As summer continues across Newfoundland and Labrador, communities are coming together to share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and create new opportunities for growth. From the Open Hearth Mentorship Network's first-ever overnight retreat and inspiring Volunteer Week celebrations to newcomer engagement initiatives, Indigenous-led social innovation, upcoming funding opportunities, community events, and sector career postings, this month's newsletter highlights the people and organizations working every day to build more connected, inclusive, and resilient communities.

Building Connections, Growing Leaders: Open Hearth Mentorship Network Retreat Brings Community Together

The Open Hearth Mentorship Network recently welcomed 23 attendees, including 18 mentors and mentees, for our first overnight mentorship retreat—a meaningful milestone in our journey of building a supportive community for women and gender-diverse leaders in Newfoundland and Labrador's nonprofit sector.

Over two days, participants stepped away from the demands of everyday life to focus on learning, reflection, relationship-building, and meaningful conversations. Through interactive workshops, networking activities, shared meals, and informal conversations, participants strengthened existing mentorship relationships while building new connections across the network.

One of the highlights of the retreat was simply creating space to slow down, connect, and learn from one another. Participants explored leadership, mentorship, communication, and personal growth while celebrating the diverse experiences and perspectives that make our community stronger.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their experiences, participated wholeheartedly, and helped create such a welcoming and encouraging environment. The openness, generosity, and authenticity each person brought made the retreat a memorable experience for everyone involved.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to our mentors, whose commitment to supporting emerging leaders continues to strengthen our nonprofit sector and inspire future leadership.

We look forward to continuing this journey together through upcoming networking opportunities, learning events, and mentorship activities as the Open Hearth

Now Recruiting Community Sector Employers – ASCEND Fall 2026 Cohort 

Is your nonprofit organization looking to grow your team while supporting youth in your community? The ASCEND (Achieving Success through Community ENgagement & Development) program is now accepting employer applications for our Fall 2026 cohort, and we’d love to partner with you. ASCEND is a Community Sector Council NL program, delivered in partnership with Community Sector Network of PEI (CSNPEI) and Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia (IONS). 

ASCEND connects youth (15-30) who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET) with meaningful, minimum wage-subsidized work placements in the non-profit sector across Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. 



Youth participants will complete 70 hours of virtual pre-employment training over three weeks, focused on building personal and professional skills before they begin their 19–21 week work placements with a community sector employer. 

Know a youth who might be a great fit? If your organization already has an eligible youth (aged 15–30, not currently enrolled in school or working) in mind for a placement, you’re welcome to refer them directly to the ASCEND program. Simply encourage or help them complete the youth application form and let us know who the youth is in your application! If not, no problem - we’ll do our best to match you with a youth participant from our applicant pool based on your organization’s location and needs, and the youth’s interests and goals. 



Application deadline: September 4, 2026 

Pre-employment training begins: September 28, 2026 

Stories from Volunteer week: Building Community Through Volunteer Week

During Volunteer Week, the Pool's Cove Recreation Centre brought community members together for a Community Clean-Up Day that showcased the power of volunteering in action.

With support from Volunteer Week funding, the Recreation Centre was able to provide the supplies that helped make the day possible, allowing volunteers to come together and make a positive difference in their community.

More than a clean-up, the event was a celebration of community spirit, bringing people together to care for shared spaces, build connections, and demonstrate the impact of working toward a common goal. It serves as a reminder that when communities come together to volunteer, even small actions can create lasting change.

Thank you to everyone at Pool's Cove Recreation Centre for making Volunteer Week such a meaningful celebration of volunteerism.

CSCNL Connects with Newcomers at Employment Pathways & Services in NL

CSCNL was proud to take part in the Employment Pathways & Services in NL event on June 18 at the St. John’s Convention Centre. The event brought together newcomers, employers, community organizations, and service providers for a morning of conversation, connection, and opportunity.

Our team enjoyed meeting newcomers from across the region, learning about their goals, and sharing information about the programs, resources, and volunteer opportunities available through NVOLVE. We also had the chance to connect with community partners who are helping create more inclusive pathways for newcomers to build professional networks, gain local experience, and become active members of their communities.



These conversations are a reminder that strong communities are built through connection. We are grateful to have been part of an event that supports newcomers as they navigate new opportunities and contribute their skills, experiences, and talents to Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation: Indigenous-led social acquisition in rural Newfoundland and Labrador

Developed in partnership with Social Innovation Canada, this case study celebrates and highlights learnings from the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation’s social acquisition of a former health clinic in Stephenville. The acquisition was supported by multiple partners, including CSCNL’s Social Enterprise Through Acquisition (SETA) program.

This story was supported by Social Innovation Canada through the . As part of the SII Initiative, SI Canada aims to illuminate how social innovators across Canada are putting the principles of collaboration, equity, and systems thinking into practice — and in doing so, helping create the conditions for lasting change.

Public Policy

Newfoundland and Labrador urgently needs more foster families to support children and youth who cannot safely remain at home. With more than 900 children and youth currently in care across the province, there is a critical need for compassionate individuals and families to step forward and provide safe, stable and supportive homes.

Foster families make a meaningful difference by helping children and youth through difficult times while keeping them connected to their communities, cultures and support networks.

Through the Foster a Future campaign, the Provincial Government is making it easier for residents to learn about fostering and take the next step. A new website offers clear information on eligibility, the application process and the full range of supports available to foster families.



People from many different backgrounds and life experiences can become foster parents. Individuals may be single, married or in a common-law relationship, and may be homeowners, renters, employed, retired or stay-at-home parents.

Training, resources and ongoing support are available to foster families throughout their fostering journey.

Grants & Funding

Funding for the JCP Program

APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO JULY 10, 2026

The Job Creation Partnerships (JCP) program helps community projects that are not-for-profit. These projects give people who are Employment Insurance (EI) eligible, a chance to gain work experience and improve their job prospects.

Grants to Youth Organizations


Grants to Youth Organizations (GTYO) provide special project funding to not-for-profit youth-serving organizations operating in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The goal of GTYO is to fund projects between September and March of the fiscal year.

Build Communities Strong Fund

Through the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) - Local Impact stream, nearly $76 million is now available through ACOA to help communities enhance the public spaces and systems Atlantic Canadians use every day. This initiative is supporting a wide range of regionally significant infrastructure projects that enhance local community spaces and increase climate resiliency.

Great Things in Store: A Retail-Based Project

Phase Two (2026 - 2029)

Starting June 1, 2026, Food First NL will be accepting applications from retailers for Phase Two of this project. Up to 16 retailers will be selected to pursue pilot programs which improve food access. Check out our Phase One retailers below for inspiration! 

Applications close July 31, 2026.

Accessible Canada – National AccessAbility Week Funding


This funding opportunity will support projects that promote the implementation of the Accessible Canada Act and its regulations through National Accessibility Week (NAAW) activities delivered in 2027, 2028 and in 2029, that highlight the contributions of persons with disabilities, raise awareness, and promote accessibility and inclusion in communities and workplaces across Canada.

Community Wellbeing Grant

The Community Wellbeing Grant is lululemon Gives’ annual, application-based grant program for community-led charitable organizations that remove barriers to wellbeing for their communities through movement programming.

Organizations can apply for up to $50,000 USD, which should not exceed 40% of their most recently completed fiscal year’s operating budget.

Programs & Opportunities

Youth Justice Camp

The Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (PLIAN) is offering a free three-day Youth Justice Camp for youth ages 12–15 this summer. Participants will explore the legal system and careers in law through field trips, presentations from legal professionals, interactive activities, and a mock trial. Camps will be held in St. John’s and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

More more information or to register, contact Carly at carly@publiclegalinfo.com

4-Week Group Mindfulness Program

Registration is open for Mindfulness for Everyday Life, a free four-session group running Wednesdays, August 5–26, from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (NL time). Clinician referrals are encouraged to support continuity of care, but self-referrals are also welcome.

Call for Interest Newfoundland & Labrador Board

Canadian Parents for French Newfoundland and Labrador (CPF NL) is seeking passionate, community-minded individuals to join our Board of Directors and help shape the future of French Second Language (FSL) education across our province.

For more than four decades, Canadian Parents for French has been a national network dedicated to creating and promoting opportunities for young Canadians to learn and use French.

Pantry Volunteers

We're currently recruiting Pantry Volunteers to join our team on Thursdays and Fridays (9:45 AM - 1:15 PM).

Our pantry team helps create a welcoming space where our neighbours can access food with dignity and respect. From greeting visitors to keeping the pantry stocked and organized, volunteers play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of Bridges to Hope.

Connections for Seniors is looking for caring volunteers to support vulnerable seniors in our community.

They are especially seeking volunteers to: Deliver food hampers and meals Drive our delivery van or your own vehicle Assist with reception and administrative support Help with outreach, events, and other volunteer roles Even a few hours of your time can make a meaningful difference in helping seniors remain connected, supported, and independent. Interested in volunteering?

Art Exhibition and Workshop

The Pathway to Diversity National Art Exhibition and More Than a Number: Portraits and Stories of Migrants Workshop are two complementary community arts initiatives in St. John’s that celebrate immigrant experiences, identity, belonging, and cultural diversity. Happening on August 12th and 13th.

Register here:
Exhibition
Workshop

ICD-RBC Foundation Scholarship Opportunity



The Institute of Corporate Directors invites you to apply for the ICD-RBC Foundation Scholarship. The goal of this scholarship is to enable underrepresented organizations to elevate their governance oversight.

If you are someone who can benefit from this or know of someone who will benefit, then click here to apply.

NL Composting Co-op

The NL Composting Co-op is a community service co-op seeking applications for new board members. Specifically seeking folks with experience in Finance, Revenue Diversification and Business Development.

Contact grow@compostnl.org

Careers in the Sector

🌟 Marketing Coordinator (Canada Summer Jobs position) - NLOWE (St. John's, NL)

🌟 Operations Coordinator - SABRI ( St. Anthony, NL)

🌟 Executive Director - Bell Island Support Network (Bell Island, NL)

🌟 Business Growth Advisor (Avalon) - NLOWE (St. John's, NL)

🌟 1st year Apprentice, Carpenter, and Plumber - The Built Collective (Paradise, 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.