Deadline approaching for Ladysmith Community fund grant proposals

The Ladysmith Community Fund Society is accepting applications from local community groups seeking funding until midnight on March 10. This is an opportunity for local charities and community groups to access funding for projects that benefit Ladysmith and the surrounding area.

“We’re really excited to be giving back to the community — this is what we are set up to do,” said Bruce Whittington, president of the Ladysmith Community Fund Society. “And it’s very rewarding to see the good work that we have helped fund in the community.”

The Ladysmith Community Fund Society offers grants each year, made possible through the earnings of a community endowment fund that was established in 2021. For 2025, the grant amount available is $1,100, which will be distributed to one or more organizations that meet the criteria.

To apply, organizations must be a registered charity or a qualified donee under the Income Tax Act and must demonstrate fiscal responsibility. According to the Government of Canada website, "qualified donees" are organizations that can issue official donation receipts for gifts they receive. These include registered charities, municipalities, universities and certain housing corporations.

Preference will be given to projects that support volunteer participation and address unmet community needs. Organizations must submit a completed and signed application form by email before the March 10 deadline.

Interested groups are encouraged to reach out to the Ladysmith Community Fund Society to discuss their projects before submitting an application. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of March.

The Ladysmith Community Fund Society was founded in 2020 to create a permanent endowment fund that supports local charitable causes. Through a partnership with the Nanaimo Foundation, the society manages the fund and uses its investment earnings to issue grants that benefit Ladysmith.

In 2024, three grants were issued to projects that are making a positive impact in the community. The Community Circles Restorative Justice Society received a grant of $600 to fund its Village Workshop Series: Building bridges through understanding the village, aimed at engaging residents in restorative justice processes. The Other Guise Theatre Company was awarded $300 for its Super Shorts: An evening of short play readings. Finally, the Ladysmith First United Church received $200 to support renovations to its church hall which serves as a community hub for various organizations. With that project, the Ladysmith Community Fund Society’s support helped leverage additional donations, tripling the value of the grant.

Through the community endowment fund, the Ladysmith Community Fund Society has been able to support diverse projects that enhance the quality of life in Ladysmith. As the fund continues to grow, more funds will be available for future grants.

For more details, to access the application form, or to make a donation, visit the Ladysmith Community Fund Society website.