Community Enrichment Grants

Community Enrichment Grants applications are open August 10 to September 25 2026.

COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT GRANTS SUPPORT VITAL INITIATIVES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO OVERALL COMMUNITY WELLBEING.

This annual grant stream supports the programs, services, and initiatives of eligible Comox Valley non-profit organizations. Community-informed focus areas are set every three years to prioritize funding toward areas of considerable need in the Comox Valley.

What are the funding priorities for 2026 – 2028?

Applications that are directly linked to at least one of the following priorities will be accepted through the Community Enrichment Grants. This year, there are two application streams:

Stream 1

Housing Stability & Basic Needs

Activities and organizations that help people secure and maintain safe housing while meeting essential day-to-day needs that support well-being and stability.

Mental Health & Social Connection

Activities and organizations that strengthen emotional well-being, reduce isolation and foster belonging, resilience, and supportive relationships in the community.

Stream 2

Non-Profit Capacity Building

Activities that strengthen an organization’s ability to fulfil its mission effectively and sustainably over time.

Equity deserving populations and communities include groups who identify barriers to equal access, opportunities and resources due to disadvantage and discrimination. This could include attitudinal, historic, social and environmental barriers based on age, ethnicity, disability, economic status, Indigeneity, gender identity and gender expression, nationality, race, sexual orientation, etc.

How do I apply for a grant?

Eligible organizations can submit applications online through the Grants Portal by clicking the white button below from Monday, August 10 to Friday, September 25, 2026 at 5pm. Check out our Applicant Guides below for all the information you need to apply.

Click Here to Access Grants Portal

2026 Stream 1: Housing Stability & Basic Needs, Mental Health & Social Connection Applicant Guide

Click here for PDF version.

Stream 2 Application Guide below.

Grants Overview Stream 1: Housing Stability & Basic Needs, Mental Health & Social Connection

In 2026/27, Stream 1 of the Community Enrichment Grants has two focus areas;

Housing Stability & Basic Needs
Mental Health & Social Connection

These grants help registered charities and nonprofit organizations respond to some of the Comox Valley’s most pressing and interconnected community challenges. These grants support programs, services, and initiatives that improve access to safe housing and essential needs while strengthening emotional well-being, reducing social isolation, and fostering belonging across our community.

These two focus areas recognize that housing, food security, mental health, and social connection are closely linked. Stable housing and access to basic needs create the foundation for well-being, while meaningful relationships, inclusion, and mental wellness help individuals, families, and communities thrive. Funding supports organizations working across one or both focus areas to create lasting, positive change. This integrated approach reflects local community priorities and recognizes that many organizations respond to multiple, interconnected needs.

This grant stream offers flexible support to help organizations:

Prevent and respond to housing instability and homelessness;
Help people maintain safe, stable housing;
Improve access to food and other essential basic needs;
Strengthen mental health, emotional well-being, and resilience;
Reduce social isolation and foster belonging through supportive relationships;
Deliver culturally grounded, Indigenous-led, and equity-centred services; and
Support people and families facing complex or intersecting barriers to well-being.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible organizations meet the following criteria:

Your organization and its programs or services directly impact the Comox Valley as defined by the geographic boundaries of School District 71. Organizations located outside the Comox Valley must clearly demonstrate how funds benefit and will primarily be used within the Comox Valley.
Your organization is one of the following:
- Registered charity as defined by Canada Revenue Agency,
- First Nation, municipality, or public body performing a function of government in Canada,
- Registered non-profit society as defined by the Societies Act of British Columbia working in partnership with a registered charity and complete a charitable partnership agreement,
And, if your organization is a past Community Foundation grant recipient, you have completed final reports from all previous grants (2023 and prior). If your organization is a current grant recipient, final reports for your current (2024) grant are due by December 2025.

If you have questions about eligibility, please contact us to learn more.

Unsure of what type of organization you are?

Here are some databases that may help you search your organization and confirm your organization type:

For registered charities:

CRA database of qualified donees

For First Nations, municipalities, or public bodies performing a function of government:

List of municipal or public bodies performing a function of government in Canada registered as qualified donees

For non-profit societies in BC:

OrgBook BC

What are examples activities for each funding priority ?

Housing Stability & Basic Needs Activities and organizations that help people secure and maintain safe housing while meeting essential day-to-day needs that support well-being and stability.

Homelessness prevention, housing navigation, outreach, emergency shelter, and transitional or supportive housing-related services
Tenant support, rent or utility assistance, and other services that help people maintain stable housing
Food security programs, meal access, community kitchens, and other low-barrier essential services
Poverty reduction supports and practical assistance that help meet immediate basic needs
Indigenous-led, culturally grounded, and equity-centred organizations serving people who face disproportionate barriers, including seniors, youth, families, people with disabilities, and people experiencing complex or intersecting vulnerabilities

Examples might include, but are not limited to:

Expanding a housing outreach or housing navigation program for people at risk of homelessness
Delivering rent bank, utility assistance, or eviction prevention supports for low-income households
Increasing meal programs, food hampers, or community kitchen access in underserved neighbourhoods
Creating low-barrier access to hygiene supplies, clothing, transportation, or other essential needs
Providing culturally grounded housing or basic-needs supports for Indigenous people, youth, seniors, or people with disabilities

Mental Health & Social Connection

Activities and organizations activities that strengthen emotional well-being, reduce isolation, and foster belonging, resilience, and supportive relationships in the community.

Counselling, peer support, early intervention, and low-barrier mental health or wellness services
Programs that reduce social isolation and strengthen belonging for youth, seniors, families, and other community members
Community-based spaces, groups, and activities that foster connection, inclusion, resilience, and relationship-building
Substance use-related wellness, harm reduction, recovery support, and wraparound services that contribute to overall well-being
Indigenous-led, culturally grounded, and equity-centred organizations supporting people who face barriers to mental health support, connection, and belonging

Examples may include, but are not limited to:

Launching or expanding peer support, counselling access, or community-based mental wellness programming
Creating social connection programs for seniors, youth, caregivers, or other groups experiencing isolation
Offering group-based wellness, arts, recreation, or cultural activities that strengthen belonging and connection
Developing low-barrier substance use support, harm reduction, or recovery-focused programming
Providing culturally grounded and community-led mental health supports for people facing systemic or intersecting barriers

What types of expenses are eligible for funding?

Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to:

General operating costs
Staffing
Program adaptation
Technology upgrades and adaptation
Projects, programs or initiatives
Modest capital costs critical to the organization fulfilling its mission (including purchasing or upgrading physical assets including technology, safety equipment, vehicles, office equipment, etc.)

If you are unsure if your expenses are eligible, please contact us.

What is a general operating request?

General operating requests include expenses incurred through normal operations such as rent, heating, insurance, honorariums, staffing, and equipment costs. If you are unsure if your general operating costs are eligible, please contact us.

What activities are NOT eligible for funding?

Scholarships or bursaries
Activities of religious or sectarian organizations that serve only their membership and/or direct religious purposes. Activities of such organizations must demonstrate a benefit to the broader community, have a physical presence in community and existing positive reputation to be eligible.
Political activities, specifically directly or indirectly supporting or opposing a political party or candidate for public office
The establishment of or addition to endowment funds
The establishment of or addition to operating reserves
Organizations or initiatives that discriminate based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, or disability.

Can I apply for more than one grant?

Organizations may submit one grant application per calendar year, regardless of grant stream. In addition to their own application, organizations may also serve as the fiscal sponsor for one or more registered non-profit societies.

Organizations awarded a three-year grant are not eligible to submit additional grant applications until their three-year funding term has ended.

How much funding can be requested and for how long?

Community Enrichment Grants Stream 1: Housing Stability & Basic Needs and Mental Health & Social Connection offer both single-year and three-year funding. Applicants should select the option that best reflects the nature of their work.

The three-year funding option is available only during the 2026/27 grant cycle. In 2027/28 and 2028/29, funding for these focus areas will be offered through single-year grants only.

Single-Year Grants provides up to $20,000 to support projects, programs, services, or activities that can be completed within one year or where funding needs may change over time.
Three-Year Grants provide up to $30,000 per year for three years to support ongoing work that benefits from greater stability, continuity, and long-term planning.

Organizations receiving a three-year grant will not be eligible to apply for additional grants until their three-year funding term is complete.

What questions are on the application?

Before applying, you can view the application questions and budget template.

How are applications evaluated?

All eligible applications will be reviewed by a Grants Advisory Taskforce, which is a committee comprised of individuals selected for their experience, community knowledge, and understanding of the non-profit sector in the Comox Valley. The taskforce will use the common rubric below to support funding decisions.

Questions reviewers will use to guide funding decisions	Questions you’ll answer on the application
How clearly does the proposal define its primary goal, and how well does it align with the stated objectives of the grant?	Proposal Overview What is the primary goal of your proposal?
How effectively does the proposal demonstrate the project’s significance and its alignment with the granting focus area(s)?	Focus Area Why is this proposal significant to your organization and how does it address your identified grant focus area(s)
How detailed, clear and feasible is the proposed plan of action in achieving the stated goals.	Proposal Details – One Year Grant Please describe your plan in detail, outlining the specific actions and steps you will take to achieve your proposal’s goals.ORProposal Details – Three-Year Grants Please describe your plan in detail for year one/two/three, outlining the specific actions and steps you will take to achieve your proposals’ goal.
How clearly does the proposal address the potential consequences or missed opportunities if the proposal is not implemented?	Impact What will be the impact to the community if this proposal is not implemented?
How effectively does the proposal outline clear, measurable outcomes and demonstrate their contributions to the projects’ goals and broader impact?	Outcomes What are the anticipated outcomes of your proposal?
Does the application clearly demonstrate that the organization is led by or primarily serves equity-deserving populations, as defined by the program?	Equity-deserving representation Equity-deserving populations and communities include those who experience barriers to equal access, opportunities, and resources due to discrimination or disadvantage. This may include attitudinal, historic, social, or environmental barriers based on (but not limited to) age, ethnicity, disability, economic status, Indigeneity, gender identity and expression, nationality, race, or sexual orientation.Does your organization identify with any of the following? (Check all that apply) ☐ Led by members of equity-deserving populations ☐ Primarily serves equity-deserving populations ☐ Both ☐ Neither / Prefer not to say
How effectively does the proposal demonstrate that the organization applies an equity lens by centering the voices of those with lived experience, and by meaningfully involving them in the project’s planning, leadership, evaluation, and promotion?	Equity Lens Describe ways your organization actively brings an equity lens to its workAn equity lens recognizes that individuals with lived experience know what is best for themselves and their community and that their participation is integral to the success of the program. When the principle is used, the organization’s work is guided by the needs and aspirations of the people being served. Those people served are provided meaningful opportunities for participation in project planning, leadership, evaluation, and promotion.
How well does the proposed budget and other financial resources demonstrate a clear, reasonable and well justified allocation of resources to support the project’s activities and outcomes?	All responses from the following sections: Funding Request, Partial Funding, Budget, Financial Information

What happens after I apply?

September 25, 2026 at 5 pm: All applications are due via the CVCF grants portal.
September: Our team reviews all applications to ensure that applications are eligible and complete. As part of this process, we may reach out with questions about your application.
October – November: Grants Advisory Taskforce reviews eligible applications and provides advisory input. Final funding decisions are made by the Comox Valley Community Foundation.
December: All applicants are notified of funding decisions regardless of status. Funded applicants will receive Conditions of Granting forms for completion. Unfunded applicants will be held on file until January 31, 2027, and continue to be eligible should new funding arise.
December 31, 2026: Final reports are due for the 2025 grants via the Grants Portal.
January 2027: Funds for approved grants are distributed.
December 31, 2027: Final reports are due for the 2026 grants via the Grants Portal.

Tips for Online Grant Applications

1. If you are new to the Grants Portal, please review the CVCF Grants Portal Applicant User Guide before beginning your application.
2. You do not have to finish the application in one session. You may save an application as a draft and continue to edit an application until the deadline.
3. When filling out your application, your responses are saved automatically every 100 characters or every time you click off the field.
4. All questions marked with an asterixis are required.
5. After submitting your application, you can still view it in your dashboard but it will no longer be editable.
6. Unfortunately, incomplete, late, or paper submissions are NOT accepted.

2026 Stream 2: Non-Profit Capacity Building Applicant Guide

Click here for PDF version.

Stream 1 Application Guide above.

Grants Overview Stream 2: Non-Profit Capacity

Capacity Building Grants help registered charities and non-profit organizations strengthen their effectiveness, stability, and long-term community impact. These grants support activities such as strategic planning, governance development, staff and volunteer learning, technology improvements, and other organizational enhancements that help groups adapt, grow, and serve their communities more effectively.

Unlike funding that is directed primarily toward program delivery, capacity building support invests in the internal systems, leadership, infrastructure, technology, and sustainability practices that allow organizations to remain effective and responsive over time. Strong communities depend on strong, well-supported organizations.

This grant stream offers flexible and responsive support to help organizations:

Develop stronger governance and leadership;
Improve operational processes and organizational infrastructure;
Increase fundraising capacity and financial sustainability;
Expand technology, communications, and digital capacity;
Invest in staff, board, and volunteer development;
Strengthen evaluation, learning, and impact measurement;
Build lasting organizational resilience.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible organizations meet the following criteria:

Your organization and its programs or services directly impact the Comox Valley as defined by the geographic boundaries of School District 71. Organizations located outside the Comox Valley must clearly demonstrate how funds benefit and will primarily be used within the Comox Valley.
Your organization is one of the following:
- Registered charity as defined by Canada Revenue Agency,
- First Nation, municipality, or public body performing a function of government in Canada,
- Registered non-profit society as defined by the Societies Act of British Columbia working in partnership with a registered charity and complete a charitable partnership agreement,
And, if your organization is a past Community Foundation grant recipient, you have completed final reports from all previous grants (2023 and prior). If your organization is a current grant recipient, final reports for your current (2024) grant are due by December 2025.

If you have questions about eligibility, please contact us to learn more.

Unsure of what type of organization you are?

Here are some databases that may help you search your organization and confirm your organization type:

For registered charities:

CRA database of qualified donees

For First Nations, municipalities, or public bodies performing a function of government:

List of municipal or public bodies performing a function of government in Canada registered as qualified donees

For non-profit societies in BC:

OrgBook BC

What is capacity building?

Capacity building refers to activities that strengthen an organization’s ability to fulfill its mission effectively and sustainably over time.

Strategic planning, sustainability planning, and theory of change development
Board development, governance review, and policy modernization
Human resources systems, staff development, and workplace policies
Financial management systems, budgeting practices, and internal controls
Technology upgrades, cybersecurity, and software implementation for internal systems
Fundraising strategy, donor stewardship, and communications development
Volunteer recruitment, training, retention, and management systems
Program evaluation, data collection systems, and impact measurement
Equity, accessibility, inclusion, and cultural competency practices
Risk management, legal compliance, and privacy practices
Leadership development, succession planning, and organizational wellness
Partnership development, shared services, and collaboration initiatives
Other capacity-building initiatives not listed above.

What types of projects are eligible for funding?

These examples are intended as guidance only. Organizations are encouraged to propose other activities that clearly strengthen their long-term organizational capacity.

Implementing a client, donor, or contact management system
Developing and launching a new communications or community engagement plan
Upgrading accounting software and strengthening financial reporting practices
Creating, implementing, or adapting a fundraising and donor stewardship strategy
Conducting a governance review through the lens of organizational resilience and effectiveness
Developing a staff training plan, onboarding process, or volunteer handbook
Establishing an evaluation framework with outcome indicators and data collection tools
Reviewing and updating policies related to privacy, accessibility, risk, or human resources
Exploring shared services or formal partnerships with one or more non-profit organizations
Developing a succession plan or leadership transition strategy for key staff and board roles

What types of expenses are eligible?

Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to:

Consultant and facilitator fees;
Training and professional development;
Technology and digital tools;
Staff salaries and employment-related costs related to the grant request;
Contractors and fees for professional services;
Evaluation and planning activities;
Accessibility and inclusion measures;
One – time administrative expenses connected to the funded work.

If you are unsure if your expenses are eligible, please contact us.

What projects are outside the scope of this grant?

Examples of activities that will not be supported by this grant stream:

Costs associated with direct program delivery
Client services
Regular operating costs
Ongoing staff salaries unrelated to the capacity building project
Equipment purchased solely for program delivery
Events or activities that primarily benefit participants rather than organizational capacity
Construction or facility maintenance (unless directly tied to organizational infrastructure improvements)

What activities are not eligible under any CVCF grant program?

Scholarships or bursaries
Activities of religious or sectarian organizations that serve only their membership and/or direct religious purposes. Activities of such organizations must demonstrate a benefit to the broader community, have a physical presence in community and existing positive reputation to be eligible.
Political activities, specifically directly or indirectly supporting or opposing a political party or candidate for public office
The establishment of or addition to endowment funds
The establishment of or addition to operating reserves
Organizations or initiatives that discriminate based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, or disability.