funding of up to $30,000 per year for three years. - Nonprofit Capacity Building: Funding of up to $20,000 to strengthen the people, systems, governance, planning or long-term resilience of organizations serving the community.
An additional $50,000 will support the continuation of collaborative environment and conservation initiatives, and $50,000 will support recreation and social programming for adults with diverse abilities. These funds will be distributed through invitation-based community tables involving organizations working in each area.
“This funding exists in the Comox Valley thanks to many individuals, families, businesses, and partners who give. By pooling these donations, the Foundation can invest in strong nonprofits and the essential work they do to help the Comox Valley thrive,” says Finnerty.
Community Enrichment Grant applications open August 10 and close September 25, 2026, at 5 p.m. Registered charities and other eligible nonprofits whose work benefits the Comox Valley are encouraged to review the complete funding guidelines and apply here.
