As 2024 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on an incredible year at Nanaimo Foundation. From new funds and impactful grants to inspiring community projects, this year has been full of milestones and heartwarming stories that showcase the power of philanthropy and the strength of our community. We want to take this opportunity to share some of the highlights from the past year and express our gratitude to the donors, volunteers, and organizations who have contributed to making 2024 a year of lasting change.

Community Prosperity Fund: $1,060,000 Awarded Across the Region

In partnership with the Kw’umut Lelum Foundation, we proudly administered $1,060,000 in funding to support projects in Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Cedar, Gabriola Island, and the Cowichan Valley. The Community Prosperity Fund, made possible by the Government of British Columbia, has supported a wide range of initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and promoting social inclusion.

Celebrating Philanthropy: ‘Your Foundation, Your Impact’ Event

In May, we hosted a wonderful evening at our Your Foundation, Your Impact event, where we gathered to celebrate the incredible work happening in our community. We were joined by Mayor Leonard Krog, Colin Stansfield of Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation, and Tracey Brown of Nanaimo Foundation for a thought-provoking panel discussion on how government, business, and philanthropy can work together to create positive change. The event was a huge success, bringing together individuals from all sectors to share ideas and strengthen our collective impact.

Empowering Communities: Neighbourhood Small Grants & Estate Planning Seminars

In 2024, we continued our commitment to empowering individuals and fostering community connections through our Neighbourhood Small Grants program. One such project, the Emergency Preparedness Workshop held in Nanaimo’s Golden Oaks Crescent, brought together residents to learn vital disaster preparedness skills, helping to strengthen community resilience in the face of natural disasters.

Additionally, we hosted two estate planning seminars on Gabriola Island and in Ladysmith, where local financial experts shared practical advice on legacy planning and how individuals can make a lasting impact on their community. These workshops are just one of many ways we’re helping to create opportunities for people to think about their legacy and how they can contribute to the future of Nanaimo.

$55,000 in Give Where You Live Grants

This spring, we were proud to award $55,000 in Give Where You Live grants to support a range of community projects in Nanaimo and surrounding areas. These grants, funded by the generosity of our donors, made possible several key initiatives, including:

  • $15,000 to the Nanaimo Unitarian Shelter for critical capital upgrades.
  • $15,000 to Kiwanis Village to create a therapeutic garden for residents.
  • $15,000 to the Ladysmith First United Church to support a kitchen/hall renovation.
  • $10,000 to the City of Nanaimo for the Rocky Point Playground project.

These grants are more than just funding—they are a catalyst for change, helping to enhance local services, foster community development, and improve quality of life.

A Fresh New Look: Nanaimo Foundation’s New Website

We’re also thrilled to share that Nanaimo Foundation launched a new website in 2024, designed to make it easier for community members to connect with us, learn about our programs, and donate to the causes they care about. The new design is user-friendly, with a fresh look that reflects the vibrant spirit of our community. A huge thank you to the talented team at Array for their creativity and dedication to bringing our vision to life.

Honouring a Legacy: The Bob and Dorothy Rowledge Fund

We kicked off 2024 by celebrating the establishment of the Bob and Dorothy Rowledge Fund, a new initiative that honors the lasting legacy of the late Bob Rowledge and the continued dedication of Dorothy Rowledge to the arts. This fund supports the Mid-Island Performing Arts Festival, a staple in the Central Island’s vibrant arts scene for over 90 years. The Rowledges’ shared passion for fostering local talent and their long-standing commitment to the arts will continue to inspire performers for generations to come. We invite those who share their vision to contribute to this fund, helping to ensure the ongoing success of the Festival.

In addition to the Rowledge Fund, Nanaimo Foundation also welcomed several new funds in 2024, including the Central Drugs Community Fund, the COCO Cafe Fund, and the Island Roots & Reach Fund. These new funds reflect our continued growth and the diverse ways individuals, families, and organizations are choosing to leave a lasting impact on our community. Each of these funds will support important local initiatives, from healthcare and social inclusion to environmental sustainability.

Looking Ahead: Gratitude and Hope for the Future

As we wrap up 2024, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you—our donors, volunteers, community partners, and supporters. Together, we’ve made a significant impact, and we’re excited to continue building a brighter, more inclusive future for Nanaimo and beyond in 2025.

From all of us at Nanaimo Foundation, thank you for being a part of our journey. We wish you a joyful and prosperous new year ahead!