The CFNS VISIONS Fund (Visionary Initiatives Strengthening Inclusion & Opportunity in Nova Scotia) was established by an anonymous donor to support initiatives that make Nova Scotia a better place to live and learn. The endowed fund will grant its earned interest in perpetuity, driving continuous and impactful support for the province – forever.

The CFNS VISIONS Fund has two priorities:

  • Providing financial assistance to initiatives, programs, and projects that support individuals who have encountered significant challenges in life. This includes aid for underserved and under-resourced communities, as well as those facing issues such as health problems, food insecurity, housing instability, or other substantial needs as specified by the applicant.
  • Providing financial support to universities or colleges for innovative and creative educational programs or teaching methods across various disciplines.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Projects must fit within the VISIONS funding priorities.
  • Projects are to be delivered in the province of Nova Scotia.
  • Applicants are to be a qualified donee as defined by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), other eligible group as defined by the CRA, or have partnered with an eligible organization.
  • Applications must come from the governing body of the applicant or be accompanied by a letter of permission from the qualified donee.
  • Projects can be new or ongoing.
  • Grants may be awarded for multi-year projects (three-year maximum) provided there is a plan for ongoing evaluation and sustainability. The grant range is $25,000 – $75,000, for a maximum three-year request of $225,000.
  • Grants will not be awarded for deficits, mortgages or to retire debt; retroactive funding; capital projects; sectarian, religious or political purposes; annual fund drives; fundraising activities or sponsorships.

What is a charitable partner?
There are many groups, individuals, and organizations whose purpose is beneficial to the community but who are not registered as charities or qualified donees with CRA.  Charities and non-charities often partner to increase their community impact. For example, a youth-serving charity may partner with a non-charity youth group to offer a summer camp. The partnership enables the charity to reach more youth and allows the non-charity to provide activities that might not otherwise be available.

Grant Details

Grant Range: $25,000 – $75,000

Application Period: October 1st – November 5th, 2024

Notification of Success: Early December, 2024

Fund Disbursement: December (via electronic funds transfer)

Project Timeline: Majority of funds must be spent on project/program expenses by December 31, 2025

Contact Us

If you have any questions or need further information, please reach out to us at Grants@cfns.ca.

If a written application poses a barrier to submission, alternatives are available. Please contact us at Grants@cfns.ca or call 902-490-9916.

Apply

Would you like to preview the questions before applying? You can download this PDF application as a guide. Applications must still be received through the online application portal by clicking the green button above.