More than $450,000 in funding will be available for the non-profit sector this year through the Comox Valley Community Foundation’s next granting programs.
The funding, which supports the programs, services, and initiatives of Comox Valley non-profit organizations, will be distributed between August 2024 and March 2025 through four grant streams to eligible organizations.
“This annual funding exists in the Comox Valley thanks to the generosity of so many individuals, families and businesses who give through the Community Foundation,” says Jolean Finnerty, Executive Director of the Foundation. “It’s an honour to steward these gifts back into the community where they can immediately support organizations who are working to make a difference every single day.”
Distribution of funding will continue to follow a trust-based and community-informed approach through four granting streams:
• $300,000 Community Enrichment Grants
The Community Enrichment Grants program is an open application that prioritizes funding and impact toward three focus areas:
1) Mental health and connection
2) Food insecurity and food systems
3) Equity, diversity and inclusion
• $50,000 Housing Insecurity & Homelessness
Housing insecurity, housing affordability and homelessness continue to be among the most critical issues facing vulnerable community members in the Comox Valley. Funding will be distributed in partnership with the Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness.
• $50,000 Environment and Conservation
Support for environmental initiatives that conserve and protect the Comox Valley’s natural environment will take place in early 2025 via a community table, comprised of environment- and conservation-focused organizations.
• $50,000 Adults with Diverse Abilities
This annual funding supports recreation and social programming for adults within the diverse abilities’ community thanks to dedicated funds like the Developmental Disabilities Fund established to promote well-being of adults with diverse abilities living in the Comox Valley. Grant amounts will be determined in Fall 2024 by the organizations who deliver the programming in community.
Focus areas for all community granting programs are informed through a variety of community listening initiatives, including the Foundation’s 2024 Non-Profit Sector Survey, which identified mental health, food insecurity, housing insecurity and homelessness, (EDI) equity, diversity and inclusion, and environment/conservation among its top categories for community need.
How to Apply
Community Grants are intended to fund programs, services, and operating activities offered by registered charities and other qualified donees whose work benefits community wellbeing within the Comox Valley. The Community Enrichment Grants online application portal opens on Monday, August 19, 2024. To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, visit: https://cvcfoundation.org.
There’s Still Time to Give
The Foundation is asking individuals and local businesses who are able to give to consider a charitable gift to the Community Fund before December 31 to help bridge the anticipated shortfall of funding for this year’s granting programs.
“A heart-breaking shortfall exists every year, where the funding requests we receive from highly deserving non-profit organizations are $200,000 or more than the current funding available,” says Finnerty. “Any contribution toward this year’s granting programs would truly make a lasting impact in the community by providing immediate support where it is needed now.”
To learn more or donate online, visit cvcfoundation.org or call 250-338-8444.
