Strengthening the Community Sector: Thriving Non-Profits in NL

The Office to Advance Women Apprentices faced a common dilemma in the nonprofit sector: how to generate revenue while staying true to their mission. For fifteen years, they had never charged admission to their annual gala. But after participating in the Thriving Non-Profits (TNP) program – a comprehensive revenue diversification education program – they took a new approach: introducing ticket sales while maintaining accessibility through special rates for apprentices. 

The result? Over $9,000 in new revenue from tickets and sponsorships – money that will directly support their mission of increasing employment opportunities for women in skilled trades. 

This transformation exemplifies the impact of the TNP program, brought to Newfoundland and Labrador through a partnership between the Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (CFNL), Community Sector Council of NL (CSCNL), Scale Collaborative, and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

A New Approach to Financial Sustainability 

“After reading hundreds of grant applications, we consistently saw revenue diversification as a major challenge for local organizations,” explains Nicole Dawe, Executive Director of CFNL. “We recognized that in addition to funding, our sector needed capacity-building support to create sustainable revenue strategies. We’re really grateful to be part of the partnership that brought this solution to the province after seeing other Community Foundations’ success with this program across the country.”

The program’s first Newfoundland and Labrador cohort brought together eleven diverse organizations from across the province, from animal welfare advocates to historical societies, each grappling with the challenge of financial sustainability. Over six months, participants explored nine revenue diversification strategies: social enterprise, donations, grants, fee for service, events, leverage, contracts, partnerships, and assets. The program was developed by Scale Collaborative and was delivered in NL with the Community Sector Council of NL through its Social Innovation Lab. 

For the Trinity Historical Society, founded in 1964 to safeguard the area’s heritage, the program sparked a major shift in perspective. “The exposure to the various topics has facilitated ‘out of the box’ thinking for new revenue opportunities rather than simply maintaining the status quo,” shares Sharon Jeans, Secretary-Director. The Society now views its historical assets not just as artifacts to protect, but as resources that could generate lasting income to support their mission.

Nicole Holland, Regional Tourism Development Officer at Green Bay Regional Tourism Association, found the program transformative for their new organization. “The program has proven itself to be an invaluable resource to secure the best practices in moving us forward not only with strength but sustainability,” she shares. This growth was supported by the program’s one-on-one coaching component, where experienced mentors helped translate learning into action. 

Building Resilient Futures 

 “We are in awe of the impact Thriving Non-Profits has had on our inaugural cohort, but it does not just end at the organization level,” reflects Colin Corcoran, CEO of CSCNL. “These organizations have validated the need to invest in the capacity of our sector by expanding their revenue generation toolbox with a view of financial sustainability. By building a more resilient community sector which can take better control of its resources, we can respond to changes in demand and contribute to more vibrant communities. Instead of doing more with less, how can we get to doing enough with enough? That is the question we at CSCNL are actively exploring, including what comes next for positive sector transformation.”  

Looking Ahead 

Congratulations to the first NL Cohort of Thriving Non-Profits. We can’t wait to see the community impact that will grow from your investment to strengthen your financial sustainability. With the success of the first cohort, plans are already underway for future programs. Stay tuned to CSCNL for more. 

“We know that many organizations in the community sector are seeking to increase their capacity,” said the Hon. Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology. “The Thriving Non-Profits Program has helped organizations explore different revenue-diversification strategies through workshops and coaching sessions. Participants finished the program with an organizational action plan for revenue diversification. This plan will allow the organizations to operate more strategically and confidently, strengthening their resiliency. The Provincial Government recognizes the indispensable value the community sector provides, and my department was proud to partner on this important project.”

Through the Thriving Non-Profits program, these partners are helping create a future where community organizations can focus less on survival and more on impact. As the first cohort graduates and new organizations prepare to begin their journey, one thing is clear: Newfoundland and Labrador’s community sector is embracing a new way of thinking about revenue generation, impact, and community service. You can read the full Impact Report on the positive difference this initiative is making here. 

The first NL cohort of the Thriving Non-Profits Program was funded by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Industry, Energy and Technology and CFNL’s Community Fund. The Community Fund allows CFNL to support communities across the province to respond to pressing challenges and opportunities. You can learn more about donating to the Community Fund or becoming a fund holder that supports the Community Fund here. 

Collaborations bring incredible value to our community. Learn more about the partners: 

Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador

Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Scale Collaborative 

Check out Thriving Non-Profits to see how it can support your organization or region. 

CFNL Recruiting New Board Members (Deadline March 23)

The Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (CFNL) is building an enduring legacy to strengthen the quality of life in our province.

CFNL is recruiting 2-3 members to join its board of directors. New members have an exciting opportunity to shape an organization with national relevance while grounding it in the beauty and strengths of people who care about Newfoundland and Labrador and the place that’s given us all so much. 

Sharing Your Gifts

Our Board works as a team, and each member has different experiences and skills. We are looking for the following to add to the existing board’s strengths. 

• Experience/knowledge with legal and regulatory matters concerning not-for-profit corporations and charitable foundations
• Individuals living in or with connections to communities outside of the Northeast Avalon

All Board members should have the following:

• 5-10 hours per month to dedicate to CFNL work over a 3-year term
• A commitment to creating spaces of inclusion and belonging in their personal and professional lives. 

NOTE: Applications from people living anywhere in Newfoundland and Labrador or who live outside the province and have strong connections to NL are welcome. Meetings are conducted remotely or in a hybrid format. CFNL supports board members from outside the NE Avalon with travel costs to attend one meeting in person per year. Meetings currently take place on Wednesdays every other month, over the lunch hour (NT). CFNL does revisit its board meeting timing on an annual basis. 

Share Your Interest By March 23, 2025

We ask all applicants to answer these questions as part of their expression of interest:

1. Why are you interested in CFNL’s mission and its work? 
2. Tell us what skills and experience you can contribute to the Board. See above for a list of current priority skillsets and backgrounds. 
3. How do you commit to creating spaces of inclusion and belonging? 

Submit your expression of interest by March 23, 2025. You can use any of the following formats:

• 1-2 page letter – submit to info@cfnl.ca
• 5-7 minute video recording – submit to info@cfnl.ca as an attachment or link.
• A recorded conversation with the Executive Director by phone or Zoom (approximately 20 minutes) – contact Nicole Dawe at ndawe@cfnl.ca or (709) 221-1030 or book a time here before March 21. 
• Optional – Submit a resume or CV. 

All applicants will be notified within six weeks of the deadline. Successful applicants will be brought forward as a slate of nominations at CFNL’s AGM in early May 2025. 

About The Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador

The Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador’s (CFNL) vision is thriving Newfoundland and Labrador communities where everyone belongs. We realize this by inspiring generosity in those with Newfoundland and Labrador on their hearts and connecting them with diverse resources, ideas and people to invest in the possibility of this place together.

Established in 2001, CFNL stewards more than $2.5 million in philanthropic investment for the benefit of the province, has facilitated granting of over $4 million since 2017 and leads community knowledge initiatives like NL Vital Signs. We’re part of Community Foundations of Canada (CFC), the national network for Canada’s 200+ community foundations that, combined, stewards $7 billion in resources and reaches 90 percent of the country’s geography.

With open minds and hearts, CFNL serves as a bridge to connect resources, ideas and people to make our hopes for this province a reality now and into the future. Our work takes place in three areas:

1. Donor Services – Flexible and tailored stewardship of funds for individuals, corporations and charities.
2. Granting – Making grants from funds stewarded by CFNL and through granting partnerships as part of the Community Foundations of Canada network. 
3. Community Leadership – Connecting diverse people, ideas and resources through initiatives like NL Vital Signs and participating in a wide array of local, regional and national conversations about the community sector and philanthropy.  

Apply for Free Housing Development Supports – Deadline March 7

Giving Back this Holiday Season

It’s the Giving Season. Many of us give and receive so much at this time of year.  

We’re excited to share some inspiration for community generosity. We’ll keep adding to this list. Reach out to us at info@cfnl.ca if you have something you’d like to share.  

For more inspiration, listen to CBC NL’s The Signal from Giving Tuesday to hear CFNL’s Executive Director, Nicole Dawe, and other guests share many ideas about how to give back this holiday season. 

As we approach the tax receipt deadline of December 31, we’re here to help with supporting your giving, too. Please feel free to call or email if we can support you.

Giving Tuesday Events & Initiatives

December 3, 2024, is Giving Tuesday. It follows Black Friday and Cyber Monday and is an opportunity to focus on giving back rather than getting. 

Many charities have special matching or other initiatives that kick off on Giving Tuesday; make sure you check in on your favourites. Online giving is going to be especially important for all charities this year as organizations across the country paused direct mail campaigns because of the Canada Post strike. Many charities receive a large portion of their donations during the final two months of the year. Pay special attention to your email and social media for special opportunities to give back. 

1) Give Kindness  – Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbour or stranger out, standing up for an issue, community or cause that you care about, there are many ways you can give back. Here are 50 acts of kindness ideas to get you inspired. 

2) CanadaHelps Gift Cards  – Many people like to give gift cards at this time of year. CanadaHelps has you covered with gift cards that allow the recipient to make a donation to any charity in Canada. Also great for birthdays and other celebrations. 🙂

3) Creative Gifts for Everyone – Check out Business and Arts NL’s annual holiday gift guide to find 230 local and unique gifts created by 78 creatives from across the province. Local handcrafted gifts for everyone on your list! Whether you’re looking for something contemporary or a bit more traditional, this gift guide includes items for every age, style and budget.

A Mother’s Gift: The Andrea Powell Memorial Scholarship shapes futures at Holy Trinity High

At Holy Trinity High School in Torbay, a new scholarship is doing more than easing the financial burden of post-secondary education – it’s creating a lasting bridge between a mother’s legacy and young women’s futures.

The Andrea Powell Memorial Scholarship, established following Andrea’s sudden passing in 2017, awards $10,000 to female graduates pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, Math or other related field of education. But its origins lie in something deeper than academic support.

A Legacy of Supporting Women

“Andrea was always in the background, always there supporting,” says Jason Kelly, Andrea’s husband. “She was really passionate about young women getting ahead. That’s why we dedicated this scholarship to female students – I know that’s what she would have wanted.”

The selection process looks beyond a candidate’s academics to consider community involvement and leadership – qualities that defined Andrea’s approach to life. 

Community Rallies Together

The scholarship’s foundation began with overwhelming community support. An initial celebration of life event raised nearly $50,000, helping create the scholarship, a family room and emergency room equipment at the Health Sciences Centre’s Intensive Care Unit. Kelly’s band, Last Plaid Heroes, also continues this support through benefit concerts. “We’ve gotten tremendous support from the community of Torbay and really the Northeast Avalon,” says Kelly. “It just shows how close the community is when there’s a real need.”

Making a Difference, One Student at a Time

This year’s first recipient, Aysia Gallant, embodies the scholarship’s dual emphasis on academic achievement and community service. From fifteen applicants, a committee of school and family representatives selected Gallant based on criteria beyond academics. “It’s about congeniality, what you do for your community, whether that’s through sports, volunteerism, anything really,” Kelly explains.

For Gallant, now studying Primary Care Paramedicine at the College of the North Atlantic, the award carries both practical and personal significance. “I was shocked when my name was called,” she recalls, noting how the financial support has eased family tensions about education costs. “It means less work on my mother trying to pay for all of it,” Gallant explains. “We had this never-ending battle about me wanting to help with the costs.”

As a member of the Pouch Cove Volunteer Fire Department for nearly two years, Gallant demonstrates the kind of civic engagement that defined Andrea’s own life. Her vision extends beyond emergency response to advocating for better patient care. “I’ve always loved helping people,” she says. “I want to be a patient advocate, ensuring they get the care they need. I don’t want them to just be treated as a regular patient without making sure they’re actually okay.”

Beyond Financial Support

To honour Andrea’s memory, Gallant had her school backpack embroidered with “In Memory and Honour of Andrea Powell” – a gesture that touched the Kelly family. The connection between recipient and donors continues to grow, with Kelly sending encouragement on Gallant’s first day of classes.

The scholarship’s impact extends beyond individual recipients. At Holy Trinity High School, it has sparked increased interest in community involvement among students. The school’s guidance department has noted how the scholarship’s criteria encourage students to think beyond academics and consider their broader role in society.

Kelly and his sons keep Andrea’s memory alive through family dinners on special dates like Mother’s Day and her birthday. The scholarship represents another dimension of this remembrance. “It’s a little bit of good coming out of something horrible that happened to our family,” Kelly reflects. “We’re not just touching that one individual that’s getting the scholarship; it’s their family, too.”

Looking Ahead

The next scholarship will be awarded in 2028, coinciding with the graduation of Kelly’s younger son from Holy Trinity. While fundraising continues for the second award, Kelly acknowledges the initiative’s eventual conclusion. “We’ve done a lot over the last few years. By 2028, we’ll be 10 or 11 years into it, and that’s good. Andrea’s memory will live on.”

Through this scholarship, young women pursuing STEM education carry forward not just financial support, but the spirit of a mother who believed in their potential and the power of giving back to community.

—

You can donate to the Andrea Powell Memorial Scholarship here. Learn more about how CFNL can be a partner in your generosity with our Giving Guide.  

2024 Perry Cup Golf Tournament Success

On July 22-24, 2024, friends and family came together at the Terra Nova Golf Resort to participate in The Perry Cup Golf Tournament, a biannual event held to celebrate the life and legacy of Guy Perry. The event raised over $1,600 in support of the Guy Perry Memorial Scholarship Fund, awarded annually to a meritorious graduating student at Pearson Academy in New-Wes-Valley. This year’s event also paid special tribute to the memory of Derrick Bragg, a dear friend who also dedicated his life to community and public service.

Learn more about how CFNL can support your generosity with the Giving Guide. 

Community Fund Spotlight: Connections for Newcomer Youth

Investing in Movement for NL Communities

CFNL is excited to participate in this year’s Kia Communities in Motion. With a commitment to fostering inclusivity and innovation, Kia Communities in Motion continues to empower communities nationwide. In partnership with Community Foundations of Canada (CFC), Kia Communities in Motion is a grassroots initiative that supports local projects that are building inclusive communities through innovative programming that encourages movement. Learn more about the program here. 

Each year, five community foundations from across the country are selected to utilize their deep understanding of community needs to guide granting for the program. This year, two projects were funded with $22,125 each in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Mokami Status of Women Council & End Sexual Violence NL: Fireweed Counselling Collective—This project aims to fulfill the dream of creating a more supportive environment for gender-based violence survivors in Labrador by providing specialized training and support to mental health practitioners. The project is grounded in the collaborative ethos of the Labrador Cares Coalition, where collective care serves as the creative backbone.

Trans Support NL: TransEmpowerNL: Advocacy Collective—Through skill-building workshops, networking events, and grants for local initiatives, the project aims to empower trans and gender-diverse participants, fostering community connections and equipping them to confidently self-advocate.

2024 CFNL Board Call for Nominations

CFNL is recruiting members to join its board of directors. 

New members have an exciting opportunity to shape an organization with national relevance while grounding it in the beauty and strengths of the people who call Newfoundland and Labrador home and the place that’s given us all so much. 

Sharing Your Gifts

Our Board works as a team, and each member has different experiences and skills. We are looking for the following to add to the existing board’s strengths. 

• Experience/knowledge with legal and regulatory matters concerning not-for-profit corporations and charitable foundations.
• Lived experience not already represented at the Board table, especially individuals who live outside the Northeast Avalon and/or identify as being part of an equity-deserving community, such as racialized or Indigenous persons, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, persons with disabilities and immigrants to the province. 

All Board members should have the following:

• 5-10 hours per month to dedicate to CFNL work over a 3-year term
• A commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in their personal and professional lives. 

NOTE: Applications from people living anywhere in Newfoundland and Labrador or who live outside the province and have strong connections to NL are welcome. Meetings are conducted remotely or in a hybrid format. 

Share Your Interest By April 19, 2024

We ask all applicants to answer these questions as part of their expression of interest:

1. Why are you interested in CFNL’s mission and its work? 
2. Tell us what skills and experience you can contribute to the Board. See above for a list of current priority skillsets and backgrounds. 
3. How do you commit to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion? 

Submit your expression of interest by April 19, 2024. You can use any of the following formats

• 1-2 page letter – submit to info@cfnl.ca
• 5-10 minute video recording – submit to info@cfnl.ca as an attachment or link.
• A recorded conversation with the Executive Director by phone or zoom (approximately 20 minutes) – contact Nicole Dawe at ndawe@cfnl.ca or (709) 221-1030 or book a time here before April 19. 
• Optional – Submit a resume or CV. 

Selected applicants will be notified within six weeks of the deadline and brought forward as a slate of nominations at CFNL’s AGM in late May or early June. 

About The Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador

The Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador’s (CFNL) vision is thriving Newfoundland and Labrador communities where everyone belongs. We support this by stewarding funds and connecting diverse people, ideas and resources.  

Established in 2001, CFNL stewards more than $2 million in philanthropic investment for the benefit of the province, has facilitated granting of over $4 million since 2017 and leads community knowledge initiatives like NL Vital Signs. We’re part of Community Foundations of Canada (CFC), the national network for Canada’s 200+ community foundations that, combined, stewards $7 billion in resources and reaches 90 percent of the country’s geography.

Our work takes place in three areas:

1. Donor Services – stewarding funds on behalf of donors and charities. 
2. Granting – Making grants from funds stewarded by CFNL and through granting partnerships as part of the Community Foundations of Canada network. 
3. Community Leadership – Connecting diverse people, ideas and resources through initiatives like NL Vital Signs and participating in a wide array of local, regional and national conversations about the community sector and philanthropy.  

2023 Giving Season Ideas

It’s the Giving Season. For many of us, we give and receive so much at this time of year as we move through many holiday celebrations.  

We’re excited to highlight the way many community organizations are inviting you to get involved in Giving Back this holiday season. We’ll keep adding to this list. Reach out to us at info@cfnl.ca if you would like us to add your initiative.  

For more inspiration, listen to a recent episode of CBC NL’s The Signal to hear Adam Walsh and guests Tammy Davis (Giving Tuesday), Heather Spratt (Dollar A Day Foundation), and Jodi Richard (Bridges to Hope) talk about many ideas of how to give back at this time of year. 

Giving Tuesday (November 28) Events & Initiatives

November 28, 2023, is Giving Tuesday. It follows Black Friday and Cyber Monday and is an opportunity to focus on giving back rather than getting. 

Many charities have special matching or other initiatives happening on Giving Tuesday; make sure you check in on your favourites or visit NL Gives. We wanted to highlight the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation and Quadrangle NL, two of the NL Gives charities participating in this local Giving Tuesday initiative. 

For those in St. John’s, Stella’s Circle is hosting their annual Light Up Hope event on November 28 in the evening and matching donations received on Giving Tuesday. 

If you have young readers in your life, get one of SucSeed’s Sustainable Superhero books; if you purchase between November 24 and December 1, a book will be donated to Ronald McDonald House NL. 

1) Community Clothing  – This holiday season, you can purchase an All I Want for Christmas is Housing for Everyone sweater or get your gifts wrapped by Make Waves Collective on December 17 at The Annex in Mount Pearl, with a portion of the profits from both going to unhoused individuals living at Tent City in St. John’s. 

2) CanadaHelps Gift Cards  – Many people like to give gift cards at this time of year. CanadaHelps has you covered with gift cards that allow the recipient to make a donation to any charity in Canada. Also great for birthdays and other celebrations. 🙂

3) Creative Gifts for Everyone – Check out Business and Arts NL’s annual holiday gift giving guide to find 250 local and unique gifts created by 89 creatives from across the province.