North Shore Recovery Funds: A Community Update

This post is written by the Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Executive Director, Nicole Dawe

Last week, I was grateful to be invited to attend two events on the North Shore of Conception Bay. A town hall organized by the Town of Small Point to Adam’s Cove to provide a report about funds that had been raised to support recovery and the North Shore Volunteer Fire Department’s Firefighters Appreciation Dinner, celebrating and recognizing the courageous volunteer firefighters who responded this Spring and Summer to the many wildfires in this area of the province. 

We’ve been focused on supporting fundraising for the area. After being in the community more last week, it felt like the right time to provide a more detailed update on the recovery funds. It’s our intention to be as transparent as possible about the fundraising and disbursements from these funds. We’re very grateful for the trust that donors, communities, and partners place in CFNL to steward donations. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or feedback: ndawe@cfnl.ca or (709)221-1030. 

Town Hall Recap

At the town hall, CFNL provided a detailed update on fundraising and disbursements for the Recovery Funds it stewards. 

CFNL began supporting the North Shore after the Adam’s Cove Fire in May 2025. At that time, the fund (Adam’s Cove Fire Recovery Fund) was focused on supporting volunteer firefighting equipment and capacity. The entire fund was disbursed in December 2025 to support volunteer firefighting and capacity on the North Shore. 

As this unprecedented wildfire season continued, two more funds emerged in response to what was happening in communities:

• North Shore Fires Recovery Fund – Because of the devastation of the Kingston Fire, communities on the North Shore wished to shift fundraising to support individuals rebuilding their primary residences. Thank you to the many champions of this fund who have been working tirelessly to inspire donations.  No funds have been disbursed from this fund yet. To maximize its impact, it will be used to fill in gaps presented by other funding sources. Once we have more clarity on those other funding sources, we will work to get these funds out into the community with care and integrity. 
• 2025 NL Forest Fires Recovery Fund – As wildfires burned across much of the province, CFNL, along with Community Sector Council of NL, Municipalities NL and United Way of NL, launched a fund intended to support community recovery from wildfire across the province. This was intended as a provincial fund; due to the devastation experienced on the North Shore, the partners have decided to focus the majority of the fund there. No funds have been disbursed from this fund yet. Partners will be working with communities and community leaders in the area to guide disbursements from this fund. 

Recovery Fund Financial Update (October 31, 2025)

Note – CFNL has waived its administration fees for all Recovery funds. 

Firefighters Appreciation Dinner – Saturday, December 6

“Even in the worst situations we find ourselves in, good often emerges. The support for the fire department and our communities is nothing short of remarkable. Our sisters and brothers in volunteer firefighting were with us. This province is full of people who want to help and do everything they can to help our communities recover. Time, energy, and effort were freely given by so many volunteers.”

— Chief Roger Gillingham, North Shore Volunteer Fire Department 

This was a moving and inspiring evening recognizing the many, many extraordinary and caring people who responded to the fires on the North Shore from the first one on Good Friday, in April, to the devastation of the Kingston Fire in August. This included fire departments from Labrador West to Pouch Cove, many of whom were there and recognized on Saturday night. 

Chief Gillingham told us the story of this spring and summer, acknowledging the many people who supported their efforts. You could hear in his remarks and from others why so many had so much respect for the Chief’s clear, caring and compassionate leadership, which was essential throughout this year. A leadership lesson for us all. 

The North Shore Volunteer Fire Department and the Town of Small Point to Adam’s Cove were the driving forces behind the event, with funding support from Fortis and NL Power. Thank you for all your energy and care in putting together a very touching evening. You can read more about it here in this article from CBC. 

We were grateful to be in attendance to present a cheque for $67,426.39 from the Adam’s Cove Fire Recovery Fund to support capacity and equipment for volunteer firefighting on the North Shore. Thank you to the 419 donors who made this a reality, to the many community champions who inspired people to give to this fund, and to the North Shore Volunteer Fire Department for your leadership and courage in the response and recovery on the North Shore throughout this year.  

It’s our intention to be as transparent as possible about the fundraising and disbursements from this fund. We’re very grateful for the trust that donors, communities, and partners place in CFNL to steward donations. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or feedback: ndawe@cfnl.ca or (709)221-1030. 

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 inspiration for incorporating community generosity into your giving.

As we approach the tax receipt deadline of December 31, we’re here to support your giving, too. Please feel free to call or email if you need any help with processing donations for the 2025 tax year. 

Giving Tuesday Events & Initiatives

December 2, 2025, 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. 

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 by being kind.

2) Give Recovery – Communities on the North Shore of Conception Bay are still recovering from the devastating wildfires this year.  Your care gives them hope and will support them as they rebuild. Give to the North Shore Fires Recovery Fund here. 

3) Give Choice – 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. 

4) Give Local – Check out Business and Arts NL’s annual holiday gift guide to find countless local and unique gifts created by 50+ creatives from across the province. Local handcrafted gifts for everyone on your list! 

5) Give Social – We have so many community organizations that offer opportunities to give back by purchasing their goods and services. From eating at Stella’s Brasserie to ordering from Food First’s Avalon Food Hub or Western Food Hub to thrifting your gifts at Mokami’s Thrifty’s to delicious pizza at Choices for Youth’s Crust Craft Bakery, you can celebrate and give while supporting your community. 

We’ll keep adding to this list. Reach out to us at info@cfnl.ca if you have something you’d like to share.  

A Salute to Service: The Maple Leaf and Honorary Colonel Benevolent Funds

In Newfoundland and Labrador, a deep-rooted commitment to supporting military members, veterans, and their families is exemplified through two vital funds. The Maple Leaf and Honorary Colonel Benevolent Funds are more than financial support; they are lifelines for those who have faced the unique challenges of military service and its impacts on family life.

A Vision Realized: Bill Mahoney’s Commitment

The ties to the military in the province are deeply personal and widespread; many residents have friends or family members who have served, making the impact of these funds even more meaningful. At the heart of these funds is Bill Mahoney, whose military background has profoundly shaped his efforts to support these communities. His dedication is evident in every aspect of these initiatives, which have made a tangible difference in many lives.

The Maple Leaf Fund: Community Care in Action

The Maple Leaf Fund was born from the success of the 2013 Atlantic Maple Leaf Tribute Dinner held in St. John’s. The event, which raised over $800,000 and was led by Mahoney, Miller Ayre and other dedicated community leaders, did more than gather funds; it was a significant step in fostering mutual understanding and respect. “It was about connecting the community with our military members and their families,” reflects Mahoney. 2023 Annual Report Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The fund, administered through the regional Military Family Resource Centres, provides extensive support across Newfoundland and Labrador. It addresses the everyday struggles of military families, offering assistance in times of family emergencies, childcare needs, and other family challenges.

The Honorary Colonel Benevolent Fund: Meeting Immediate Needs

The Honorary Colonel Benevolent Fund, which started as a personal initiative of Bill Mahoney, plays a crucial role in providing immediate emergency assistance to military families. Notable for its flexible administration, the fund empowers military chaplains to deliver prompt aid in critical situations. This approach has been life-altering for many military members and their families, offering timely support when it’s most needed.

“During my conversations with the chaplains, it became clear that in emergency or distress situations, military families often need immediate financial support but face challenges accessing public funds due to strict oversight,” Mahoney explains. “They expressed a real need for quick access to emergency funds without complex application processes, for those critical moments when even a few hundred dollars can make a significant difference.”

With Mahoney’s significant personal contribution, the fund ensures rapid assistance for necessities, helping military families navigate crises with dignity and support.

A Legacy of Support and Gratitude

The Maple Leaf and Honorary Colonel Benevolent Funds go beyond financial aid; they embody the community’s heartfelt respect and support for those connected to the military. With the commitment of these individuals and sustained community involvement, these funds will continue to offer vital support, ensuring that these resources remain a reliable and steadfast source of assistance for military families. You can join this support by donating to the Maple Leaf Fund here or the Honorary Colonel Benevolent Fund here.

Learn more about how CFNL can be a partner in your generosity with the Giving Guide.  

New Voices, Shared Vision: Welcoming Our 2025 Board Members

Earlier this year, after an open call for recruitment, the Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador proudly welcomed three new members to our Board of Directors: Mohsen Ali Heydari, Astrid Arumae, and Alysa O’Keefe.

Each brings a deep commitment to community and a wealth of experience across sectors, from economics and social innovation to law and the arts. Together, they help shape CFNL’s vision for a more connected, generous, and resilient Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mohsen Ali Heydari

Mohsen Ali Heydari is an economist with over 15 years of experience in economic modelling, financial analysis, and public policy development. He holds a PhD in Econometrics and has worked across academic, governmental, and private sectors to advance evidence-based decision-making.

Currently based in St. John’s, Mohsen is passionate about community development and inclusive economic planning, especially in support of immigrant communities and equity-seeking groups. His recent work includes designing ESG-aligned investment strategies and advising on regional development initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador.

He is excited to bring his expertise and collaborative spirit to the CFNL board to help foster vibrant, resilient communities across the province.

Astrid Arumae

Community Builder, Coach, Field Catalyst, Social Entrepreneur & Climate Action Lead. Obsessed with possibilities of Place.

After 14 years in Montreal, Astrid is now based in Herring Neck, a beautiful small outport community in Central Newfoundland and Labrador. Astrid is passionate about place, nature, and being in service of community — and deeply devoted to making contributions through her work.

For three years, she worked with the Tamarack Institute supporting communities and local changemakers in developing strategies and shared goals. Before that, she spent over 15 years in operations, leadership, and project management in the private sector. In 2020, she founded a nonprofit in Montreal focusing on mutual aid, combating social isolation, and social innovation for sustainable local delivery and climate action projects.

A serial entrepreneur, Astrid has founded six businesses since 2004, two of which remain active today. She believes that community, connection, and belonging are essential to our wellbeing and is inspired by those who work to help shift systems and uplift others. Astrid is certain that when we lead with care and trust, we create environments where everyone can let their light shine.

Alysa O’Keefe

Alysa O’Keefe is an Associate Lawyer at Cox & Palmer, where she helps individuals and families plan for the future through wills, powers of attorney, health care directives, and estate administration. She takes pride in helping her clients protect what matters most.

Alysa earned her Juris Doctor and Certificate in Health Law from the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University. Growing up in a family of business owners and health care providers, she learned early the value of hard work, compassion, and thoughtful planning — lessons that continue to guide her legal practice today.

Outside of her legal work, Alysa is deeply involved in the arts community. She serves on the Board of Directors with the Quintessential Vocal Ensemble and sings with the group as a chorister. With a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Vocal Performance from Memorial University, she believes in the power of music and community-building. Her passion for advocacy, creativity, and connection strongly aligns with CFNL’s mission, and she is honoured to serve as a director.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare to celebrate 25 years of community generosity in 2026, we’re inspired by the leadership and vision our new board members bring to CFNL. Together with our full Board of Directors, they help guide our work to strengthen communities — for today and for generations to come.

Anchored in Hope: Leonard and Doris Clarke Memorial Fund

The Leonard and Doris Clarke Memorial Scholarship and Awards support Bell Island’s youth in shaping their tomorrow.

St. Michael’s Regional High School is in the heart of Wabana, a small town with a population of fewer than 2,000 residents, situated amidst the windswept landscape of Bell Island, just off Newfoundland’s coast. A scholarship at the school encapsulates the very essence of what it means to be a part of Bell Island: the indomitable spirit of its people, the value of community, and the innate desire to create a better future for generations to come.

Nurturing Dreams and Ambitions

Principal Jasmine Brazil – a Bell Island native and a proud St. Michael’s graduate herself – champions her students’ dreams and ambitions, all the while empathizing with their challenges and the significant hurdles they encounter. “Bell Island is a wonderful community, but we face the challenges of a dwindling population and limited access to amenities,” Brazil explains. “The cost of living is at an all-time high, so you can only imagine the struggles our students wishing to attend postsecondary school face today. Either they are working part-time jobs, taking out large student loans, or both to survive.”

The Leonard and Doris Clarke Memorial Scholarship and Awards

This is where the Leonard and Doris Clarke Memorial Scholarship and Awards, a bequest from the late Clarke couple that bears testament to their community dedication, comes into play. The $2,500 scholarship and five supplementary awards applaud academic achievement, with a focus on kindness, compassion, empathy, hard work, and determination. Doris and Leonard chose a spend-down model for their funds, ensuring that all their resources are used over the course of 20 years to support the scholarship and awards.

Jillian Kitchen & Vice Principal John Hurley

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Impact Beyond the Individual

Principal Brazil observes that the announcement of the award has motivated students to become more involved in their school and community. This heightened sense of civic engagement is vital for a community that can struggle with having sufficient resources to thrive. For Principal Brazil, the scholarship is not only financial assistance but also a catalyst for unlocking the potential of students as they strive to achieve their goals. “For many of our students, pursuing post-secondary education represents a first in their families,” explains Brazil. “These scholarships open up opportunities and make a real difference in their lives.”

An Enduring Legacy

As the tides rise and fall along Bell Island’s rugged shores, St. Michael’s students navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving world. The Leonard and Doris Memorial Scholarship and Awards serve as a steadfast pillar of support, empowering students to pursue their dreams. This enduring legacy will reverberate through generations, inspiring, uplifting, and transforming lives for decades to come.

Learn more about how CFNL can be a partner in your generosity with the Giving Guide.  

2025 Forest Fire Recovery Funds

Forest fires are threatening communities across Newfoundland and Labrador. Many communities are evacuated, and tens of thousands more residents are on evacuation alert. Our hearts go out to everyone dealing with all of this.

To support rebuilding efforts, the Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador is stewarding two Recovery Funds.

Your generosity will support communities as they recover from this disaster.   

1. North Shore Fires Recovery Fund (formerly Adam’s Cove Fire Recovery Fund) 

The north shore of Conception Bay is dealing with its 11th fire of this year. The Kingston Fire has grown to more than 10,000 hectares, forcing the evacuation of communities and destroying homes and other structures. CFNL is supporting the Town of Small Point-Broad Cove-Blackhead-Adam’s Cove to raise funds with a focus on volunteer firefighting capacity and equipment. 

On the front lines of all of these fires are members of the North Shore Volunteer Fire Department who serve communities along the north shore of Conception Bay from Small Point to Burnt Point.  Like many volunteer fire departments across the province, securing the necessary resources for safe and effective response remains a constant challenge. 

Donate Now

2. 2025 NL Forest Fires Recovery Fund

Facilitated by the Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador and United Way of Newfoundland and Labrador, the 2025 NL Forest Fires Recovery Fund is intended for long-term recovery efforts as identified by local communities when they are ready for rebuilding after emergency response. This provides funders and donors with the knowledge and comfort that their contributions will support projects that are prioritized by local communities with transparent and accountable local oversight.

Visit https://www.wildfirenl.ca/ to learn more about volunteering and critical information about the forest fires. 

Donate Now 

To give to immediate relief efforts, you can donate to The Canadian Red Cross or Salvation Army to support the vital assistance they provide to communities in times of crisis. 

CFNL is a registered charity (BN: 853376531RR0001).

Breaking the Bottleneck: Catalysts for Expansion in NL’s Community Housing Sector

Report highlights huge economic and social impact potential for community housing in Newfoundland and Labrador

Today, the Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (CFNL) and Annex Consulting released Breaking the Bottleneck: Catalysts for Expansion in NL’s Community Housing Sector. The report provides an overview of the current state of the community housing sector in NL and offers recommendations to strengthen it, particularly in relation to developing new community housing.  

The report found that Newfoundland and Labrador lags behind the rest of Canada in community housing. Community housing represents 0.3% of housing in the province compared to a 4% national average and a 7% OECD average. The report also found that there are billions of dollars in untapped economic potential related to community housing development, in addition to the proven and permanent social impacts. 

“Newfoundland and Labrador is in a housing crisis, and it’s been getting significantly worse for many years now. The community housing sector is an underutilized and proven solution to this pressing challenge in our province,” said Nicole Dawe, Executive Director with the Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, one of the partners in the report. 

“We heard from so many current and aspiring community housing organizations throughout our engagement. The sector is ready and able, they just need some more support to unlock this incredible potential in the province”, Dawe said. 

“There’s a bottleneck in the early stages of development. There’s almost no funding and organizations just don’t have the time, expertise or financial capacity to dedicate to advancing projects to increase the supply of affordable housing in their communities without these resources,” says Hope Jamieson, Founder of Annex Consulting, CFNL’s partner in the report. 

“Everyone is looking for so-called “shovel-ready” projects, but there isn’t enough support to get community housing projects in NL to the stage of shovel-readiness. Other provinces have organizations and human resources that help to navigate the development process, and funds that invest in these early stages. In the report, we highlight the need for both of these and make other recommendations to create more permanently affordable, community-owned housing across the province”, Jamieson added. 

Funding for the report was provided by the Community Housing Transformation Centre.

Report Links

• Executive Summary (PDF)
• Executive Summary + Full Report (PDF)
• Executive Summary + Full Report (Plain Text)

Media Contacts

Nicole Dawe

Executive Director

Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador

ndawe@cfnl.ca 

T: 709-221-1030

M: 709-219-7865

Hope Jamieson

President

Annex Consulting

hope@annexconsultingnl.ca

T: 709-770-0546

From Curious Hands to Lasting Legacy

Tara Bryan Legacy Fund keeps the art of wonder alive in Newfoundland and Labrador

In 1992, Tara Bryan packed her life into a U-Haul – including tonnes of letterpress equipment – and drove from New York to St. John’s.

“She fell in love with this place,” remembers her sister Teresa. “And I think it made her really think about how she needed to change her life from teaching in a high school where she wasn’t really very happy to focusing on what really did make her happy.”

That decision to make St. John’s home would transform not just Tara’s life, but the province’s arts community. When she passed away in September 2020 at age 66, she left behind what many consider an irreplaceable loss: someone who was “a cornerstone of book arts in Newfoundland and Labrador,” as local artist Duncan Major puts it.

Now, through the Tara Bryan Legacy Fund, her teaching spirit and generous mentorship continue.

An Artist’s Early Gift

Tara’s artistic talent emerged early in Texas, where she was born. “Tara was drawing before she was five. That was just her thing,” Teresa recalls. “She’s drawing horses that look like horses and I’m drawing stick horses.”

But making the leap to full-time artist wasn’t easy. “There was a time when she decided she needed to be a full-time artist, and that was a hard decision because there’s no guaranteed pay cheque,” Teresa explains.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, Tara found her stride. She worked as director for a local gallery, connected with local artists, and established walking bird press – a printshop that became a training ground for emerging artists and a hub for collaboration.

Building Community Through Art

Tara’s impact went far beyond her own artwork. “She was really embedded in the community in terms of teaching,” Teresa notes. “She taught workshops. She had assistants that she taught printmaking to. She collaborated with many different local artists.”

Major was one of those assistants, starting when he was just thirteen. “I met Tara, and she was working on a book. I came in and took a look and was kind of blown away by all the gear that was in there, all this printing equipment,” he remembers. That summer job became a decade-long mentorship that shaped his own artistic practice.

What made Tara special as a teacher was her approach to creativity. “She would find pop-up cards and then dissect them and take them apart and figure out how they work,” Major recalls. “She’d try things just for the fun of it, and I took that away into my own practice, that play is really important.”

This philosophy showed up in everything she created, perhaps best exemplified by her piece Down the Rabbit Hole. The work starts as a simple package in a box, but when you follow its playful instructions – “LIFT ME” and “PULL ME” – it transforms into a tunnel book that drops open, revealing Lewis Carroll’s text spiralling through layers of hinged paper. It captures everything Tara was about: inventive, surprising, and masterfully crafted.

“She’d always sign my birthday cards with, ‘have fun,'” Major shares. “Book arts has kind of a lofty sort of ring to it, but her work was not pretentious at all. It was very much down to earth and engaging and fun.”

A Voice for Artists

Photo Credit: Marnie Parsons, Running the Goat Books & Broadsides

Tara’s commitment extended to advocacy work with Visual Artists Newfoundland and Labrador (VANL). She served as the organization’s executive director and remained an active board member and advisor throughout her career.

“When big advocacy issues came up, she would be one of the first people I would call to get her take on things, some historical context, just advice,” says Dave Andrews, VANL’s current Executive Director. “She was always there to be helpful.”

Andrews admired her approach to the often difficult work of arts advocacy. “She was always so determined. She knew if you kept at it, you could make changes over time.”

Even in challenging situations, Tara maintained her perspective. “While she had that determination, she also had this real wry humour and sense of it all, which helped me put things into perspective,” Andrews recalls.

From Grief to Growth

When Tara died suddenly, those closest to her struggled with how to honour someone whose influence had been so profound. For Teresa and the family, the answer became clear.

“We all mourn in a different way,” Teresa reflects. “And for me and my family, I think it is doing this fund… It’s a way of honouring her and continuing her legacy, really.”

The Tara Bryan Legacy Fund partners with VANL to sponsor the annual Tara Bryan Endurance Award, renamed from VANL’s existing award to honour her memory. “The award is specifically for consistent dedication, commitment of an artist to professional practice and to sustained creative output and performance,” Andrews explains. “And obviously that exemplifies Tara quite well.”

Hands-On Learning

The fund also brings visiting artists to the province annually for workshops in bookbinding, letterpress printing, and other book arts techniques. Major helps lead these sessions, which consistently sell out, attracting participants from beginners to experienced artists.

“Education was always really important to her,” Major notes. “She was a great teacher, and she didn’t only mentor me, she mentored many others.”

In today’s digital world, the hands-on nature of book arts offers something particularly valuable. “As people try to find a way to create meaning in the modern world, it’s really rewarding just to work with tools and to come out with a finished product that you can hold,” Major explains. “The nice thing about book arts is that it can engage a lot of senses, both in the making and in the experiencing too.”

Looking Ahead

Photo Credit: Julie Kilpatrick

What would Tara think of having a fund in her name? “I think she would be gobsmacked,” Teresa says. “At the same time, she would probably say, ‘no, no, wait, wait. You need to do this over here.’ She was pretty headstrong.”

Teresa’s vision for the fund extends far beyond her own involvement. “To me, success is when the artist workshops continue after we’re all gone… that in 20 years or 30 years, that it has some chance to continue.”

For Andrews, the fund celebrates someone who truly succeeded against the odds. “She was totally dedicated and constantly working and very successful on multiple fronts, bookmaking, painting, all kinds of different ways,” he reflects. “And also, she made a go of it in a province that’s not easy to make a go of living as a professional artist… She really exemplifies that aspect of it, so that’s what we want to celebrate with the award.”

Through workshops that spark curiosity, an award that recognizes dedication, and partnerships that strengthen the arts community, the Tara Bryan Legacy Fund ensures that her most important lessons live on: that art should be accessible, collaborative, and above all, fun.

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Follow the TBLF on Facebook to find out about upcoming workshops and events. You can donate to the Tara Bryan Legacy Fund here. Learn more about how CFNL can be a partner in your generosity with the Giving Guide.  

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.