Earlier this month, the Parksville-Qualicum Community Foundation had the opportunity to connect with community leaders, grant coordinators, and fellow community foundations from across Vancouver Island and the surrounding islands through two inspiring regional gatherings.
It was a meaningful reminder of why this work matters and how much stronger we are when we come together.
Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) Island Network Spring Summit
Our first stop took us to ‘Yalis/Alert Bay, on the beautiful traditional territory of the ‘Namgis First Nation, for the Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) Island Network Spring Summit. The gathering celebrated the incredible people behind NSG, the local champions who help bring neighbours together through creativity, care, connection, and community spirit.
Through story-sharing, local speakers, shared meals, and hands-on NSG project experiences, we were reminded of the power of small grants to spark belonging, strengthen neighbourhood relationships, and support grassroots ideas led by community members. It was energizing to witness firsthand the ripple effects that even modest grants can have when they’re placed in the hands of passionate, caring neighbours.
Vancouver Island Community Foundation Leadership Summit
We also joined 28 people from 12 community foundations for the Vancouver Island Community Foundation Leadership Summit, hosted by the Campbell River Community Foundation. Over two days, foundations from across the region came together to share learning, explore opportunities for collaboration, and discuss the evolving role of community foundations in supporting strong, resilient communities.
Our conversations covered a lot of ground, from innovation and future trends to governance, revenue diversification, operations and shared services, donor stewardship, and fund development. Every session reinforced how much we can accomplish when foundations open up to each other and work side by side.
Looking Ahead
As PQCF continues to grow, these regional connections are incredibly valuable. We are grateful to be part of a generous and collaborative network of community foundations and local leaders who are committed to learning together, sharing resources, and strengthening philanthropy across our communities.
A big thank you to the hosts, speakers, Elders, organizers, and participating foundations who made these gatherings so meaningful. We came home inspired and more committed than ever to the work ahead.