We believe a connected, resilient, and healthier community is achievable through investing in wellbeing, connectedness, and belonging across the lifespan. We want to meet the needs of our communities. We want people to thrive. We want to foster sustainability.
How Our Building Resilience: Strategic Plan Aims to meet the needs of our communities
Our top overall impact priority is being responsive to needs in the community. We will position the Community Foundation as a community convener and systems-level leader, not merely a funder.
Our Impact Thesis
Reflecting the inherently interwoven role of the social determinants of health, we will promote community resilience through investments in health, leadership, connection, and growth.
We will seek to create funding structures that invite collaboration, more donor engagement, adaptability, and community participation.
We have reimagined our longstanding approach to grantmaking, to model emerging sector best practice to create new flexible, interconnected, and values-based priorities that provide aspirational outcome-oriented goals.
This exciting narrative shift is grounded in both practical experience and sector best practices and aims to position the Community Foundation to its two primary audiences—donors and agencies—as a more focused, inclusive, and strategic grant-maker with our new funding priorities.
Thriving People
This priority area invests in programs and services that help individuals and families live healthier, more connected lives, with a particular focus on vulnerable and underserved populations.
Focus
Supporting physical, mental, and social well-being
Example Initiatives
Supports for seniors, youth, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups
Accessible and therapeutic recreational opportunities that support well- being
Mental health, addiction, and crisis support services
Food security and nutrition initiatives
Community health and well-being programs
Housing and career supports
Social prescribing
Sustainable Futures
This area supports both ecological and infrastructure-focused initiatives that help communities adapt to and thrive amid environmental challenges.
Focus
Strengthening environmental and built infrastructure for long-term community resilience
Example Initiatives
Environmental conservation and sustainability education
Climate adaptation and green infrastructure projects
Affordable, inclusive, and sustainable housing
Disaster preparedness and emergency planning
Community-led preservation of heritage and cultural spaces
Implementing nature-based solutions and improving infrastructure resilience to climate hazards.
Inclusivity & Belonging
This priority area centres the voices and needs of equity-deserving communities. It supports initiatives that break down systemic barriers, celebrate diverse identities, and foster social inclusion and justice.
Focus
Creating an inclusive, just, and connected community for all
Example Initiatives
Supports for equity-deserving groups (e.g.,cultural, gender, language, or settlement services)
Anti-racism and anti-oppression programming
Programs that reduce ageism and poverty
Programs that foster belonging and reduce social isolation
Inclusive arts, cultural, and storytelling projects
Intergenerational and intercultural community-building initiatives
Action that supports Reconciliation
Learning & Growth
This area supports lifelong learning and growth across all ages and sectors, including educational access, skill development, and creative exploration.
Focus
Expand access to education, build leadership skills, and support creative and community-driven problem-solving
Example Initiatives
Literacy and education support at any stage of life
Programs focused on youth development and leadership
Arts-based learning and community innovation labs
Digital literacy and technology access
Vocational training and employment readiness
Strengthened Non-Profits
This area supports the people and systems behind the work — the nonprofit staff, volunteers, collaborations, and infrastructure that allow programs to thrive.
Focus
Build the capacity and sustainability of community organizations and leaders
Example Initiatives
Research, data collection, or evaluation to inform community impact
Equipment requests
Governance, leadership, or strategy development
Staff and volunteer training and support
Cross-sector partnerships and shared services
Social enterprise development