About Us

Making meaning and lasting impacts in our community

Nanaimo Foundation the community foundation of Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Cedar, Gabriola Island and Lantzville. By connecting visionary donors with causes that truly matter, we’re able to invest in people and projects by assisting local charitable organizations that make our communities stronger—now and for the long-term.

A gift to Nanaimo Foundation makes a difference to the communities we serve now and in perpetuity.

As a registered Canadian charity, we manage charitable gifts from donors whose generosity allows us to create permanent, income-earning funds, which are distributed in the areas the donors wish to support.

The geographic area served by Nanaimo Foundation is defined by the boundaries of School District 68 which includes the communities of Nanaimo, Lantzville, Gabriola Island, Cedar and Ladysmith.

At Nanaimo Foundation, we are passionate about community. Everything we do is intended to help build vibrancy, health, and resiliency in our community.

We accomplish our work by stewarding the gifts of energy, ideas, time, and money of caring community members to make meaningful and lasting impacts. We are Nanaimo’s community foundation and we’ve been investing in our community since 1982.

We take a broad approach to our work, recognizing that communities are complex and that many things are needed to make them the best they can be. That’s why every year, with our donors, we help fund capital projects and pilot projects – large and small – in support of areas such as arts and culture, education, children and youth , environment, animal welfare, community health, and social development.

We work with community partners to accomplish our goals. We collaborate with other charities and non-profits to provide funding for innovative projects to solve larger community issues. Our donors come from all walks of life. They have many interests, and share a love for their community. Our donors are the optimists in our midst – the people who believe things can get better, and who demonstrate that belief by helping us invest in great ideas.

*Our Canada Revenue Agency registration number is: NO 889098174RR0001