Advancing Community Work This February | | |
|
February is a time to move ideas into action and continue advancing community work across Newfoundland and Labrador. This month’s newsletter highlights opportunities to participate, collaborate, and contribute to initiatives that strengthen our communities and support collective well-being.
From open calls and funding opportunities to upcoming new programs, events, volunteer roles, and policy updates, there are many ways to engage and help move important work forward — together.
| | Open Hearth: Advancing Equity in Nonprofit Leadership | | |
Community Sector Council NL has partnered with Capacity Canada to launch Open Hearth, a new mentorship program supporting women and gender-diverse leaders in the nonprofit sector. The program focuses on mentorship and guidance, leadership skills development, and building more inclusive workplaces across the community sector.
Join us on February 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM NST for a virtual session highlighting the program’s key benefits and launching the mentorship application process in Newfoundland and Labrador.
For questions or more information, please get in touch with Christine Snow, Open Hearth Local Program Manager, CSCNL, at christinesnow@cscnl.ca.
| | Call for Workshop Facilitators | ASCEND – Cohort 3 | |
ASCEND Cohort 3 begins on March 30, and we’re inviting experienced facilitators to submit proposals for virtual workshops that support youth personal and professional development. We’re seeking sessions focused on areas such as soft skills, resume writing, interview preparation, career exploration and goal setting, workplace professionalism, digital and financial literacy, and mental health–related topics.
Expressions of interest for other relevant development topics are also welcome.
|
| | |
ASCEND Applications Still Open
Applications are still open for ASCEND Cohort 3 until March 15. The program connects youth with meaningful work experience while supporting employers through structured placements and mentorship.
| | | Coffee’s On: January Session Recap | | | | |
Coffee’s On is a CSCNL initiative under the Community Vitality & Well-Being portfolio, creating space for connection, learning, and collaboration across the sector. In January, we were joined by March of Dimes Canada to learn more about the After Stroke program and how it supports stroke survivors and their families across Newfoundland & Labrador.
Interested in being a guest on a future Coffee’s On? Email lindseyhynes@cscnl.ca.
| | | Celebrating Community Ownership Through Social Enterprise | | Mi'kmaw Cultural Foundation recently shared a video from the Social Enterprise Acquisition Celebration held last month in Stephenville. Supported through the Social Enterprise Through Acquisition (SETA) program delivered by CSCNL’s Social Innovation Lab, the acquisition highlights the power of community ownership and collaboration. | | | | Webinar: 2024 NL Child & Family Poverty Report Card | | |
Join us for a webinar on February 26 at 10 am exploring the 2024 Newfoundland and Labrador Child & Family Poverty Report Card, developed in partnership with Jimmy Pratt Foundation, Choices for Youth, and Community Sector Council NL.
This session will highlight key findings, policy trends, and the realities of housing and food insecurity affecting families across the province, with space for reflection and discussion.
| | | Reminder: Have Your Say — Pre-Budget Survey | | |
If you haven’t had a chance yet, there’s still time to share your perspective through CSCNL’s Pre-Budget Survey. Your input helps inform advocacy, policy work, and the development of our pre-budget submission on behalf of Newfoundland and Labrador’s community sector.
The survey takes about 10 minutes, and all responses are confidential and reported only in aggregate.
| | |
Enabling Accessibility Fund – 2026 Call for Proposals
Government of Canada is accepting proposals for projects that improve accessibility in workplaces and communities and support employment for persons with disabilities, including in Indigenous communities.
| | |
IELCC Quality Improvement Projects Funding
Government of Canada is now accepting applications for Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Quality Improvement Projects. Funding supports Indigenous-led initiatives that strengthen and improve early learning and child care programs.
| | |
2026 Summer Employment Program
The Government of NL is now accepting applications for the 2026 Summer Employment Program for Students. The program supports non-profit organizations, private sector employers, and municipalities seeking to hire students over the summer.
| | |
NLFC Co-operative Outreach Fund
Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Co-operatives offers the Co-operative Outreach Fund to support small co-ops in Newfoundland and Labrador with travel and outreach activities that strengthen co-op knowledge, partnerships, and sector growth. Co-ops may apply for up to $1,000 per fiscal year.
| |
|
2026 Community Challenge Grant
ParticipACTION is accepting applications for the 2026 Community Challenge grants of up to $1,000. Funding is available to support physical activity and sport programs taking place in June 2026, with a focus on increasing participation among equity-denied groups.
Applications close February 10, 2026.
| | |
Scotts Gro for Good Grant
Scotts is accepting applications for the Gro for Good grant, providing up to $4,500 for projects focused on health, wellness, edible gardening, and environmental enhancement. Open to non-profits, municipalities, and schools.
Applications close February 28.
| | |
Violence Prevention Funding – Western Newfoundland
Corner Brook Status of Women Council is offering funding to support violence prevention projects, workshops, and community initiatives in Western Newfoundland.
Applications close February 23.
| | |
Funding for Outdoor Play in NL
Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador has launched Free to Play, supporting community-led initiatives that encourage outdoor, imaginative play for children across Newfoundland and Labrador. Funding will be allocated through a participatory cohort process.
| |
|
Air Canada Foundation – Big Dreams Grant
Air Canada Foundation is accepting applications for the Big Dreams Grant, offering up to $100,000 to Canadian charities using sport and active recreation to support physical health, inclusion, and life skills for equity-deserving youth and children with disabilities.
| | |
Board Volunteer Opportunity for Legal Professionals
United Way Newfoundland and Labrador is seeking a legal professional to join its Board of Directors. This volunteer opportunity offers a meaningful way to contribute your expertise to an organization supporting vital charitable programs and services.
| | |
Explore Community Programs with AMAL
AMAL – Unite & Empower offers a wide range of free, inclusive community programs — from language exchange and wellness to dance, sports, and live music. Everyone is welcome, and all activities are designed to foster connection, well-being, and belonging.
| | |
Become a Mentor in 2026
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Newfoundland is seeking volunteers to support children waiting for a mentor. Currently, 65% of those waiting are boys — and they need men willing to step forward. Volunteering as a mentor is a meaningful way to build connection, purpose, and lasting impact in a young person’s life.
| | |
Call for Board Members: Trans Support NL
Trans Support NL is seeking passionate individuals to join its Board of Directors. This volunteer opportunity offers a chance to support trans and gender-diverse communities and help create inclusive, affirming spaces across Newfoundland and Labrador.
| | |
Volunteer for the 2026 NL Summer Games
The 2026 NL Summer Games volunteer application is now open! As the Games celebrate their 50th anniversary, volunteers are needed to help create an unforgettable experience for athletes, families, and communities.
| |
|
St. John’s Applause Awards
The City of St. John's is now accepting nominations for the St. John’s Applause Awards, celebrating individuals and organizations whose leadership, creativity, and service contribute to the city’s quality of life and long-term sustainability.
Nominations close March 1.
| | |
Volunteer with Planned Parenthood NLSHC
Planned Parenthood NLSHC is now accepting applications for Centre Volunteers. Volunteers play a vital role in day-to-day operations and help support accessible, inclusive sexual health services across the province. Training will take place March 7–8, 2026.
Applications close February 25, 2026.
| | |
Call for Board Members: TechNest Community
TechNest Community is strengthening its Board of Directors as it enters a new phase of growth. The organization is seeking experienced professionals for strategic, governance-focused board roles in Finance & Governance, Partnerships & Ecosystem Development, and Legal & Policy.
| | |
Social Ventures Incubator
Memorial University Centre for Social Enterprise is accepting applications for its Social Ventures Incubator. Open to Memorial University students and recent alumni, the program supports social ventures through training, advising, funding, and access to a collaborative space.
Selected participants will join the cohort in May 2026.
| | |
A Better World: Interactive Storytelling for Youth
A Better World is a free, interactive activity that helps children ages 7–12 explore fairness, inclusion, and gender equality through storytelling, teamwork, and imagination.
Ideal for classrooms, community programs, and family learning.
| | |
Free Placemaking Courses (Self-Paced)
Placemaking.Education offers free, self-paced courses designed to help communities strengthen public spaces through placemaking. Learn at your own pace with practical tools and real-world examples.
| | |
Help Keep 211 Up to Date
211 Canada is the country’s largest source of information on government, community, and social supports. If your organization offers services to the public, take a moment to check whether your program is listed in the 211 database — or help us add or update it to ensure people can find the support they need.
| | |
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:
🔹 Update on Social Supports and Well-Being Initiatives Released: The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has shared updates on initiatives related to social supports and well-being, outlining ongoing efforts and priorities to support individuals and families across the province. → Read the release
🔹 Public Engagement Open: Budget 2026: The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is inviting residents and organizations to share input through the Budget 2026 public engagement process. Feedback will help inform provincial priorities and decision-making. → Participate in the consultation
🔹 Lobbying Act Information Sessions Available: The Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying is offering information sessions to help organizations understand lobbying requirements and registration thresholds. → View session details
| | |
🌟 Youth Support Worker - Community Education Network (Stephenville, NL)
🌟 Director of Community Wellness - First Light NL (St. John's, NL)
🌟 Program Coordinator - Skills Canada NL (Mount Pearl, NL)
🌟 Project Manager, Construction - Built Collective (OAWA-NL) (St. John's, NL)
🌟 Fund Development & Marketing Coordinator - Home Again Furniture Bank (St. John's, NL)
🌟 Revenue Development & Grant Writer - Shallaway Youth Choir (St. John's, NL)
🌟 Fund Development and Communications Assistant - Easter Seals NL (St. John's, NL)
🌟 Developmental Support Worker - Momentum Developmental Support
( Corner Brook, 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.
| | | | |
