Springford Family Foundation

Inspired by Colin Springford, the Springford Family Foundation is a permanent endowment that was established in 2022 to support local organizations that improve the communities of Oceanside.

About the Springford Family Foundation

In January 2021, our community lost a well-respected and highly regarded citizen and friend. Colin Springford was known for his enduring dedication to supporting our community through his generosity, leadership and commitment to leaving everything in life better than he found it. Inspired by his example, Colin’s family established the Springford Family Foundation

As a permanent endowment, all contributions to the fund will grow in perpetuity, with grants provided each year to support a variety of local charitable causes that Colin held dear. This legacy will ensure Colin’s tradition of giving back continues for generations to come. Help give back and Donate today!

Apply for Funding

The Springford Family Foundation provides grants of up to $2,000 to support initiatives in three focus areas that improve local communities within the Oceanside region.

Grants are provided to organizations that are registered as Charities with Canada Revenue Agency, or to organizations that are sponsored by a registered charity. 

Priority is given to applicants that:

  • Address two or more of our focus areas at the same time.
  • Demonstrate strong community ties.
  • Clearly demonstrate how your initiative will improve our community.

Goals

The Springford Family Foundation aims to improve our local communities in the Oceanside region and leave the world a better place for our children. 

Focus areas for funding include:

  • Improving the quality of life for children and youth
  • Strengthening local agriculture and food systems
  • Enhancing environmental stewardship, sustainability and biodiversity

Eligible Areas

  • City of Parksville,
  • Town of Qualicum Beach
  • Qualicum First Nation
  • Regional District of Nanaimo Areas E (Nanoose, Fairwinds, Red Gap)
  • Regional District of Nanaimo Areas F (Errington, Coombs, Hilliers)
  • Regional District of Nanaimo Areas G (San Pareil, French Creek, Dashwood)
  • Regional District of Nanaimo Areas H (Deep Bay, Bowser, Qualicum Bay)
  • Lasqueti Island

Application Process

To apply, complete this online application form outlining your request for funding, a description of your charitable initiative and how it will positively impact our community.

In early 2023, Family Ford Parksville raised $6600 toward the Springford Family Foundation! A portion of every used vehicle sold was given toward local projects that support youth and agriculture initiatives.

Learn more about ways to donate below and make a difference for years to come.

Deadline for applications in any calendar year is March 31st, or the last weekday of March.
Grants are awarded each year in May.

Donate to the Springford Family Foundation

Please consider helping us make a difference in our local communities by donating to the Springford Family Foundation. All donations will support eligible organizations within the Oceanside region. The Springford Family Foundation is administered by the Parksville-Qualicum Community Foundation. Charitable tax receipts are provided for the full value of your donation. Here are the best ways to donate—Thank you!

By Mail

Step 1: Cheques payable to the Parksville-Qualicum Community Foundation.

Step 2: Note ‘Springford Family Foundation’ in the cheque memo line.

Step 3: Mail cheque to:
Parksville-Qualicum Community Foundation
101-691 Beach Rd.
Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 0A7

A charitable tax receipt will be mailed to you.

At Springford Farm Market

Step 1: Cheques must be payable to the Parksville-Qualicum Community Foundation.

Step 2: Note ‘Springford Family Foundation’ in the cheque memo line.

Step 3: Drop off your cheque at Springford Farm Market at 1934 Northwest Bay Road in Nanoose Bay.

A charitable tax receipt will be mailed to you.

Online via Canada Helps

Step 1: Go to the Parksville-Qualicum Community Foundation’s online donation page on Canada Helps.

Step 2: Select ‘Springford Family Foundation Fund’ from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Complete your donation.

A charitable tax receipt will be emailed to you.

Remembering Colin Springford

With his lifelong passion for farming and gardening, Colin felt most at home on his farm in Nanoose Bay, surrounded by plants and animals. He took great pride in being a good steward of his land and livestock and working in harmony with nature to protect the environment and nurture healthy ecosystems. For example, he felt a deep sense of pride and fulfilment whenever he found rare birds on his farm, and at one point put the building of a new barn on hold until a resident killdeer had finished nesting on the site.

Beyond the fences of his own farm, Colin was a respected and passionate advocate for agriculture in the region. Known for his straightforward and common-sense approach, he gave generously of his time and knowledge, always eager to lend a hand or offer advice to other farmers. He served as president of the Coombs Farmers’ Institute for 10 years and was active in many other farm organizations.

Colin always held a special place in his heart for children and youth. The idea that no child should go without was a consistent theme throughout his life. While operating Town & Country Construction, he offered free sand to anyone building a sandbox. While his children were growing up, he volunteered his time and expertise as a 4-H Leader and an adult advisor for the Canadian Junior Hereford Association. And during his time at the Coombs Farmers’ Institute, Colin made it his mission to build up their student scholarship program. He was also a long-time supporter of the Nanoose Community Services food bank and Christmas Elf Program.

While Colin would never have described himself as a philanthropist, he never hesitated to support causes he believed in. He often did so quietly, with no need or expectation for public recognition. It’s simply who he was.