The Parksville Qualicum Community Foundation (PQCF) has been awarded $230,000 for a new grant program to support poverty reduction and social inclusion in the Oceanside region.
The new Oceanside Prosperity Fund is funded by the Government of British Columbia through the $25 million Community Prosperity Fund announced on the inaugural BC Nonprofit Day, according to a news release by PQCF.
The investment reflects the government’s commitment to support the non-profit sector while empowering local decision making through local community foundations.
"The Oceanside Prosperity Fund aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to fostering resilient and inclusive communities," said PQCF chair, Robert Duncan.
“By providing essential support to local organizations, we are enabling them to continue and expand their vital work and create lasting positive change."
The Oceanside Prosperity Fund will offer grants from $5,000 to $25,000 to be spent over three years, ensuring sustained impact and long-term benefits for the communities they serve.
The funding is available to registered charities, non-profit organizations that are sponsored by a registered charity, and Indigenous-serving organizations in the Oceanside region.
The Oceanside Prosperity Fund can be utilized for a variety of purposes in support of poverty reduction and social inclusion, including operational expenses — investments that enhance an organization's long-term resilience, such as digital infrastructure, staff training, organizational strategy and policy development, salaries, rent, and other essential costs, and project delivery — funding for projects that address specific community needs.
Organizations have the flexibility to use the funding over up to three years, allowing for thoughtful and effective implementation. If a project requires only one or two years of funding, that is eligible as well.
“Through the Oceanside Prosperity Fund, we are able to provide financial support for project-specific initiatives as well as operational sustainability, which isn’t always the case,” said Peter van Dongen, PQCF vice-chair. "We’re thrilled to be able to help local organizations secure the resources they need to help drive meaningful change and improve the quality of life for everyone in our communities.”
Learn more about the eligibility guidelines, preferred activities, and application process from: Oceanside Prosperity Fund and parksvillequalicumfoundation.com. Applications must be submitted by July 30, 2024.
PQCF works with donors to build endowments, grants funds to local organizations and initiatives, and brings neighbours together to strengthen community philanthropy. It serves the area incorporating Deep Bay to Nanoose, inclusive of Errington and Coombs.
— NEWS Staff
