The Sustainable Funding Initiative’s purpose

The Sustainable Funding Initiative (SFI) purpose is to support the Southern Gulf Islands’ non-profit and volunteer communities. By sharing resources, offering training, and providing hands-on help, the SFI helps individuals and organizations grow their capacity and become more effective in their work. It’s all about giving local groups the tools and knowledge they need to make a bigger impact.

Whether it’s through workshops, personalized support, or connecting people with valuable resources, the SFI makes it easier for non-profits to navigate the challenges of funding and planning. The initiative is focused on helping local organizations strengthen their efforts and continue making a positive difference in their communities.

Pen and notebook on a table.

Resources

Are you interested in building your organizational capacity? Our resource portal contains:

  • how-to guides
  • information about post-secondary co-op and intern programs
  • grant seeking info
  • templates, activities and tutorials
  • Our newsletter archive

Papers, laptops, and coffee cups on a table.

Workshops

Our facilitators deliver workshops on a range of grant and capacity building topics, including:

  • Non-profit governance
  • Board development
  • Succession planning
  • Volunteer recruitment

To learn about upcoming workshop series, please subscribe to our newsletter.

Group of people working together in a room.

Support

The Sustainable Funding Initiative delivers a range of direct support services to SGI organizations, including:

  • Grant seeking
  • Working with groups to articulate goals, connect to funding opportunities, and make successful applications for funding
  • Assisting groups to understand funder requirements, relationship development with funders
  • Providing templates for proposal writing
  • Grant newsletter and direct emails
  • Proofreading and feedback
Seniors working at a table with a tablet and writing on paper.

Scholarly Seniors

Scholarly Seniors offers skill training and hands-on labs for SGI seniors on a range of topics:

  • Social Media Basics
  • Online Tools and Technology
  • Grant Writing
  • Business Writing
  • Minute Taking

SFI Grant Hub

Welcome to the SFI Grant Hub, your go-to resource for comprehensive grant writing support in the Southern Gulf Islands! We offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to assist nonprofits and individuals in securing the funding they need to advance their initiatives:

  • Grant Research & Matching: Identify funding opportunities that align with your project goals.
  • Proposal Development Support: Resource guidance in crafting strong and competitive grant applications.
  • Workshops & Educational Programs: Join expert-led sessions covering key aspects of grant writing and nonprofit funding strategies.
  • Professional Grant Writers: Access a list of grant writers to assist you with your application.

  Stay informed with Funding Futures, our monthly newsletter featuring:

  • Curated Funding Opportunities: A regularly updated list of grants and funding sources.
  • Upcoming Workshops & Events: Invitations to workshops focused on relevant nonprofit topics in the SGI.

Explore the SFI’s Grant Hub to take advantage of our resources and support, ensuring your projects have the best chance of success.

Interested in joining our list of Grant Writers? Register Here

Have a Great Idea for a Workshop? Connect with Our Grant Hub Coordinator

SFI Grant Rebate Program

First Intake Success

We’re thrilled to announce that our first intake of the SFI Grant Rebate Program in September 2024 was a resounding success!  Seven dedicated registrants each secured a $250 rebate to assist in covering the costs of their SGI organization’s grant writer. This support empowers our local organizations to enhance their grant applications and pursue vital funding opportunities, paving the way for impactful projects across the Southern Gulf Islands.

But the excitement doesn’t stop here! Our next intake is scheduled for January 2025, and we invite more organizations to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.

This program is made possible thanks to the generous financial support from the SGI Community Economic Sustainability Commission (CESC), the Capital Regional District, and a New Horizons Grant. Together, these partnerships showcase our commitment to strengthening our community through collaborative funding efforts. Don’t miss out – make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for updates!

Upcoming Courses & Events

Past Programs:

  • Privacy and non-profits with Caitlin Pencarrick-Hertzman & Lori Seay

  • Minutes & Records with Lori Seay

  • Board Basics with Lori Seay

  • Mission Possible with Lori Seay

  • Volunteer Lab with Lori Seay & Charlene Dishaw

  • Succession planning with Alison Brewin

  • Level Up student intern program with Riipen’s Carly Coughlin

  • Grant Writing for Seniors with Lisa M-P

  • Minute taking for Seniors with Mamie H-T

  • Board Development course with Mamie H-T

  • Good Governance for non-profits with Mamie H-T

What People Are Saying:

“I just attended a session hosted by SGI Community Resource Centre Society for an introduction to Riipen – LevelUp project and I have to give a shoutout to [the Sustainable Funding Initiative’s Coordinator] for leting me know about this session. This opportunity is going to life changing for my non-profit. I am deeply grateful for this resource and for all the volunteers and folds who make these conversations and opportunities happen. THANK YOU!!!”

“[The Succession Planning workshop] content was well-organized and comprehensive in scope. The presenter really understood the material. She was informative, articulate, and responsive to the audience.”

“Thank you for all your support in making this application successful. We are excited to start planning, engaging parents and youth, and spending this grant.”

“The direct emails and the grant newsletter were very helpful fro our organization. Because our capacity is so limited, having someone else search out grant possibilities for us was a lifesaver! We applied for two large grants that we would not have sought out on our own!”

“We received the full amount of the grant! Yippie! Thanks again, job well done!”

” The newsletter directed me to a grant, and the grant writing workshop gave me tools and confidence to write it. This was my first attempt and grant writing. Continued support for people eager to learn will hopefully lead to more funding opportunities for the community.”

Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly newsletter which is packed with grant opportunities for non-profit organizations and small business. We also connect you to capacity building and educational resources such as student internships, workshops, video tutorials, templates and guides, and local non-profit news.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please email support@sgicommunityresources.ca.

Our Partners

CRD logo
SGI CESC logo
New Horizons Logo