Building Momentum for the Year Ahead | | |
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As we begin 2026, this edition highlights the momentum already taking shape across the community sector. From celebrating community-led milestones and participant stories, to upcoming events, funding opportunities, and new cohorts getting underway, January is about starting strong together.
Inside, you’ll find ways to connect, learn, and take action — from joining a Community of Practice session and applying for funding, to celebrating sector achievements and exploring opportunities to grow community impact in the months ahead.
| | ASCEND Spotlight: Najla at Nourish Nova Scotia | |
We’re excited to spotlight Najla, an ASCEND participant in Nova Scotia completing her placement as a Communications Assistant with Nourish Nova Scotia. Najla recently shared how supported she feels in her role and how meaningful this experience has been.
One standout moment was delivering a speech to youth at a Nourish Nova Scotia event, a powerful reflection of her growing confidence and leadership. Seeing participants like Najla step into these moments is exactly what ASCEND is all about.
|   ASCEND Spring 2026 Cohort — Employer Applications Still Open | | |
Inspired by stories like Najla’s? ASCEND is still accepting employer applications for the Spring 2026 cohort. The program connects community sector employers with motivated,
pre-trained youth through meaningful, wage-subsidized placements across Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Nunavut.
🗓 Application deadline: March 15, 2026
| | Strengthening Community Capacity Through Learning | | |
In December, members of the CSCNL team took part in Economic Development NL’s training courses Economic and Community Development in Newfoundland and Labrador and Capacity, Placemaking, and Opportunity Management. We joined 18 practitioners from municipalities, community organizations, and regional partners across the province—bringing together diverse perspectives and lived experience.
This participation highlights the important role the community sector plays in economic development by supporting inclusive growth, building local capacity, and keeping people and place at the centre of decision-making. We’re grateful to learn alongside partners from across Newfoundland and Labrador and look forward to continuing this work together in 2026.
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Community of Practice (CoP) PeerUp Series:
Earned Revenue for Community Organizations
The Community of Practice (CoP) PeerUp Series continues with Earned Revenue for Community Organizations, a session exploring practical approaches to generating earned revenue in the community sector. This session will be offered in two regional formats to support participation across the province.
These gatherings will also mark the closure of the 2025 Fall cohort of Thriving Non-Profits NL, celebrating the learning journey and achievements of the 17 participating organizations from across Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation Social Acquisition Celebration
Join us for a social celebration recognizing the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation’s successful acquisition, supported through Social Enterprise Through Acquisition (SETA) program.
The event will take place on January 23 at the Stephenville Lions Club, bringing together partners and community members for an afternoon of connection, music, and light refreshments.
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Coffee’s On: Supporting Stroke Survivors
Coffee’s On is a province-wide virtual session hosted by CSCNL, creating space for networking, shared learning, and community connection. On January 26, Lindsey Hynes (CSCNL) and the March of Dimes team will explore how the After Stroke program supports stroke survivors and their families through peer support, hospital visitation, and community-based resources across Newfoundland and Labrador.
| | | Save the Date: Community Ideas Festival 2026 | | Mark your calendars! The Community Ideas Festival returns for its second edition, taking place April 29 – May 1, 2026. Stay tuned for more details as we get ready to bring communities together once again to share ideas, spark collaboration, and celebrate community-led innovation. | |
Community Fund 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 United Way NL Community Fund. Registered charities and qualified donees operating in NL are invited to apply. Organizations that are not qualified donees may apply in partnership with a registered charity. Updated eligibility requirements and application details are available online.
🗓 Deadline: January 29, 2026
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Call for Applications: 2026 FIG Fund Grants
Registered charities and non-profits in Newfoundland and Labrador are invited to apply for FIG Fund grants supporting projects for women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals in 2026. Funding of up to $5,000 is available for community-driven initiatives focused on safety, education, health, career development, and well-being.
🗓 Application deadline: January 30, 2026
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NL Multiculturalism Grant Program (NLMGP)
The NLMGP offers funding for initiatives that promote and celebrate cultural diversity across Newfoundland and Labrador. Funding is available to eligible organizations, with priority given to projects advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion.
🗓 Deadline: January 30, 2026
| | Capacity-Building for Newcomer-Serving Organizations | | |
The Equity Project is funding grassroots and ethnocultural organizations across Atlantic Canada to strengthen capacity and better support newcomers. Funding is available for up to 21 months, with mentorship, training, and networking included. Two streams are offered: Grow (strengthening internal capacity) and Connect (collaborative impact).
🗓 Application deadline: January 31, 2026
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Professional Ethics in Volunteer Administration

A free 60-minute virtual learning session hosted by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA), focused on ethical decision-making in volunteer engagement. Participants will explore practical tools and real-life scenarios to navigate ethical dilemmas effectively. Cohosted with Volunteer Canada.
🗓 January 15, 2026
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Co-operative Incubator Program
NLFC’s Co-operative Incubator Program supports emerging and newly incorporated co-operatives through training, mentorship, and expert resources. The program helps groups build strong foundations and grow sustainable co-operative enterprises.
🗓 Application deadline: January 26, 2026
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Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Course – Spring 2026
A free, self-directed online course designed for service providers supporting immigrants and refugees in Canada. The six-week program includes 10 modules (20–25 hours total) and offers evidence-based tools, expert insights, and opportunities to connect with practitioners nationwide.
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NL Gender-Affirming Care Toolkit
A practical, community-informed toolkit developed by Trans Support NL to support service providers, organizations, and communities in understanding and delivering gender-affirming care in Newfoundland and Labrador. Includes guidance, best practices, and resources to foster inclusive and affirming environments.
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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:

🔹 Order of Newfoundland and Labrador Honours Announced: Eight individuals will be invested into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, recognizing contributions in volunteerism, culture, humanitarian service, and community life. → Read the release
🔹 Provincial Fall Fiscal and Economic Update Released: The Provincial Government released its Fall Fiscal and Economic Update, outlining current economic conditions, fiscal pressures, and outlooks informing public policy and funding priorities. → View the update
🔹 Child and Youth Advocate’s Special Report Released: The Minister of Social Supports and Well-Being issued a statement on the release of the Child and Youth Advocate’s Special Report examining child and youth safety within protective services. → Read the report
🔹 Premier Releases Ministerial Mandate Letter: Premier Tony Wakeham released a unified Ministerial Mandate Letter outlining government priorities and expectations for ministers during the current term. → Read the mandate
🔹 Canada Launches Consultation on Rural Communities Action Plan: The Government of Canada is inviting input through a public consultation to help shape a new Action Plan for Rural Communities focused on long-term sustainability. → 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
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🌟 Director of Programs - Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (St. John's, NL)
🌟 Program Coordinator - End Sexual Violence NL (St. John's, NL)
🌟 Youth Program Coordinator (STEMforGIRLS) - Equiforce - Educational Resource Centre (ERC) (Central NL)
🌟 Social Worker - Stella's Circle (St. John's, NL)
🌟 Theatre Technician - Resource Centre for the Arts (RCA) (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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