Announcing the 2024 Community Development Grants

Credits: Coastal Queer Alliance

We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Community Development grants. This year, five outstanding projects in our region have been awarded a total of $24,000 in funding. These grants are dedicated to fostering accessible, inclusive, healthy, supportive, equitable, and sustainable communities, helping to build a stronger and more united region.

We deeply appreciate the efforts of the Community Development Advisory Committee, comprised of dedicated local volunteers, for their thorough review of each application. The committee has prioritized projects that will have the most significant impact on those with the greatest need. To learn more about the projects, or connect with project leaders, email brooke@clayoquotbiosphere.org.

2024 Community Development Grant Projects

Learning from ʕaḥuusʔatḥ haḥuułii Youth Field Camps – Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society

This project will support healthy youth development and career advancement through a transformative blend of cultural preservation, environmental awareness, and community empowerment via youth field camps. It will serve as ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht's) catalyst for fostering cultural pride, environmental harmony, and community strength.

hiišč̓aksaquwił (Indoor Place for Every Purpose) – West Coast Multiplex Society

Educational and promotional materials for the upcoming West Coast Multiplex Society (WCMS) will be in both English and nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth). This will cover the website, brochures, signage, street names, and a pronunciation video of the future name of the facility. WCMS will work with ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) Elders and knowledge holders to ensure accurate communication of intent and meaning.

WCRS Social Enterprise: Ukee Reuse-It Store​ – Westcoast Community Resources Society

Westcoast Community Resources Society (WCRS) is launching a social enterprise to support funding many of its existing programs that are currently not covered by government funding or grants. This initiative will take the form of a reuse store, selling a variety of second-hand items donated by the community, thereby reducing waste and diverting it from the local landfill.

Shifting Frameworks: Community Workshops Series – Coastal Queer Alliance

The Shifting Frameworks: Community Workshop Series will deliver three workshops, each held twice, following the success of the Shifting Frameworks: Queer Competency Workplace Training. These sessions aim to educate diverse community members on topics such as "Supporting Queer Youth," "Queering Surf Culture: Creating a Culture of Care in the Water," and "What is ‘Normal’?: Queer-informed Critical Thinking About Media and Cultural Norms."

Growing West Coast Gardeners – Tofino Community Food Initiative

Growing West Coast Gardeners is a workshop series that equips participants with skills and knowledge for gardening in a coastal temperate rainforest climate. It is taught by gardeners with decades of collective experience on the coast and includes four full-day in-person modules, and an online discussion group for ongoing support. The program emphasizes realistic expectations and guides participants through garden planning, planting, harvesting, and preservation. With this program, the Tofino Community Food Initiative hopes that every participant will successfully grow and eat produce from their garden and will have a clear path of “what to do next?” in their gardening journey. The program will be offered in 2025, please email info@tofinocommunityfoodinitiative.com to learn more.

Wellness Market - Committee-led Harm Reduction Project

This committee-designated funding was allocated to establish an interactive market dedicated to promoting a variety of ways to access healthy living. This event took place on June 24th, 2024, and targeted workers within the hospitality and tourism industry in the region, providing them with a valuable opportunity to connect with one another, discover local resources, and enjoy a day of relaxation and fun. Attendees were able to explore various wellness options, engage with local vendors, and participate in activities designed to enhance their well-being.