Strengthening Communities This May

April and the beginning of May have been full of energy, connection, and community action across Newfoundland and Labrador.

From the Community Ideas Festival and National Volunteer Week to new programs, partnerships, and opportunities, communities across the province continue to come together to share ideas, strengthen connections, and Dream Out Loud about what’s possible for the future.

This month’s newsletter highlights ways to connect, participate, learn, and strengthen communities together.

Community Ideas Festival 2026 Recap

From April 29 to May 1, Community Ideas Festival 2026 brought together community leaders, changemakers, nonprofit organizations, and partners in St. John’s and online for three days of connection, collaboration, learning, and networking.

Centered around people, partnerships, and prosperity, this year’s festival created space for meaningful conversations about the future of Newfoundland and Labrador’s community sector — and encouraged participants to continue to Dream Out Loud about what stronger, more connected communities can look like in the future.

By the numbers:

• 3 days of programming

• 185+ attendees (in person + virtual)

• 28 speakers & facilitators

• 15 sessions & workshops

• 17 virtual exhibitor booths

Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, sponsored, volunteered, exhibited, and supported this year’s festival 💛

National Volunteer Week 2026

National Volunteer Week 2026 may be over, but the impact of volunteerism continues every day across Newfoundland and Labrador. This year’s theme, Ignite Volunteerism, celebrated the people and organizations who continue building stronger, more welcoming, and resilient communities across the province.

Throughout the week, communities came together through local recognition events, municipal proclamations, storytelling, community gatherings, and the Government House Volunteer Reception hosted by Her Honour The Honourable Joan Marie J. Aylward and His Honour Carl R. Thompson.

At Community Sector Council Newfoundland and Labrador, we are deeply grateful to the volunteers, organizations, municipalities, ambassadors, and community partners whose leadership and dedication continue to strengthen the culture of volunteerism across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Open Hearth — Applications Open

The Open Hearth Mentorship Network, delivered in partnership with CSCNL and Capacity Canada, is now accepting applications for its next cohort in Newfoundland & Labrador.

This cohort is focused on the West Coast & Labrador, supporting women and gender-diverse professionals in the nonprofit sector.

Running from June 1 to November 30, 2026, this 6-month program offers one-on-one mentorship, peer learning, and meaningful connections to support leadership growth.

Whether you’re looking to grow as a mentee or give back as a mentor, this is your opportunity to be part of a more connected and inclusive nonprofit sector.

Upcoming CSCNL Events

Call for Vendors – Community Well-Being Fair

CSCNL is now accepting expressions of interest for vendors at the upcoming Community Well-Being Fair taking place Thursday, June 4 from 12–7 PM at the Jack Byrne Arena.

We’re inviting non-profits, community organizations, businesses, and service providers who support well-being and the social determinants of health to connect with the community and showcase their programs and services. The event will also feature the Learning Lounge and interactive activities through Well-Being in Action.

Non-profit and charitable organizations can participate free of charge. Space is limited.

For questions, contact Lindsey Hynes at lindseyhynes@cscnl.ca.

Grants & Funding

Supporting Research in School Food

Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Public Health Agency of Canada are investing up to $12.6 million through the FRESH Team Grant to support research on school food programs, equitable access, and community well-being. Registration closes June 25, 2026.

Accessibility Grants Now Open

The 2026–27 Accessibility Grants Program is now accepting applications to support projects that help remove barriers and build more inclusive communities across Newfoundland and Labrador. Eligible organizations can apply for up to $25,000 in funding.

VOCM Cares Funding Applications Open

VOCM Cares Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 program funding to support local charities focused on health, education, and safety across Newfoundland and Labrador. Applications are open May 8–15, 2026.

Programs & Opportunities

RFP: Digital Information Management

Equiforce is seeking proposals to support the assessment, redesign, and implementation of a modern digital information management system for its primarily remote organization. The project includes reviewing workflows, permissions, governance practices, and SharePoint optimization.

Moose Hide Campaign Day – Community Walk

Tequity+ is hosting its 4th annual community walk on May 14, 2026, in support of Moose Hide Campaign Day and raising awareness against gender-based violence. All are welcome to participate. 

Newcomers Community Connections

Tombolo Multicultural Festival Newfoundland and Labrador is relaunching its Newcomers Community Connections Program, including mentorship matching, English language learning circles, and Indigenous-newcomer connection opportunities.

Board & Committee Volunteers Needed

Vista Family Resource Centre is seeking volunteers with experience in financial management or human resources to serve on its board and committees. For more information, contact vistafamily11@gmail.com.

Volunteers & Board Members Needed

Schizophrenia Society of Newfoundland and Labrador is seeking volunteers and board members to help raise awareness and support individuals affected by schizophrenia and related disorders. Applications from individuals with lived or living experience are encouraged.

Call for Volunteers: National Indigenous Peoples Day

First Light is seeking volunteers to support behind-the-scenes activities for its National Indigenous Peoples Day gatherings and celebrations this June. Sign-ups close May 21.

Policy Matters

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:

🔹 Consultation: Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (2026–2029): The Government of Canada is inviting feedback on its draft strategy focused on building a resilient society, growing the economy, and protecting the environment through federal action. The public consultation closes today. → Participate now

🔹 Review Panel on Accessible Housing in Canada: National Housing Council is accepting submissions for its written hearing on the lack of accessible housing in Canada. Community members and organizations can share input until June 5, 2026. → Submit Feedback

Careers in the Sector

🌟 Executive Director - Grenfell Historical Society (St. Anthony, NL)

🌟 Strategy & Impact Evaluation Lead - Stella's Circle (St. John's, NL)

🌟 Manager of Fund Development & Communications - Stella's Circle (St. John's, NL)

🌟 Publisher - The Independent (Remote, Newfoundland & Labrador)

🌟 Manager of Programs - YWCA St. John’s (St. John's, NL)

🌟 Manager of Child Care Programs - YWCA St. John’s (St. John's, NL)

🌟 Executive Director - Kittiwake Ballet (St. John's, NL)

🌟 Current Openings - Mi'kmaw Cultural Foundation (Stephenville, NL)

🌟 Current Openings - SABRI (St. Anthony, 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.