The second week of September was a busy and inspiring one for our team. While some of our staff and board members travelled to EuroMAB 2026 in Parksville (read our blog post here), others headed to Kelowna for ConnectBC. Being both a UNESCO biosphere region and a community foundation gives the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust a unique opportunity to learn from two incredible networks. Rather than working toward separate goals, these networks complement one another, recognizing that healthy communities and ecosystems are deeply interconnected and that lasting solutions require both people and nature to thrive together.
Left to right: Marianne Lowin (Communications Manager) & Sarah Evalina (Board Director for the District of Ucluelet).
This year, a member of our board and our team joined nearly 200 attendees representing community foundations of all sizes from across British Columbia at ConnectBC 2026. Hosted on the territory of the syilx/Okanagan people, the gathering brought together staff, volunteers, board members, and community leaders for three days of learning, connection, and inspiration.
From artificial intelligence and storytelling to governance, community knowledge, and impact investing, the conference offered practical sessions that challenged participants to think differently and provided valuable tools to bring back to their organizations.
A recurring theme throughout the gathering was that community foundations do much more than distribute grants. They bring people together, support innovative projects, respond to local needs, and help create the conditions for communities to thrive. Hearing examples from both large urban centres and small rural communities was a powerful reminder that there is no single approach to making a difference. Every community has its own strengths, and the most effective solutions are rooted in local knowledge.
What always stands out at community foundation gatherings, however, is the people.
There is a genuine spirit of generosity, optimism, and inclusion that makes everyone feel welcome. Whether it is your first conference or your tenth, you're invited into the conversation. People share openly, ask thoughtful questions, and genuinely want to help one another succeed. It is a special environment where everyone can show up as themselves and feel like they belong.
"It is impossible not to feel inspired when you're surrounded by people who care so deeply about their communities. You can see the heart behind the work, hear it in the stories being shared, and feel the collective commitment to building a better future."– Marianne Lowin, Communications Manager, Clayoquot Biosphere Trust
Beyond the conference sessions, there were opportunities to connect in more informal ways. We even had the chance to explore the region by bike and learn about the work of a local organization supporting community trails. These shared experiences often lead to some of the most meaningful conversations and lasting connections.
We returned home with fresh ideas, meaningful connections, and renewed energy for the work ahead. More than anything, ConnectBC 2026 reminded us that lasting change happens when communities come together to share knowledge, support one another, and work toward common goals. We look forward to bringing what we learned back to the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region and continuing to build a thriving future for both people and nature.
A heartfelt thank you to the Vancouver Foundation, the Central Okanagan Foundation, Community Foundations of Canada, and the many speakers, volunteers, sponsors, and partners who made ConnectBC 2026 possible. The care, hospitality, and thoughtfulness behind the event were evident throughout the week. We are also grateful to the syilx/Okanagan people for hosting participants on their territory and creating space for meaningful learning and connection.
