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.

Comox Valley Community Foundation is excited to announce that 39 projects have been funded through this year’s Neighbourhood Small Grants program. The projects, which will take place throughout the Comox Valley, share a total of $12,086 with grants ranging from $166 to $500.

The Neighbourhood Small Grants program is based on a simple but powerful idea – when people feel a sense of connection and belonging in their neighbourhood, they are more likely to be engaged in activities that make it a better place to live. The program is funded by the Vancouver Foundation and administered locally through the Comox Valley Community Foundation. It supports residents of any age, experience, or background to take part in community building.

“We are delighted to continue our support of the Neighbourhood Small Grants program,” said Jolean Finnerty, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “The project leaders consistently bring a wide range of fun and creative ideas forward. These small grants spark meaningful change and leave a lasting impact in our communities.”

A diverse range of projects will take place in 2026, including the creation of a new seed library in Fanny Bay and several neighborhood gatherings throughout Courtenay, Comox, and Cumberland, gardening workshops, new parent gatherings and much more.

2026 Neighbourhood Small Grants Projects

City of Courtenay and Comox Valley Regional District investments help provide $213,377 to 11 organizations through the Comox Valley Community Foundation’s coordinated granting process.

The Comox Valley Community Foundation, the City of Courtenay, and the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), are working together to invest in local nonprofits that improve community wellbeing across the Comox Valley.

In 2026, the City of Courtenay and the CVRD invested a combined $80,000 through the Community Foundation’s granting services. When combined with philanthropic and donor-directed funding, that investment helped deliver $213,377 to 11 local nonprofits.

The shared process helps address community needs, while providing public and private funders access to local expertise, transparent decision-making, and efficient administration. Nonprofits can also apply for multiple funding sources through a single application.

“This funding helps Comox Valley nonprofits reach more people, strengthen essential services, and respond to emerging needs in the Comox Valley,” said Jolean Finnerty, Executive Director of the Comox Valley Community Foundation. “Practical support is reaching people where they need it most—from meals and housing supports to youth programs, newcomer services, and mental health initiatives.”

The funds distributed through these local government partnerships formed part of the Community Foundation’s broader granting programs, which awarded a total of $600,520 to 45 nonprofits and community initiatives this year. Together, these organizations form a safety net that helps people access food, housing supports, recreation, education, social connection and other opportunities to thrive.

The City of Courtenay partnership provided $129,177 to seven organizations, helping expand services and strengthen community wellbeing for City residents.

“Our partnership with the Community Foundation is an investment in the community’s well-being,” said Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells. “By working together, we provide organizations with the support they need to succeed.”

The CVRD partnership provided $84,200 to four organizations that advance social development and improve quality of life across the region.

“The CVRD is proud to partner with the Foundation to support valuable programs and services in the Comox Valley,” said Will Cole-Hamilton, Chair of the Comox Valley Regional District Board. “The regional granting program helps organizations continue the important work of building strong, resilient communities.”

While these partnerships created significant impact, the need was greater than the grants available. Twelve eligible organizations did not receive funding this year, representing a shortfall of $252,480 in community projects and services.

“When community need outpaces resources, every dollar counts,” said Finnerty. “The Comox Valley has been very generous; we are hopeful that more funders, including private foundations and donor-advised fund holders, will join us to support more essential projects and services next year.”

To learn more about the projects, explore the Foundation’s granting programs, or contribute to future community impact, visit cvcfoundation.org.

City of Courtenay
Grant-in-Aid Funding Recipients

• Alano Club of Courtenay
• Comox Bay Care Society (Care-a-Van)
• Comox Valley Head Injury Society
• Comox Valley Recovery Centre Society
• Eureka Support Society
• Multicultural & Immigrant Services Association of North Vancouver Island
• Pride Society of the Comox Valley

Comox Valley Regional District
Grant-in-Aid Funding Recipients

• Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation
• LUSH Valley Food Action Society
• Open Door Language and Culture Society
• Sunday Station Society

New Impact Report Celebrates Community Action Across the Comox Valley

The Comox Valley Community Foundation is pleased to release its 2026 Impact Report, a community publication celebrating the organizations, volunteers, donors, and partners working every day to strengthen life across the Comox Valley.

Distributed throughout the region and available online, the report shares stories of local organizations advancing solutions in food security, youth connection, belonging, accessibility, environmental stewardship, and community wellbeing.

From delivering healthy food to neighbours in need, to creating safe spaces for youth, supporting newcomers, protecting local ecosystems, and expanding access to therapeutic programs, the stories highlight the extraordinary work happening throughout our community.

The publication also celebrates the collective impact of community giving. In 2025/26, funding distributed through the Foundation supported 45 local organizations, 60 students, and 25 neighbourhood projects, helping address both immediate needs and long-term opportunities across the region.

“Stronger Together reflects the many partnerships that make community impact possible,” says Executive Director Jolean Finnerty.

Behind every story is a network of donors, volunteers, nonprofit leaders, funders, and community members working together to create positive change.

As the Foundation marks 30 years of service to the Comox Valley, the report also highlights the enduring power of local philanthropy. Through invested funds that grow over time, community generosity continues to support today’s priorities while creating resources for future generations.

We invite you to explore the stories, celebrate the organizations making a difference, and discover how community giving continues to strengthen the Comox Valley.

Read the 2026 Impact Report

Reports

Want to make charitable conversations easier, more strategic, and more impactful for clients and for our community?

The Comox Valley Community Foundation with presenting partner Coastwood Private Wealth invite professional advisors to an in-person educational and networking session focused on charitable giving strategies, tax efficiency, and community impact.

Designed specifically for estate, tax, and wealth management professionals, this session explores how charitable tools, when used well, can support client goals while strengthening our community.

Program highlights

• Networking reception, appies, wine!
• Impact giving led by Jolean Finnerty, Executive Director, Comox Valley Community Foundation
• Panel discussion with three local charitable experts in estate, tax, and wealth management professions.
  • Andrea Rowe, Senior Associate Counsel, Swift Datoo LLP
  • Donna P. Cloutier, Partner, Cloutier Matthews LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants
  • Matt Beckett, Wealth Advisor, Coastwood Private Wealth
• Interactive Q&A discussion on client scenarios

JOIN US! REGISTER NOW

• Wednesday, May 27, 4 to 6 pm
• Crown Isle Resort Ballroom, Courtenay
• Reserve your complementary seat.

Space is limited. Reserve your complementary seat here: Register now or call 250-338-8444 or email office@cvcfoundation.org.

Do you have a great idea to bring your community together? Grants of up to $500 are now available through the Comox Valley Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program. Applications are open from March 2 to April 9, 2026 at cvcfoundation.org/nsg.

The NSG program—co-funded by the Vancouver Island NSG Network and the Comox Valley Community Foundation—supports small, community member-led projects that foster connection, engagement, and inclusivity.

“Even the smallest ideas can create meaningful change,” says Community Foundation Executive Director Jolean Finnerty. “From craft nights and seed exchanges to neighbourhood parties, art activities, and emergency preparedness demos—these are just some of the past projects that have helped bring neighbours in the Comox Valley closer together.”

Neighbourhood Small Grants help spark creativity and strengthen connections across the Comox Valley. Some past project examples include:

• Sharing the arts – Hosting an accessible choir in the community.
• Celebrating Indigenous culture – Craft nights and traditional food harvesting.
• Intergenerational learning – Youth teaching seniors how to use tablets.
• Growing and eating local food – Mushroom harvesting workshops and community gardening.
• Youth-led initiatives – Senior interviews, reading buddy programs, and care packages.

All NSG projects must be free, inclusive, and open to the community. Funded projects can take place between April and December, but applications close Thursday, April 9, 2026. The process is simple, and no grant-writing experience is needed.

Ready to bring your idea to life?
Visit cvcfoundation.org/nsg to learn more and apply.

Comox Valley Community Foundation is inviting non-profit organizations located in the Comox Valley to share their views on community funding needs through a Focus on Community: Non-Profit Sector Survey that will be open online from February 25 to March 15, 2026.

This survey is one component of an integrated initiative that will help guide priorities for the Community Foundation’s next two-year funding plan starting this August.

“Listening well is part of our responsibility as a community foundation,” says Jolean Finnerty, executive director of the Community Foundation.

“Through the Focus on Community survey, we’re inviting nonprofit leaders to share what they’re seeing on the ground so we can align our next two-year funding priorities with real community needs. We know time is precious, and we’re grateful to those who are able to contribute their insight to help guide this work.”

All charities, societies, and other non-profit organizations located in the Comox Valley are invited to participate no later than Sunday, March 15. Participation in the survey is open to all organizations, regardless of whether they have previously received funding from the Foundation.

Click Here to Start the Survey (5 to 10 minutes)

“We are deeply grateful for all the work that non-profit organizations continue to do in our community, and we appreciate those who are able to make time to share their thoughts with us through this survey.”

The Community Foundation will announce its next Community Granting Programs and application intake in August.