Strong organizations build strong communities. At Nanaimo Foundation, we see every day how local charities work tirelessly to support people across our region. Behind every program, service, and initiative are organizations doing the important work of planning, adapting, and growing to meet community needs.

To help support this work, we’re developing a new Capacity Building Grants program designed to help local charities strengthen their internal operations, increase their effectiveness, and expand their impact.

Before launching the program, we want to hear directly from the organizations it’s meant to support.

What Are Capacity Building Grants?

Capacity building funding helps organizations invest in the skills, systems, and structures that make their work possible. While many grants focus on funding programs or services, capacity building focuses on strengthening the organization itself so it can deliver those programs more effectively and sustainably.

Capacity building support might include things like:

  • Strategic planning and organizational development

  • Governance training for boards of directors

  • Staff or volunteer training and professional development

  • Technology upgrades or new software systems

  • Financial management improvements

  • Fundraising strategy development

  • Communications and marketing capacity

  • Evaluation tools and impact measurement

  • Succession planning and leadership development

  • Consulting support to help organizations grow or adapt

These kinds of investments can help organizations become more resilient, sustainable, and better equipped to serve our community.

Who Would Be Eligible?

The Capacity Building Grants program is being designed for registered charities serving our local communities, including:

  • Nanaimo

  • Ladysmith

  • Lantzville

  • Gabriola Island

  • Cedar

By supporting the internal strength of local charities, we hope to help organizations across our region thrive and continue their important work for years to come.

Join Our Open Office Hours

As we develop this new program, we’re inviting local charities to help shape what it looks like.

Throughout March, we’re hosting open office hours where you can drop in, share your ideas, and tell us what kinds of capacity-building supports would make the biggest difference for your organization.

Open Office Hours

📍 March 18 | 3–5 PM — In-person (60 Wharf Street)
💻 March 24 | 2–4 PM — Virtual (Microsoft Teams – Click here to join)
📍 March 31 | 2–4 PM — In-person (60 Wharf Street)

No advanced registration is required. Simply drop in anytime during the scheduled time slots.

Whether you have specific ideas, challenges to share, or simply want to learn more, we would love to connect with you.

Can’t Attend?

If you’re unable to make one of the sessions, you’ll still have an opportunity to share your thoughts. We’ll be sending out a survey in our April newsletter so organizations can provide feedback and help inform the development of the program.

Your insights will help ensure this new granting stream reflects the real needs of organizations working in our community.