Year-End Reflections: Your December Edition | | |
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As we wrap up another year of collaboration and community impact, this edition brings together key highlights, funding opportunities, sector updates, and stories that reflect the momentum we’ve built together. December invites us to pause, recognize the progress made across Newfoundland and Labrador, and look ahead with renewed purpose and connection.
✨ Discover key year-end highlights and the opportunities shaping our sector as we move into 2026.
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Now Recruiting Community Sector Employers
ASCEND Spring 2026 Cohort
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ASCEND is now accepting employer applications for the Spring 2026 cohort! This program connects youth (15–30) who are not currently in school or working with meaningful, wage-subsidized placements in nonprofit organizations across NL, NS, PEI, and Nunavut. Young participants complete 70 hours of pre-employment training before starting a 19–21 week placement with their host employer.
As an employer, you’ll receive:
- Access to motivated, pre-trained youth
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100% wage subsidies (minimum wage + MERCs)
- Ongoing support from the ASCEND team
- Option to refer your own eligible youth or be matched with a participant
📅 Application deadline: March 15, 2026
🧠Pre-employment training begins: March 30, 2026
This program is funded by the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS).
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SETA Program Highlighted on the National Stage
CSCNL’s Social Innovation Lab recently presented the SETA Program at the State of Canada’s Cities Summit, hosted by the Canadian Urban Institute. This milestone reflects growing national interest in community-led succession and rural resilience, and highlights the innovative work happening across Newfoundland and Labrador.
We are proud to see SETA recognized alongside impactful initiatives from across the country and remain committed to strengthening communities through innovation, partnership, and shared learning.
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SETA Featured Nationally in Learning From What Works
We’re proud to share that the Social Enterprise Through Acquisition (SETA) program was also highlighted as a Spotlighted Solution in the Canadian Urban Institute’s new national report, Learning From What Works: Leveraging Local Solutions to Make Better Places.
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ICD–RBC Foundation Scholarship
This national scholarship supports emerging and established leaders looking to strengthen their governance and board leadership skills through Institute of Corporate Directors programs. A great opportunity for sector professionals seeking to grow their impact and expand their expertise.
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Arts & Culture Funding Call
Explore a new funding opportunity from the Canada Council for the Arts — offering support to individual artists, groups and arts organizations for creation, production, professional development, and community-engaged arts projects across Canada. A valuable chance to secure funding for creative or cultural initiatives in our sector.
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Funding for Outdoor Play Projects
Free to Play is a national initiative providing funding for community projects that support outdoor play, creativity, and accessible recreation for children and families. Through CFNL, organizations in NL can apply for support to help create vibrant, inclusive spaces for play and connection.
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Funding for Affordable & Supportive Housing Projects
Federal funding is now available through Build Canada Homes and the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund to support non-profits, Indigenous partners, municipalities, and housing organizations working to build affordable, supportive, or mixed-income housing.
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Newcomer Settlement Funding (FISP/CIFI)
The Government of Canada is offering funding and support for service providers working with newcomers and refugees via the FISP (or CIFI) program — a great opportunity for organizations delivering settlement, integration and support services across the province.
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FG Foundation – Funding for First Nations & Community Initiatives
FG Foundation is now accepting applications from First Nations communities and organizations for 2026-2027 grants. Funding supports education, cultural revitalization, healing and community-led projects that strengthen identity, well-being, and social resilience across Turtle Island.
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Job Fair for Newcomers & Employers
Join Tombolo’s community job fair on December 18, bringing together newcomers, new immigrants, and local employers for a day of networking and employment connections at the St. John’s Farmer’s Market.
📅 December 18, 2025
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Equity at Work
Equity at Work, a new social enterprise from the St. John’s Status of Women Council, offers feminist-informed training and consulting for organizations across Newfoundland and Labrador. Services include customized policy development, policy reviews, best-practice guides, and one-on-one support to help workplaces move beyond traditional HR approaches.
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Province-Wide Expansion Survey
Easter Seals NL is expanding its Recreation Programs and Employment & Educational Services across the province — and they’re seeking community input. Whether you’re a participant, volunteer, sponsor, or community organization, your voice will help shape accessible, impactful programming in more regions
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Call for New Board Members
Food First NL is seeking passionate, policy-minded leaders to join its Board of Directors. Directors serve two-year terms (up to three terms), meet quarterly, and may reside anywhere in Newfoundland and Labrador. This is a meaningful opportunity to help guide a growing organization committed to advancing food security across the province. Applications are open until January 4, 2026.
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Free ASIST Training for Non-Profits
Non-profit organizations can now access funding to host ASIST workshops at no cost through the Community Lifelines Mental Health Training Program. This two-day training helps teams support individuals in distress and strengthen community safety. Funding is first-come, first-served and covers all workshop materials and trainer fees.
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Global Skills Exchange (GSE)
The Global Skills Exchange, led by Memorial University, connects NL employers with skilled international students and alumni through paid 60-hour work-integrated learning projects. Employers gain added capacity and diverse talent at no cost, while participants apply their skills in real-world settings.
📩 Express interest by January 5, 2026.
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Social Impact Measurement Course
A new Gardiner Centre course designed to help social enterprises measure and communicate their impact with clarity and confidence. Learn to build logic models, design impact frameworks, and turn data into compelling stories.
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Disability Poverty Report Card 2025
The latest national snapshot from Campaign 2000 reveals the ongoing reality of disability-related poverty in Canada: despite the rollout of the new benefit in 2025, many people with disabilities remain below the poverty line. The report highlights systemic barriers, underlines the urgency of inclusive social policies, and calls for coordinated government and community action.
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LTAP: Long-Term Action Plan – Placemaking Guide
Discover Placemaking Community Canada’s new long-term action guide (LTAP) — a practical resource offering principles, strategies, and tools to support community-led placemaking and sustainable neighbourhood development across Canada. Ideal for nonprofits, community planners, and organizations working toward inclusive, vibrant public spaces.
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2025 Adult Report Card on Physical Activity
The latest report from ParticipACTION delivers key insights into physical activity trends among Canadian adults — highlighting levels of movement, barriers to activity, and areas needing community and policy support. A valuable resource for organizations interested in public health, community wellness, and inclusive active living initiatives.
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Want to stay on top of policy matters? Below is a round-up of recent government announcements, reports, and invitations for public feedback that may impact our sector:
🔹 Funding Announced for 16 Indigenous Violence Prevention Projects: The Provincial Government has announced funding for 16 Indigenous-led violence prevention initiatives across Newfoundland and Labrador, supporting community safety, cultural healing, and leadership in preventing gender-based violence. → Learn more
🔹 Government Recognizes International Day of Persons with Disabilities: In recognition of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Provincial Government reaffirmed its commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and removing barriers so that people with disabilities can fully participate in community and public life. → Explore update

🔹 New Privacy Commissioner Report Released (A-2025-047): The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner released its latest report, outlining key findings and recommendations related to information access and privacy practices. These updates are relevant for nonprofits that manage sensitive data, client files, or participant information. → Read report
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🌟 Director of Programs - Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (St. John's, NL)
🌟 Sport Development Coordinator - Sport NL, St. Johns, NL
🌟 Assistant to the Philanthropy & Community Development Coordinator - Kidney Foundation of Canada, Atlantic Canada
🌟 Regional Coordinator - HR Project Partners (Ukrainian National Federation of Canada), Corner Brook, NL
🌟 Marketing and Development Manager - Thrive, St. John's, NL
🌟 Project Coordinator - Alumni Impact Storytelling - International Education NL - Study and Stay NL, St. John's, NL
Have a nonprofit job to share? If you're a board director, hiring manager, or recruiter, contact us to have it featured in our newsletter.
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