A Message from Our Executive Director
Across Oceanside, something powerful is happening. Local generosity is growing, and with it, the impact of community-led ideas that bring people together, strengthen connections, and respond to real, local needs.
This spring has been a strong reminder of why community foundations matter. Through our 2026 Community Fund grant intake, we received more than 40 applications requesting over $158,000 in support. That level of response tells us two things clearly: local organizations are doing vital work, and the needs in our community continue to grow.
While we cannot fund every request, we are proud to celebrate this year’s Community Fund grantees and the many local projects helping strengthen wellbeing, connection, resilience, and belonging across Oceanside.
This quarter also brought moments of celebration. PQCF was honoured to be named Not-for-Profit of the Year by the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce. We share this recognition with the donors, volunteers, non-profit partners, board members, and community champions who make this work possible every day.
As the Foundation continues to grow, we are investing in the systems, relationships, and strategic direction needed to steward that growth well. Our new strategic plan will help guide our next chapter, with a focus on donor services, community impact, and strong organizational leadership.
In this newsletter, we are pleased to share our 2026 Community Fund recipients, Springford Family Foundation grant recipients, recent community events, emerging priorities, and stories of local impact.
Thank you for being part of this work. Together, we are growing impact in Oceanside, today and for generations to come.
Not-for-Profit of the Year!
What a moment for our community. At the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Gala, the Parksville-Qualicum Community Foundation was honoured to be named Not-for-Profit of the Year.
While our name was called, this recognition belongs to the donors, nonprofits, volunteers, and community partners who make this work possible. Our impact only happens because of you.
Thank you to the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce for a wonderful evening, and to our community for continuing to believe in the power of local giving.
2026 Community Fund Grant Recipients
We are thrilled to celebrate our 2026 Community Fund Grant recipients, whose work strengthens our Oceanside Communities. These grants are made possible by the generosity of our donors and the dedication of local organizations working every day to build a more vibrant Oceanside.
- Lasqueti Community Association
- Arrowsmith Health Care Society
- St. Stephen’s Community Meals
- The Old School House Arts Centre
- Lighthouse Country Marine Rescue Society
- Oceanside Hospice Society
- Oceanside Integrated Fitness Society
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island
- Forward House Community Society
- Nanoose Community Services Association
- Save Estuary Land Society
- Qualicum Beach Historical and Museum Society
- Grief & Bereavement Care Society
- Qualicum Beach Multi-Use Cinema Society
- Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation
- Arrowsmith Cycling Club, c/o Errington War Memorial Hall Association
- Arrowsmith Agricultural Association
- Oceanside Music Association
- The Bradley Community Centre, Coombs BC
- Parksville Qualicum 4-H, c/o Arrowsmith Agricultural Association
Springford Family Grants
The Springford Family Foundation is pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of grants from their donor advised fund at PQCF, supporting local initiatives that improve quality of life for children and youth, strengthen local agriculture and food systems, and enhance environmental stewardship across Oceanside.
- Arrowsmith Agricultural Association
- Oceanside Classical Concerts Society
- Qualicum Beach Multi-Use Cinema Society
Unfunded Grant Requests
Interested in Supporting Unfunded Community Projects?
This year, PQCF received more than $158,000 in Community Fund grant requests. While we are grateful to support many strong local projects, there were also excellent applications we were not able to fully fund.
If you are a donor, fundholder, business, or community member interested in learning more about unfunded grant opportunities, we would be happy to connect you with projects that align with your giving interests.
Emerging Priority: Climate Disaster Support Fund
As we head into the summer months, climate resilience and emergency preparedness are top of mind. Across British Columbia, communities are increasingly facing the impacts of extreme weather, wildfires, heat events, drought, and other climate-related emergencies. While we hope our region is spared from major disruption, we know the time to prepare is before a crisis happens.
The PQCF Climate Disaster Support Fund helps ensure local resources are available to support community response, recovery, and resilience when urgent needs arise. Donations to this fund will help the Foundation respond quickly and thoughtfully in partnership with local organizations, service providers, and community leaders.
New Strategic Plan
PQCF is entering an exciting new chapter. This spring, our Board has been working on our first strategic plan to guide the Foundation’s growth and impact over the coming years. The plan focuses on three core goals:
- Donor Services: Strengthen stewardship and grow philanthropy
- Community Impact: Shift to more strategic, community-driven impact
- Community Leadership: Build a high-performing, future-ready organization
This plan will help ensure that as the Foundation grows, we remain focused on what matters most: serving Oceanside with care, accountability, and long-term vision.
Recent Events
Volunteer Recruitment & Succession Planning in Rural Areas
PQCF partnered with Karen Knight Consulting and The Old School House Arts Centre to educate organizations on how to find and retain quality volunteers.
Over 30 people came out for our workshop. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped host the event.
Free Grant Writing Workshop
To learn more about how funding decisions are made, PQCF partnered with The Old School House Arts Centre to offer a free public workshop, Grants in Practice: How Funding Really Works.
Future Events
We are looking to build a Nonprofit Community of practice providing resources, connections, events and workshops for the Oceanside Nonprofit sector. Interested in learning more? Get in touch below.
Recent Highlights & Featured Initiatives
Nourishing Community, Building Connection through Good Food Boxes
In partnership with Oceanside Community Church and Nanaimo Foodshare, expanding access to healthy food while building dignity and connection.
VIU launches campaign to remove financial barriers to post-secondary education
Vancouver Island University (VIU) is launching a fundraising campaign to address the main reason students pause their studies or decide not to pursue post-secondary at all – financial barriers.
Neighbourhood Small Grant Feature: Hermitage Park Luminary Walk
Thanks to a Neighbourhood Small Grant, Hermitage Park residents launched a new holiday tradition: a lantern-lit Luminary Walk on Christmas Eve. Neighbours of all ages came together to light paths, share stories, and celebrate community, creating a sense of connection.
Interested in supporting more initiatives like this?
Board Spotlights
Peter van Dongen
Peter joined the PQCF Board in 2023, but his connection to the Foundation began on a more personal level.
Having lived in the Oceanside area for over 20 years, Peter was drawn to the idea of bringing together local donors to meet local needs. The long-term vision of the foundation model—building funds that will support the community for generations—resonated deeply with him.
Terri Duguay
Terri joined the PQCF Board of Directors in 2024 after learning about the organization through an acquaintance who mentioned the Foundation was seeking new board members. While much of her past volunteer work had been connected to her profession and industry associations, this opportunity felt different.
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Parksville-Qualicum Community Foundation
Growing a legacy of giving for Oceanside.