Organizations may apply for grants between $2,500 and $25,000. 

The Foundation recognizes that organizations are at different stages of development and that capacity-building needs can vary significantly in scale and scope. 

Funding requests should be realistic, appropriate to organizational size and readiness, and clearly connected to strengthening long-term organizational effectiveness and sustainability.

We are accepting expressions of interest from May 12, 2026 until June 15, 2026 via our Online Application Portal. If you applied to our Give Where You Live grants in 2026, you can use the same account.

Applicants must: 

• Be a registered charity or qualified donee, or be sponsored by an eligible organization; 

• Operate within Nanaimo–Ladysmith School District 68, including Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Cedar, Gabriola Island, and Lantzville; 

• Demonstrate sound governance and financial stewardship. 

Priority may be given to: 

• Small and mid-sized organizations; 

• Equity-deserving and community-led organizations; 

• Organizations with limited access to unrestricted funding. 

What is Capacity Building? 

Capacity building refers to activities that strengthen an organization’s ability to fulfill its mission effectively and sustainably over time. 

Examples include: 

• Strategic and sustainability planning; 

• Board development and governance training; 

• Human resources systems and policies; 

• Technology and software upgrades; 

• Fundraising and communications development; 

• Volunteer management systems; 

• Evaluation and impact measurement; 

• Organizational wellness and succession planning; 

• Shared services or collaboration initiatives. 

Eligible Expenses 

Funding may support: 

• Consultant and facilitator fees; 

• Training and professional development; 

• Technology and digital tools; 

• Staffing or contractor support related to the project; 

• Evaluation and planning activities; 

• Accessibility and inclusion measures; 

• Administrative expenses connected to the funded work. 

We recognize that staffing and operational supports are essential components of healthy organizations. 

Ineligible Expenses 

Funding cannot support: 

• Retroactive expenses; 

• Debt repayment or reserve contributions; 

• General fundraising campaigns or events; 

• Activities that are discriminatory or primarily benefit a closed membership group; 

• Political activities prohibited under CRA guidelines; 

• Purchase of alcohol, illegal substances, fines, or penalties. 

Reporting 

Reporting requirements are designed to support learning rather than compliance. 

Successful applicants will be asked to share: 

• Key outcomes and learnings; 

• Challenges and adaptations; 

• How the funding strengthened organizational capacity. 

Narrative and conversational reporting formats may be accepted. 

Our Approach 

The Capacity Building Grants program was shaped through community engagement with local non-profits and charities. Organizations consistently identified the need for: 

• More flexible funding; 

• Reduced administrative burden; 

• Investment in “behind-the-scenes” organizational infrastructure; 

• Long-term sustainability support. 

This program is intended to respond directly to those needs and strengthen the long-term resilience of the nonprofit sector across our region. 

Apply via our online portal. You will be asked to sign in; if you applied for our 2026 Give Where You Live grants, you will already have an account. If not, please create an account. If you have any questions, contact chelsea@nanaimofoundation.com.