2020 Community Investment Grant Recipients
We received a record number of submissions for the 2020 Community Investment Grant Program. Once again, our Member Advisory Council was engaged in the selection process and we are pleased to share the successful recipients, who are all creating a positive social and economic impact.
The recipients of the 2020 Community Investment Grant Program include:
Small Business
Espresso 46Espresso 46 is a coffee shop in North End Halifax that bases its business on the Italian cultural model of enjoying a chat with your coffee. After opening their doors to a very warm welcome from the community in 2018, they’re ready to expand to meet growing customer demand.
The $10,000 grant will be used to outfit their kitchen to offer traditional Italian dishes throughout the day in addition to coffee and espresso in the morning. The upgrades will enable the business to expand its operating hours and grow their customer base.
Visit the Espresso 46 Facebook page »
Sohma Naturals Organic Skin CareSohma Naturals is a mother and daughter team of healthcare professionals. Together, they have spent over five years researching and testing raw materials for their exclusive skincare formulations, using selectively sourced ingredients to produce natural and mostly organic products that are of the highest quality.
The $5,500 grant will be used to purchase equipment needed for packaging their new all-natural diaper rash and eczema cream for use in neonatal units of hospitals.
Visit the Sohma Naturals website »
Liquid Assets NSBuy and fly with Liquid Assets NS, the shop that focuses solely on Nova Scotia's handcrafted beverage alcohol artisans. They make it convenient to share the best of Nova Scotia with friends, family and associates on your travels with their post-security location at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
A $5,000 grant will be used in the construction of a new kiosk location in the airport, in the Transborder Lounge, accessing a new market of travelers who are flying directly to the United States.
Visit the Liquid Asset NS website »
The Sydney Street Pub and CaféThe Sydney Street Pub and Café is a place to spend time with friends, indulge in good food and beverages, and enjoy live music, all in the setting of a historic building in Digby. The pub aims to support the local community, both by shopping local and by providing a budget-friendly option for customers.
The $2,000 grant will be used to purchase a fridge and freezer in order to display healthy and locally made takeaway meals for Digby residents.
Visit the Sydney Street Pub and Café website »
Seaweed and Sod Farm & Bed and BreakfastThe Seaweed and Sod Farm and Bed and Breakfast is a hidden gem in Cape Breton, overlooking Bras D’or Lake. The property includes 3km of walking trails, a beautiful view, a fully operational farm and a cozy room to call home during your stay.
The $1,500 grant will be used to purchase snowshoeing equipment to enhance their winter vacation package offering and promote their B&B as a four-season destination.
Visit the Seaweed and Sod website »
The Playful Pumpkin Play CaféThe Playful Pumpkin Play Café in Windsor is a safe place for young children to play inside and socialize while caregivers and parents treat themselves to a hot beverage, delicious baked goods and connect with others.
The $1,000 grant will be used to purchase equipment and toys that promote the growth and development of all children and create a clean, safe and educational environment.
Visit the Playful Pumpkin’s Facebook page »
Community and Non-Profit
The Ecology Action CentreThe Ecology Action Centre is a member-based environmental organization in Halifax. They take leadership on critical environmental issues from biodiversity protection to climate change to environmental justice.
The $5,000 grant will be used to purchase specialized storage racks for their Bike Again Program, which will lead to improved efficiency and an increased number of previously owned bikes available to the community.
Visit the Ecology Action Centre’s website »
The Affordable Housing Association of Nova ScotiaAffordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia (AHANS) has been actively involved in building affordable housing and in upgrading, protecting and better utilizing the province's existing housing stock since the mid-1980’s. They provide services across the province from their Dartmouth offices.
The $3,000 grant will fund the development and production of videos for educating Nova Scotians around managing an apartment, housing transitions and landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities.
Visit the Affordable Housing Association’s website »
Annapolis Valley Chapter of Autism Nova ScotiaThe Annapolis Valley Chapter of Autism Nova Scotia seeks to meet the needs of families and individuals with autism in the Annapolis Valley. They provide programming for children, teens and adults with autism and their families, from social programming and lessons to support sessions.
The $3,000 grant will be used to purchase of equipment for use in their sensory gym, calming room and lending library for people with an autism diagnosis.
Visit the Annapolis Valley Chapter of Autism Nova Scotia website »
North Queens Business Centre and Innovation HubThe North Queens Business Centre and Innovation Hub aims to build community capacity & promote economic development by improving citizen's technology skills, enhancing business development and stimulating innovation and entrepreneurship in the region of North Queens.
The $3,000 grant will go toward materials needed to make the space more usable for businesses in the area, reducing noise pollution in the Centre.
Visit the North Queens Business Hub website »
Upper Hammonds Plains Community Development AssociationThe Upper Hammonds Plains Community Development Association provides programming and services to area residents at the local community centre. These services are especially important as the area does not have a bus route and many of the available resources aren’t accessible without transportation.
The $1,000 grant will go toward buying equipment to set up a youth drop-in night at the local community centre.
Visit the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Development Association Facebook page »
Sports and Recreation
Dartmouth Crusaders Swim Club Operating under the Olympic vision of building a better world through sport, the Dartmouth Crusaders Swim Club is a competitive group of athletes between the ages of 8 and 18. The club operates out of the Zatzman Sportsplex in Dartmouth.
The $3,500 grant will allow the Dartmouth swim team to purchase an underwater communication system to improve coach-swimmer communication during training.
Visit the Dartmouth Crusaders Swim Club website »
The Bigger Picture AssociationThe Bigger Picture Association is a collaborative initiative to better communities by focusing on the “bigger picture” for all involved. Specifically, this group aims to beautify common and public spaces to encourage a better sense of community and involvement.
The $3,000 grant will go toward the improvement and beautification of the Mulgrave Park Basketball courts in Halifax.
Visit the Bigger Picture Association Instagram account »
Rath Eastlink Community CentreThe Rath Eastlink Community Centre, a non-profit society, is full of exciting options to help individuals and families live active lifestyles. With programming for all ages, the Community Centre is a staple in the Truro area.
The $2,000 grant will go toward the purchase of yoga and poolside instructor equipment as a part of their ACCESS program that provides free programming to women dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
Visit the Rath Eastlink Community Centre website »
The Membertou Skating ClubThe Membertou Skating Club is a community organization that promotes community physical activity through free skating lessons for members of the community at the Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre. The club aims to build a healthier community, one skate at a time.
The $1,500 grant will go toward purchasing skating equipment to start a learn to skate program in Membertou for kids and teens ages 10-17.
Visit the Membertou Skating Club website »
