Giving Season is Here: Join the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust in Making a Difference

2024 Holiday Giving Catalogue Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

As the holiday season draws near, the spirit of generosity and compassion invites us to embrace the timeless tradition of giving. For those of us living on the beautiful west coast, this time of year serves as a reminder of the supportive communities and vibrant ecosystems we cherish. While we often celebrate the visible aspects of our region, we must also recognize the passionate social and environmental charities tirelessly working to uphold the vitality of the local landscapes and communities. 

The Importance of Local Charities 

From youth empowerment to environmental conservation and community health, regional organizations play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in the region. However, many of these organizations face increasing demand for their services. Inflation and rising costs add to these challenges, making it more difficult for them to carry out their essential work. 

Embrace the True Essence of Giving 

In response to these pressing needs, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) is proud to bring back the Holiday Giving Catalogue, an online crowdfunding campaign that highlights and supports local charities. This initiative serves as a “one-stop shop” for donors to learn about various local organizations and contribute to their vital missions. Having initially launched in the spring of 2020 in a response to support charities through COVID, the campaign has been a success, raising a total of $141,310.26 to date. These funds have helped catalyze vital conservation efforts, empower youth, celebrate culture, and improve community health and well-being. 

We are also delighted to announce an exciting partnership with Pacific Sands Resort! We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for their generous commitment to match every donation up to $10,000. This means your contributions will have double the impact on local charities, significantly amplifying the positive outcomes for the region. 

This year, consider making a donation as a meaningful gift that aligns with the interests and values of your loved ones. By contributing to the campaign, you can create lasting impacts in areas that resonate with you and those you care about. Your generosity, combined with Pacific Sands Resort's matching gift will have a significant impact on local charities and help them carry the important work that keeps local ecosystems and communities healthy. Together, we can make a profound difference this holiday season! 

Gifts of Impact 

In a world overflowing with material abundance, gifts of impact have emerged as a powerful, transformative choice. Unlike conventional gifts that may fade in significance over time, gifts of impact go beyond material possessions, creating lasting change in the lives of individuals and the broader community. Whether it's a donation to a cause that resonates with you, offering  your time through volunteer work, or sharing your knowledge and skills, these impactful gifts have the power to foster connection and inspire positive change. 

How to Make a Difference 

To contribute to this meaningful campaign, you can donate to one or several local organizations through CBT’s online catalogue. The CBT is honored to administer all donations without overhead fees, ensuring that every dollar goes directly to support local organizations early in 2025. 

Join Us in Creating a Legacy of Giving 

As we embrace the holiday season, let’s come together to shape a future where generosity knows no bounds. The CBT Holiday Giving Campaign is an invitation to contribute to a movement that leaves a lasting mark on local organizations and our communities. Join us in creating a legacy of impactful gifts that will benefit this cherished region long after the holiday season has passed. 

For more information about the Holiday Giving Campaign, visit clayoquotbiosphere.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/grant

We're Hiring Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Join our Team!

August 17, 2026
This position has now been filled. Thank you for your interest!  The Community Initiatives Assistant supports the delivery of community-based programs, networks, and initiatives that advance the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust and Coastal Family Resource Coalition’s mission and strategic priorities.
Youth and Education Grants Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Announcing the 2026 Youth & Education Grants

August 2, 2026
This year, $38,000 was awarded to seven inspiring projects in the region. These grants aim to address urgent needs for youth, as highlighted in our 2023 Vital Signs report. They focus on building capacity, providing education and training opportunities, and fostering connections among youth across communities in the region. Additionally, the grants support youth-driven projects and promote education and discussion around multiculturalism, inclusiveness, and diversity.
Rising Tide Surf Vital Grant Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Ivan Wells JR

Announcing the 2026 Vital Grant Recipients

August 1, 2026
This year, $92,000 was awarded to four inspiring projects in the region. These grants focus on addressing regional priorities and complex challenges that influence sustainability in the region. They also aim to support meaningful, longer-term collaboration between organizations, communities, and cultures.
Ruby Novogrodsky Research & Environment Grant Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Announcing the 2026 Research & Environment Grant Recipients

July 31, 2026
This year, $20,000 was awarded to four projects in the region. These projects address threats to key species and ecosystems and uplift nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) ways of knowing. Efforts also focus on habitat conservation, restoration, and protection for ecologically and culturally important species and ecosystems.
Community Development Grant Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Announcing the 2026 Community Development Grant Recipients

July 30, 2026
This year, ten inspiring projects in the region have been awarded over $38,000 in funding. These grants are dedicated to fostering accessible, inclusive, healthy, supportive, equitable, and sustainable communities. Together, they help build a stronger and more united region.
2026 Arts Culture Grant Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Announcing the 2026 Arts & Culture Grant Recipients

July 28, 2026
This year, eight impactful projects across the region received a total of $ 28,000 in funding. These grants support arts and cultural activities that encourage inter-generational participation, build connections across communities and cultures, and create opportunities to learn from one another.
Braedon Youth Summer Intern Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Welcome Back Braedon!

July 27, 2026
We're so happy to welcome him for a second summer as our Youth Intern. After joining the CBT team last year, he's spending his college break with us again, continuing to learn, contribute to local projects, and connect with the community. 
Charles McDiarmid Clayoquot sound Biosphere Centre Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Michael Becker

Donor Spotlight: Charles McDiarmid

July 24, 2026
The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre is one step closer to becoming a reality thanks to the support of donors who believe in the power of community, learning, and stewardship. We're proud to spotlight Charles McDiarmid, owner of the Wickaninnish Inn, whose generosity is helping bring this vision to life. 
Wild West Coast Adrian Dorst

Book Launch: The Wild West Coast by Adrian Dorst

July 8, 2026
Join acclaimed author, photographer, and naturalist Adrian Dorst for the launch of his new book, The Wild West Coast. Through a collection of compelling photographs, Adrian provides a window into Clayoquot Sound's mysterious rainforest and its wild valleys, as well as an elusive glimpse of many of its secretive inhabitants.

Celebrating Community Leadership and Looking Ahead

March 5, 2026
We’re proud to share some wonderful news! At the 2025 Tofino Business Excellence Awards, hosted by the Tofino Chamber of Commerce, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust was honoured as the 2025 Non-Profit of the Year, and our Executive Director, Rebecca Hurwitz, was recognized as Business Leader of the Year.

Announcing the Fall 2025 Neighbourhood Small Grants

February 3, 2026
We’re excited to share this list of grassroots community projects that received a Culture Neighbourhood Small Grants during the 2025 fall cycle. A total of 23 projects were funded in the region!