Growing Community Impact This March | | |
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March is a time to nurture ideas, strengthen partnerships, and invest in the work that helps our communities grow. Across Newfoundland and Labrador, organizations are building momentum through collaboration, innovation and shared leadership.
This month’s newsletter highlights opportunities to fund, connect, learn, and lead — all part of the ongoing work of cultivating resilient and inclusive communities.
| | Open Hearth Mentorship — Apply by March 9 | | |
There’s still time to join the Open Hearth Mentorship Program in Newfoundland & Labrador, delivered in partnership with Capacity Canada.
This free 6-month initiative supports women and gender-diverse professionals in the nonprofit sector to strengthen leadership skills, expand networks, and grow into decision-making roles — while also inviting experienced leaders to give back as mentors.
If you're ready to step forward — as a mentee or a mentor — this is your opportunity to help shape a more inclusive nonprofit sector in NL.
📅 Applications close March 9. Matching begins soon and spaces are limited.
| | Be Part of Canada’s Social Enterprise Snapshot | | | | |
Have you completed the Canadian Social Enterprise Sector Survey 2026?
If not — there’s still time.

Led by Buy Social Canada in partnership with CSCNL and sector partners across the country, this is the first national social enterprise survey in a decade. Your participation will help shape advocacy, research, policy, and investment across Canada.
If you are a social enterprise, your voice matters.
| | CSCNL Featured in Goparity Story | | |
CSCNL was recently recognized by Goparity Canada for supporting the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation’s community capital raise through our Social Innovation Lab.
The feature highlights how the project is transforming a former medical office in Stephenville into a cultural daycare and community hub rooted in Mi’kmaw language and traditions — backed by local investors from across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Goparity is also inviting individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador to sign up to receive $100 to contribute toward a crowdfunding campaign, helping direct impact investment into community initiatives.
| | From Idea to Action: Strengthening Community Well-Being | | |
The Well-Being Communities Program supports community-led projects that foster inclusion, accessibility, and social connection across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Through this initiative, communities work alongside Hannah, CSCNL’s Well-Being Communities Advisor, to identify priorities, explore funding opportunities, and turn ideas into action.
Hannah is available to connect with communities across the province — reach her at hannah@cscnl.ca or 709-853-7821 to start the conversation.
| | | Supporting Rural Employment: ACCESS to Work | | |
On March 19, join Lindsey Hynes (CSCNL) and the Murphy Centre team for Coffee’s On, a CSCNL initiative under our Community Vitality & Well-Being portfolio that creates space for networking and collaboration among government, community groups, and service providers focused on well-being and poverty reduction.
This session will highlight ACCESS to Work — a virtual employment program supporting individuals in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. We’ll explore who the program is for and the supports available to help rural job seekers navigate barriers and build confidence.
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Big Dreams Grant
The Air Canada Foundation is currently accepting applications for the Big Dreams Grant Program, supporting initiatives that champion the health and well-being of children and youth through the transformative power of sport.
📅 Applications close March 15, 2026.
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Job Creation Partnerships (JCP)
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Job Creation Partnerships (JCP) program supports not-for-profit community projects that provide meaningful work experience for individuals eligible for Employment Insurance (EI).
📅 Application deadline: June 12, 2026
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Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Grant
The Government of Canada has renewed funding for the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Grant for the next three years, supporting eligible community organizations in hosting free tax clinics for individuals with modest incomes and simple tax situations.
Applications will open this spring.
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CIRA Net Good Grants
CIRA Net Good Grants offer up to $100,000 for community-led projects that address digital divides in Canada — improving access, online safety, and internet policy.
If your organization is leading a community-driven internet initiative, this funding can support you in designing, testing, or scaling impactful local solutions.
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Cal LeGrow Charitable Youth Foundation
The Cal LeGrow Charitable Youth Foundation is now accepting applications for its Spring 2026 grant round.
The Foundation supports initiatives that inspire and empower youth across Newfoundland and Labrador, helping reduce barriers and expand opportunities for young people to reach their full potential.
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Co-operative Development Program (CDP)
The The Co-operators Co-operative Development Program supports co-operatives across Canada with funding for business development activities such as feasibility studies, business planning, marketing, member engagement, and legal or financial supports.
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AECU Community Grant Program
Atlantic Edge Credit Union is launching its 2026 Community Grant Program this spring, offering five $10,000 grants — including four regional grants and one co-operative grant.
Projects supporting environmental sustainability, community enhancement, co-operative development, education, and Indigenous knowledge and culture are encouraged to apply.
📅 Applications open March 9, 2026
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Board Nominations Open — NL Composting Co-operative
The NL Composting Co-operative is seeking skilled individuals to join its Board of Directors.
Experience in Finance & Reporting, Fundraising, and Marketing & Communications is encouraged to support the co-op’s growth and sustainability.
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2025 Economic Development Awards
Nominations are open for the 2025 Economic Development Awards with the Economic Developers Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Categories include Community, Regional, Sector, Marketing Project, and Economic Developer of the Year.
📅 Nominations close March 20, 2026.
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Call for Board Members
YWCA St. John’s is seeking new Board members committed to equity and inclusive leadership.
Applications are welcomed from women and gender-diverse people of diverse backgrounds, including youth, Black and racialized communities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.
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A New Space for Birthing Parents
Motherhood in Newfoundland & Labrador can feel both connected and isolating. Long winters, family far away, and rotational work can make this season harder than expected.
The Harbour offers a private, supportive space for honest conversation and real connection.
The Harbour is now live.
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Join the NL Anti-Poverty Coalition

The Newfoundland and Labrador Anti-Poverty Coalition is welcoming new members from across the province.
As a unified voice on poverty reduction, the Coalition works toward a more just and equitable future. Organizations and individuals are encouraged to connect.
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Housing that Connects Us — Webinar Series
Hey Neighbour Collective and United Way BC are launching a three-part webinar series on building social connection in housing.
The first session on March 6 explores how community-based organizations can partner with housing providers to strengthen belonging and community.
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Impact Loan Review Committee
Rise is seeking volunteers to join its Impact Loan Review Committee.
Rise supports individuals with mental health and addiction challenges to become entrepreneurs. Committee members review loan applications and help advance economic empowerment nationwide.
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Men’s Sheds NL

SeniorsNL is partnering with Men’s Sheds Canada to grow Men’s Sheds across Newfoundland and Labrador.
These peer-led spaces bring men together to share skills, work on projects, and build connection. Communities interested in starting a Shed are encouraged to learn more.
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ADHD Panel: Lived Experiences
HeadCase Community is hosting an adult ADHD panel on March 12, featuring speakers with lived experience sharing insights on diagnosis, work, relationships, and family life.
Hear from panelists with lived experience and connect with others in the community.
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Hire a Folklore Co-op Student This Summer
Students from Memorial University’s Master of Arts in Public and Applied Folklore program are available for 12–16 week paid work terms between May and August. Students bring skills in research, cultural documentation, event support, communications, archiving, tourism, and more.
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Investing in Tomorrow: A Future Without Poverty
Campaign 2000 has released the 2025 Report Card on Child and Family Poverty in Canada, alongside provincial and territorial companion reports.
Child poverty has risen for the third consecutive year, with 802,000 children (10.7%) now living in poverty using Canada’s official measure. Rising housing and food costs are deepening financial strain, and while supports like the Canada Child Benefit remain critical, they are no longer keeping pace with affordability pressures.
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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:

🔹Federal Investment in Community Food Security: The Government of Canada announced new funding through the Local Food Infrastructure Fund to strengthen access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food across the country, supporting community-based food organizations and infrastructure. → Read the federal release
🔹 NL Supports National Action on Intimate Partner Violence: The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador expressed support for Bill S-242 (Georgina’s Law), aimed at improving coordination, prevention efforts and supports for survivors of intimate partner violence. → Read the provincial announcement
🔹 NL Government to Establish Disabilities Advocate: The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has introduced legislation to establish a provincial Disabilities Advocate’s Office, aimed at strengthening representation and support for people with disabilities across the province. → Read the announcement
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🌟 Regional Municipal Resource Facilitator - Southern Labrador Development Association (SLDA) (Forteau, NL)
🌟 Regional Business Support Coordinator - Southern Labrador Development Association (SLDA) (Forteau, NL)
🌟 Supervisor, Community Support Services - March of Dimes Canada (St. John's, NL)
🌟 Fogo Island Chapter Coordinator - Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce (Fogo Island, NL)
🌟 Youth Program Coordinator - STEMforGIRLS (Central or Western NL)
🌟 Current Openings - First Light (St. John's, NL)
🌟 Manager of Family Programming and Support Services - Choices for Youth (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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