The Parksville Qualicum Community Foundation (PQCF) held its 25th Anniversary Celebration and Community Grants Night on May 15, highlighting the grants programs and funds allocated to support a broad range of local causes and community needs.
Today, PQCF manages over $4.4 million in nearly 30 endowment funds! These funds generate interest every year that supports grants and scholarships to improve the quality of life for local residents.
PQCF’s grant programs include Community Foundation Grants, Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG), and Springford Family Foundation Grants. For 2024, we are proud to award $75,950 in grants to 38 local organizations and community projects, including:
- $64,950 was distributed to 20 local organizations through Community Foundation Grants
- $7,000 was distributed to 16 individuals through Neighbourhood Small Grants
- $4,000 was distributed to two local organizations through Springford Family Foundation Grants
Below are the local charities and individuals that PQCF had the privilege of assisting through donations in 2024. Refer to the backgrounder for a summary of each project.
Community Foundation Grants
| Arrowsmith Agricultural Association – Signage and Community Lot Improvements | $4,000 |
| BC Culture Days 2024 Planning & Funding Committee – BC Culture Days Oceanside | $3,000 |
| Christ’s Church Oceanside – Youth Inspiriting Youth | $1,100 |
| Errington War Memorial Hall Association – Kitchen Upgrades | $4,000 |
| Forward House Community Society – Recreational Therapy Pilot Project | $550 |
| Junior Achievement of BC – Boundless Possibilities Classroom Program | $4,000 |
| Mid-Island Pensioners and Hobbyists Association – Oceanside at the Table | $4,000 |
| Nanoose Bay Activities and Recreation Society – Supplies for Community Space | $4,000 |
| Nanoose Community Services Association – Food Program | $4,000 |
| Oceanside Community Arts Council – Route 19A Music Festival | $4,000 |
| Operation Freedom Paws Canada – Volunteer Training and Development | $500 |
| Parksville & District Historical Society – Restoration of Knox Heritage Church | $4,000 |
| Parksville & District Musical Association – Music Acquisition | $3,000 |
| Parksville Community Centre Society – Accessibility Upgrades | $4,000 |
| Parksville Qualicum 4-H Senior Council – Program Delivery and Promotion | $4,000 |
| St. Andrews Lodge Historical & Cultural Society – Twilight Concert Series | $2,400 |
| The Old School House Society – Classroom Improvements | $4,000 |
| Vancouver Island Symphony – Grade 4 Music Education Program | $4,000 |
| Whalers Football Support Society – Whalers Equipment Program | $2,400 |
| Wonderful World of Books – Early Literacy Book Program | $4,000 |
Neighbourhood Small Grants
| 100 Kids for Change Oceanside | $350 |
| Culture Days in QB | $500 |
| Community Connection to Nature | $350 |
| Community Notice Board Part 2 | $350 |
| Corcan/Meadowood Community Food Shack | $500 |
| Douglas Crescent Neighbourhood Block Party | $450 |
| Gainsberg Community Pantry | $500 |
| Good Neighbour Picnic Day | $400 |
| Group Mosaic Bench Project | $500 |
| Lino Block Printing | $450 |
| Neighbours FireSmart Event | $500 |
| Neighbourhood Little Free Library | $350 |
| Oceanside Repair Cafe | $500 |
| QB Pollinator Pathway | $500 |
| Sandpiper Song Circle | $300 |
| Xpey’, for the Love of our Wetlands | $500 |
Springford Family Foundation Grants
| MAC Community Garden – Harvest Table | $2,000 |
| Mid-Island Pensioners & Hobbyists Association – Sow, Grow and Preserve | $2,000 |
“25 for 25″ Campaign
In celebration of our 25th anniversary, PQCF has launched a “25 for 25” campaign, with an ambitious goal to grow the Foundation’s total endowment funds to $5 million by February 2025! Every contribution—big or small—makes a difference. Whether you choose to donate monthly to the Community Fund, contribute to a specific cause, establish your own fund, or leave a legacy gift in your will, your support fuels our mission to create vibrant communities for all.
PQCF is thrilled with the level of interest and support already received! People are excited to learn about the power of the community foundation model. When you donate to the PQCF, you make a permanent impact. Year after year, your gift keeps on giving.
Thank you again to all of our donors!