Niagara Knowledge Exchange

Niagara Suicide Prevention Coalition presents: From Hope to Action
2024-11-19 08:30 - 16:00 (America/Toronto) | White Oaks Resort & Spa, 253 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0, Canada
Niagara Suicide Prevention Coalition presents: From Hope to Action

Discover the latest knowledge and practices in suicide prevention, intervention, postvention, and lie promotion
This event is designed to inspire hope, educate, and connect!
Conference registration includes keynote speakers, a lived experience speaker, interactive activities, a buffet lunch and snacks

Space is limited! Register now!
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
8:30am-4pm
White Oaks Resort
253 Taylor Rd SS4
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Click here for more information: https://niagarasuicidepreventioncoalition.ca/

United Way Agency information session: Poverty to Possibility
2024-11-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
United Way Niagara is pleased to announce a new funding round in 2025 for the Poverty to Possibility priority area.
We invite organizations addressing food security, housing stability, and income stability across Niagara to attend our information sessions.
During these sessions, we will provide:

an overview of the funding process
guidelines for submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI)
information on how programs can align with United Way Niagara’s funding outcomes.

Please register in advance to secure your spot.

24th Annual 2024 Women in Business Awards
2024-11-21 11:00 - 15:00 | Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, 5875 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2G3K7, Canada
Join us in celebrating all the incredible women business professionals at the 2024 Women in Business Awards Ceremony.
Agenda:
11:00am – 11:30am Registration & Reception
12:00pm – 12:20pm Welcome Messages
12:20pm – 01:00pm Lunch
01:00pm – 03:00pm Awards Presentation
Awards presentations will include a keynote from Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Michelle O’Keefe and RULA award recipient Stephanie Thompson.

Date and Location:

Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, 5875 Falls Avenue
Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3K7

Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 11:00 AM-3:00 PM

Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging Webinar: Examining the social environment and its relevance to healthy aging
2024-11-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Webinar
Join us November 26 at Noon ET for our CLSA webinar, “Examining the social environment and its relevance to healthy aging in the CLSA.” The webinar will be presented by Daiva Nielsen, an associate professor in the School of Human Nutrition at McGill University and Katherine Labonté, a research professional in the School of Psychology at Laval University.
Several studies have linked social factors with outcomes relevant to aging, including diet, mental health, and cognitive functioning. However, social factors are multi-dimensional and may function synergistically when evaluated in combination. This webinar will present a novel approach for characterizing profiles of a social environment, reflecting a combination of multiple social factors related to network size, social cohesion, social support, and social isolation. Associations between the social environment profiles and outcomes related to healthy aging will be discussed, including nutritional risk and cognitive functioning.
Professor Daiva Nielsen is a Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Ingestive Behaviour and an associate professor in the School of Human Nutrition at McGill University. Her research examines diverse biological and social factors that relate to eating behaviour and health. She applies epidemiological and experimental methods to comprehensively investigate complex patterns of relationships between behaviour and health.
Katherine Labonté received her PhD in cognitive psychology from Laval University. Her expertise is in human decision-making, and she has worked on multidisciplinary projects focused on performance in complex work environments, food-related inhibition, social factors and cognition. She is currently a research professional at Laval University, where she works on the assessment of climate change knowledge among the general public while also conducting experimental research in cognitive psychology.
CLICK HERE to register

Women in STEM – The Sip, Savor, and Science Food Lab even
2024-11-28 18:00 - 20:30 | Niagara College
Thu, Nov 28, 2024 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST
Niagara College – Glendale Campus
135 Taylor Road Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

Welcome to the Women in STEM – The Sip, Savor, and Science Food Lab event! Join us at Niagara College Canada, Welland Campus for a fun-filled evening celebrating women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Get ready to indulge your taste buds while exploring the fascinating world of food science. This in-person event promises an exciting blend of hands-on experiments, delicious food tastings, and inspiring discussions with leading female experts in STEM fields. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to sip, savor, and discover the wonders of science!
Students aged 8-13 must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information and to register, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/women-in-stem-experience-the-sip-savor-and-science-food-lab-tickets-1055012694369?aff=oddtdtcreator

NCF Charity Event: Donor Relations
2024-12-04 08:30 - 11:00 | Club Italia, 2525 Montrose Rd, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Join us for our next professional development event: Donor Relations.
Learn promising practices about creating an effective donor relations program that will lead to increased donor retention, engagement, and giving. By exploring donor engagement examples, you will leave the session with tangible takeaways that you can employ in your daily work.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Overview

Learn promising practices about creating an effective donor relations program that will lead to increased donor retention, engagement, and giving. By exploring donor engagement examples, you will leave the session with tangible takeaways that you can employ in your daily work.

Details

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
– Understanding the importance of donor relations
– Designing an effective donor relations program
– Monitoring the success of your program
– Exploring impact in action through case examples
– Knowing the tools in your toolbox to build successful and lasting relationships

AGENDA:
8:30- Doors open. Breakfast and coffee available
9:00- Donor Relations 101
9:30- Donor Relations in Action
10:00- Q&A
10:30- Networking

GUEST SPEAKERS:
Graeme Dargarvel
Director of Development & Communications, Gillian’s Place
Graeme has a passion for community and working with agencies and people that support Niagara’s most vulnerable. With over eight years of progressive fundraising experience, Graeme has a keen interest in providing an exceptional donor experience and unlocking the impact of major and legacy giving.
In 2019, Graeme joined Gillian’s Place as Manager of Community Development with prior experience from United Way Niagara and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation in Hamilton. As well as being a graduate of the University of the Guelph’s Master of Arts Leadership program, Graeme is a certified Sommelier through both Niagara College and The Court of Master Sommeliers.
In his current role as Director of Development & Communications at Gillian’s Place, Graeme is focused on raising vital funds to support priority programs and the $10 Million Build a Safer Future Campaign that will see the expansion of Gillian’s Place. Inspired by the dedicated Gillian’s Place team and those they serve, fostering and nurturing meaningful community relationships is not only fulfilling, but helps empower survivors to break the cycle of violence and abuse.
Chelsey Maclachlan Wormald
Director, Resource Development – United Way Niagara
Chelsey is a passionate relationship builder, an avid list maker, and a natural communicator who thrives on connecting people and fostering strong communities. With a deep commitment to making a difference, she excels at developing creative strategies to raise awareness and generate revenue for important causes.
Chelsey began her fundraising career at Brescia University College and subsequently held key roles at the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and Anova: A Future Without Violence. In her current position as Director, Resource Development at United Way Niagara, she leads initiatives that support vital programs and services, creating a lasting impact on the Niagara region.
In 2021, she earned her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification, further solidifying her dedication to advancing the field of fundraising.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Transforming Care: DEI and Health Equity Knowledge Exchange
2024-12-05 | Holiday Inn & Suites, St. Catharines Conference Centre, 327 Ontario Street, St. Catharines, ON, L2R5L3, Canada
Join us on Dec. 5, 2024, at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Centre for a pivotal DEI and health equity leadership conference. This event is tailored to assist organizations in integrating DEI and health equity into their operations.
Highlights include keynote speakers at the forefront of health equity in Ontario, breakout sessions featuring expert insights on DEI, Indigenous health, sociodemographic data collection, health equity strategy, research, reporting and evaluation and a panel discussion.
Emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to health equity, this conference aims to equip participants with the knowledge and resources necessary to drive meaningful change. A virtual option is available for the morning session.
Click here for more information and to register: https://transforminghealthcaredeiconference.my.canva.site/transformingcareconference

DEADLINE: Subsidy for Niagara Community Foundation Subsidy Support of the Regional Accreditation Accelerator Program
2024-12-05 | Online
The Niagara Community Foundation and Imagine Canada are pleased to announce the first Ontario-based Accreditation Accelerator program for organizations based in the Niagara Region who want to pursue accreditation through Imagine Canada’s Standards.
The Standards Accreditation Program is designed to support organizations so that they can elevate their practices and demonstrate excellence to their donors, staff team, and partners. Imagine Canada is pleased to partner with the Niagara Community Foundation to help organizations identify and mitigate organizational risk, improve governance practices, promote financial transparency and accountability, and foster a strong workforce.
About the Regional Accreditation Accelerator Program
Successful organizations will receive in-kind assistance to pursue Standards Accreditation through the program. In-kind assistance will provide up to twelve months of free access to the Standards Community, including access to a peer advisor, and a waived Standards application fee. Recipients will also be connected to a supportive network with other Niagara-based organizations in the cohort.
This program is made possible through the generous support of the Niagara Community Foundation (NCF).
“NCF is proud to continue our strong association with Imagine Canada by providing funding to charities and nonprofits here in Niagara looking to benefit from the Standards Program through the new Regional Accelerator initiative,” states Bryan Rose, NCF Executive Director. “In alignment with our strategic pillar of Excellence, NCF became accredited with Imagine Canada in 2012. As a philanthropic leader in our region, NCF is committed to empowering Niagara charities and nonprofits. Working with Imagine Canada to help these groups achieve this important accreditation not only provides strength and resiliency for each organization, but adds confidence in and empowers the entire charitable sector throughout Niagara.”
Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria
The Niagara Community Foundation Regional Accreditation Accelerator is open to charitable organizations and public-benefit nonprofit organizations based in the Niagara Region. Existing Standards Community members who are yet to pay their application fee are also eligible to apply.
Don’t hesitate to email us at standards@imaginecanada.ca if you have any questions about the program.
How to Apply
We recognize that the accreditation application and the internal practice improvement that goes along with it requires substantial effort for organizations’ staff. To mitigate this and make the program more accessible, we have endeavored to keep the accelerator application process as simple and succinct as possible.
In Stage 1, we invite all interested applicants to complete a 10-minute online statement to help us understand your organization and your interest in applying to the program. The deadline for completing the statement is December 5th 2024, 11:59pm.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Brown Homestead: Homestead Holiday Tours
2024-12-12 08:00 - 2024-12-14 17:00 | The Brown Homestead, 1317 Pelham Road, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R6P7, Canada
Celebrate Christmas across two centuries of family farm life on a special candle-lit tour of the John Brown House.

This holiday experience is available for three dates only!

Thursday, December 12, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Friday, December 13, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Enjoy hot chocolate as you are led through the oldest home in St. Catharines, built beginning in 1796. Discover stories of the farming families who once lived here and learn how Christmas traditions changed over time into the twentieth century. Each room will be candle-lit and decorated to reflect a different historical era.

Tours begin every hour, on the hour.
Tours are 50 minutes in length. Registration is encouraged, but drop-in visitors are welcome.
Open by donation.
Recommended $5 per person donation plus a non-perishable food item for Community Care of St. Catharines & Thorold.

Feed Niagara Great Holiday Food Drive – Events taking place across Niagara
2024-12-13
December 13, 2024 marks the 4th annual Region Wide Great Holiday Food Drive.
Filling bags, barrels and busses never felt so good. Over the past few years many are facing challenges they never imagined possible. Job insecurity, the inability to provide basic needs for family, choosing between rent or food. From young families to the elderly living alone no one should go hungry. This year we are spreading holiday joy across all of Niagara. Every donation is important, every can and dollar make a difference. With your help we can make sure every child experiences holiday magic and no one goes hungry. Come on Niagara, it’s time to fill the sleigh… and feel good!
Check the map to find out more about the events happening across the region!

Niagara Peninsula Conservation, Holiday Traditions in the Victorian Village
2024-12-14 | Balls Falls Conservation Area, 3292 Sixth Ave, Lincoln, Ontario, L0R 1S0, Canada
Bring your family and friends to enjoy the beauty of the winter season in the Village of Glen Elgin located at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area.
Travel back in time as the historical village comes to life, decorated for the holidays in early Victorian-era styles, and heritage interpreters lead you through life in the 1800s. A variety of fun and family-friendly holiday activities and traditions await you!
FAMILIES WILL ENJOY:

Santa Station at the Centre for Conservation
Complimentary face painting
Photo and Toy Station
Holiday Craft and Colouring stations
S’mores by the campfire
Hot chocolate station
& more!!

While you’re with us, help us support our local food bank this holiday season! Guests are welcome to bring non-perishable food items that will be collected in support of Village of Hope Niagara.
General Admission (6+): $9 per person will collected upon arrival at the Centre for Conservation, where you will begin your experience!
Approximate duration: 1 ½ – 2 hours. We kindly ask visitors to limit their time to 2 hours to allow others to attend and experience the event throughout the day. Trails are open for self-guided hikes. Parking is limited, so guests are encouraged to carpool.
Dogs are permitted at the conservation area but must remain on leash at all times. Dogs are not permitted within heritage buildings or other indoor spaces.

St. Catharines Older Adult Centre Lunch and Learn Series: The Brown Homestead
2025-01-15 10:00 - 13:00 | Older Adult Centre, 80 Dunlop Dr, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
The Brown Homestead: Past, Present and Future with Sara Nixon
Jan. 15, 2025
10 a.m., Lunch to follow
Dunlop Drive Older Adult Centre, 80 Dunlop Dr., St. Catharines
Get your tickets for the next installment in the St. Catharines Older Adult Centre Lunch and Learn Series.
Visit the Dunlop Drive Older Adult Centre at 80 Dunlop Dr. and listen to Sara Nixon dive into the past, present and future of the Brown Homestead located on Pelham Road in St. Catharines.
Begins at 10 a.m. on Jan. 15, 2025. Lunch will follow provided by Chef Paul’s catering.
Purchase your tickets for $10 below or call 905.685.6668 before Jan. 8.
Get Tickets

DEADLINE: Niagara Community Foundation Environmental Grant Applications
2025-01-27
NCF’s Environmental Grant program is a flexible and responsive grant focusing on bringing partners together in our community to create a collaborative approach to meeting the environmental challenges we are facing.
This grant program supports rural and urban environment projects and we invite charities, municipalities, environmental stewardship groups, volunteer groups and youth led initiatives that meet the eligibility requirements to apply.
Applications are due Monday, January 27, 2025 at noon.
CLICK HERE for more information

Lunch & Learn: CMHA National Presents "Not Myself Today": Transforming Mental Health at Work
2025-01-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Webinar
GNCC Lunch & Learn
CMHA National Presents:
Not Myself Today: Transforming Mental Health at Work
Discover the Not Myself Today program and build greater awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and create psychologically healthy and safe work cultures – in just a few clicks. Not Myself Today can help your team tackle issues like burnout and stress and learn how to support employees experiencing mental health challenges.

In this webinar, you will learn:

How to have effective conversations that work to destigmatize mental health and mental illness in the workplace through the physical and digital educational resources contained within the Not Myself Today program.
Not Myself Today online portal walkthrough for employees (personalized dashboard, learning modules, how to start the initiative internally and keep it top of mind long-term)
Not Myself Today Manager’s e-learning series walkthrough (why managers are key factors in the mental health of staff, how to support managers and help them support their teams effectively through this training series)

Powered by YMCA of Niagara
With your 5-Minute Financial Download from C.R. Smith Financial Services
Presented by:
Rian Cunningham
National Business Development Representative
Canadian Mental Health Association
Free for GNCC members or $10 fee for non-members

Safe Cycling Course by Bike Niagara
2025-02-25 00:00
This invitation is for you, your family, friends and to the people you support in the community! Dave is also happy to come out by invitation. So if you would like to bring people together, young and old, for cycling, Dave is always willing to support.
I want to inform you about a safe cycling course that Bike Niagara is doing this spring (see attached poster and hand-out cards). We are working with Pelham community groups and the Freewheelers to help support this endeavour.
Your attendance would be most welcomed, as well as others that you think might benefit from the course. The room we have at the Fonthill Community Centre is large at an 80 capacity and we would like to fill it if possible.
There is another bike safe presentation that we are doing scheduled for Wed. May 15th, 1 to 2pm at the Fonthill Meridian Centre as part of a Seniors Workshop and Seminar Series put on by the Town of Pelham. This may also be of interest to you.
Please feel free to contact me for any further details or other ways that we can help each other.
Dave
Safe Cycling Instructor, Bike Niagara
Member, Niagara Freewheelers and Probus Club of Pelham
jordave@cogeco.ca
905-892-4773
Cell 905-519-4977
Click here for more details:

Niagara Region Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee - Application Deadline
2025-02-28 16:00
Niagara Region is seeking applicants for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee. The committee provides support to Regional staff to carry out Niagara Region’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan 2023-2027. It also provides recommendations, advice and information to Regional Council and staff on matters related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Committee meets every other month on a Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. Successful candidates will start immediately and serve until mid-2026. You can find more details in the Terms of Reference.
Apply online by Friday, Feb. 28 at 4 p.m.
We are looking for community members with lived experience or who have worked in agencies related to one or more of the following areas:

Ethnocultural and linguistic diversity
Racialized communities or People of Colour
Francophone
New immigrants
Indigenous communities
LGBTQ2S+ individuals
Individuals with disabilities, including mental health disabilities
Seniors / older adults
Individuals living with low income / homeless
Post-secondary students / youth
Faith-based diversity

Successful applicants must read and follow the Code of Conduct for Members of the Public on Advisory Committees

International Women's Day 2025
2025-03-07 11:00 - 14:30 | Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, 5875 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2G3K7, Canada
This International Women’s Day (IWD), join Women in Niagara and the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce to embrace the global IWD campaign theme Accelerate Action to champion gender equality. All ages and genders are encouraged to attend.
Individual tickets are $79.99 (GNCC Member), and $89.99 (non-GNCC Member). Tables of 8 or 10 may be purchased.

2025 State of the Region
2025-03-26 11:00 - 14:30 | Club Italia, 2525 Montrose Rd, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
The State of the Region event with Chair Bradley is a premier gathering of Niagara’s influential business leaders, community members, and elected officials, offering a unique opportunity to network with the region’s key decision-makers.
This event will feature Chair Bradley’s comprehensive overview of the current economic conditions, along with insights into key initiatives and projects aimed at fostering growth and development. Attendees will have the chance to engage in meaningful discussions on the region’s future, sharing ideas on how to strategically position Niagara for continued success.
The State of the Region event is a dynamic and informative gathering, highlighting the region’s strengths, and fostering collaboration to shape a prosperous future.
Cost: $74.99 per person (GNCC Member); $84.99 (non-GNCC Member). Tables of 8 or 10 may be purchased.

Webinar: Linking UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) #3 (Human Wellbeing) & #13 (Climate Action): are we prepared in the Niagara community?
2025-03-31 10:00 - 11:00
Join the UNESCO Chair on Community Sustainability at Brock University, Community Potential and the Niagara Community Foundation for this webinar where three panelists will discuss the link between two Sustainable Development Goals that relate to the Niagara community: SDG #3 Human wellbeing and SDG #13 Climate Action. The panelists will look at what we can expect for climate change; how it will affect our health, especially for those who are more vulnerable; and how St Catharines and the Niagara region community can adapt to these changes.
Registration is free. The webinar is being hosted on Lifesize Cloud
Register at: https://forms.gle/sXmtaAhqwAMbxTg86
Moderator: Liette Vasseur, Professor and UNESCO Chair on Community Sustainability, Brock University
Panelists:
Kathryn Bakos, Managing Director, Finance and Resilience, Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, University of Waterloo
Climate change: what can we expect?
Sean Kidd, Division Chief of Psychology at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto
The Climate and the Housing Crisis – Key Implications for Health Equity
Olivia Groff, Climate Change Adaptation Coordinator, St Catharines
Climate Adaptation – Perspectives from the City of St Catharines

Niagara Community Foundation David S. Howes Fund Grants 2025
2025-03-31 12:00
The David S. Howes Fund Grants Program is the Niagara Community Foundation’s largest grant program, honouring the legacy of the late David S. Howes.
Grant Making Priorities:

Post Secondary
Facilities
Research
Health-care Services
Education
Humanitarian Issues

Applications for the David S. Howes Fund must have a minimum ask of $15,000.

Board Governance Best Practices Panel Discussion, Niagara Community Foundation
2025-04-02 08:30 - 11:00 | Club Italia, 2525 Montrose Rd, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Join the Niagara Community Foundation for a panel discussion to learn about the best practices, the common pitfalls and the necessary ingredients to support and engage a trustworthy board.

For many non-profits and charities, Board Governance can be a tricky topic. Good governance practices and solid board policies can feel like a daunting task. Join us as we learn about the best practices that you need to help fortify the foundation of your organization with confidence and strength.
PANELISTS
Michael Lethby, Executive Director, The RAFT
Jessica Potts, Presidents, Inspired Strategy Group
Bryan Rose, Executive Director, Niagara Community Foundation
Elisabeth Zimmerman, Executive Director, YWCA Niagara
AGENDA
8:30 a.m. – Doors Open. Hot coffee and light breakfast buffet
9:00 a.m. – Welcome and context setting, Bryan Rose
9:30 a.m. – Panel Discussion
10:00 a.m. – Q & A
10:30 a.m. – Closing & Networking
11:00 a.m. – Adjourn

More than a Food Bank - Partnering to Address Food Insecurity in Niagara
2025-04-03 10:00 - 11:00
Partnerships are key to addressing the fact that one in five households in Niagara are food insecure.
Join Community Potential, the Niagara Community Foundation and the UNESCO Chair on Community Sustainability at Brock U. for a 1-hour webinar on Zoom to examine how Niagara’s unique collaborative of ten food banks is taking action to be resourceful in meeting the growing needs of individuals and families in Niagara’s diverse communities.
Presenter Paula Barrett will highlight FEED Niagara priorities, and show how local food banks are increasingly integrated with broader social services in Niagara.
This collective work being done in Niagara supports Canada’s commitment to achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal #2 – Zero Hunger.
A link to join this online event will be sent to all registered participants.

33rd Annual Niagara College Gala
2025-04-05 | Fallsview Casino Resort, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Join us for the 33rd Annual Niagara College Gala on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, at Fallsview Casino Resort for an elegant evening of decadent food, Niagara College wines, live entertainment, auctions and more.
Proceeds from the Gala’s fundraising efforts will support the Together Campaign, Niagara College’s largest-ever fundraising and alumni engagement campaign, supporting student scholarships and bursaries, as well as new and expanded facilities. Since its inception, the Gala has raised over $3.5 million to support student success at Niagara College.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased online using our secure order platform below.
Purchase Options:

$300.00 per person ($50 tax receipt)
Tables of 10 can be purchased for $3,000.00 ($500.00 tax receipt)

Purchase Tickets

Niagara College 10th Annual Bioblitz
2025-04-12 08:00 - 16:00
Spend the day with Niagara College identifying plants and animal species at the Daniel J. Patterson campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. I
For more information, please follow the link – https://www.niagaracollege.ca/sustainability/students/bioblitz/

Niagara Community Foundation Spring Mini Grant application deadline
2025-04-14 12:00
The Niagara Community Foundation Mini-Grants Program provides $2,500 grants to eligible organizations for projects that address the Foundation’s granting priorities. This program provides a time-sensitive, streamlined and responsive process for smaller projects. This grant is not suitable for projects that have a budget exceeding $7,500.
Grant Making Priorities

Addressing the issues/indicators in the Living in Niagara Report 2023, or,
Assisting with the development and implementation of tools and resources that would contribute to an organization’s success; including professional and organizational development and training

Niagara Community Foundation 2025 Summer Camp Grants application deadline
2025-04-14 12:00
The Niagara Community Foundation Summer Camp program helps Niagara children in financial need to participate in a variety of camping and recreation experiences. An opportunity to go to summer camp or be involved in a neighbourhood activity not only helps our children develop new skills, make new friends and raise their self esteem, it also gives them the chance to get their hands dirty and have lots of fun.

Presentation of NCO Policy Brief #59: Change in an Evolving Niagara: Navigating the Age-Friendly Communities Movement and Volunteerism
2025-04-24 13:00 - 14:15 | Meridian Community Centre (Accursi Room), 100 Meridian Way, Fonthill, Ontario, L0S 1E6, Canada
Niagara Community Observatory (NCO) researchers from Brock University will present Policy brief #59, ‘Change in an Evolving Niagara: Navigating the Age-Friendly Communities Movement and Volunteerism’ on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the Spring 2025 Meeting of the Niagara Older Adult Alliance (NOAA). The policy brief presentation will begin at 1 pm. A 2:15 pm break will be followed by the balance of the NOAA Meeting agenda.
Location: Accursi Room, second floor, Meridian Community Centre, Fonthill.

National Volunteer Week 2025
2025-04-27 - 2025-05-03
Volunteers Make Waves
Together, we create ripples of change
#VolunteersMakeWaves #NVW2025
The theme for National Volunteer Week 2025 is Volunteers Make Waves. It highlights the power, impact and importance of individual and collective volunteer efforts across Canada. Like a wave, volunteering is movement building.
Water is in constant motion, always flowing, shifting, and transforming with every powerful wave or quiet ripple. And so is each volunteer’s contribution toward creating impact in our communities.
Each individual volunteer contribution, big or small, creates momentum and has the power to influence and inspire, joining a wave of positive change. Building on the tides sent out before us, waves swell with each generation of volunteers. Our actions ripple out to broader community benefits, like improved well-being, increased social cohesion, and enhanced resilience in the face of change and uncertainty.
Each wave is unique and brings something vibrant and new to the ecosystem.
During National Volunteer Week 2025, we come together to recognize and celebrate all the ways volunteers make waves from coast to coast to coast. Together we create ripples of change. And through the power of our amplified impact, Volunteers Make Waves.
The sharing of time, skills, empathy, and creativity is vital to the inclusivity, strength, and well-being of our communities. By coming together, committing support, and increasing our collective efforts and impact, volunteers contribute exponentially to the quality of life we all strive for.
National Volunteer Week is a chance to highlight the value of volunteers and their positive impact on society.

Federal Election April 28, 2025
2025-04-28 08:30 - 20:30
Elections Canada is the independent, non-partisan agency responsible for conducting federal elections and referendums. Its mission is to ensure that Canadians can exercise their democratic rights to vote and be a candidate.
Canada is a representative democracy divided into ridings. When a federal election is called, Canadians vote to elect a member of Parliament to represent them in the House of Commons, where the member will debate and pass laws on behalf of their constituents. The candidate who receives the most votes in a riding is declared the winner. This is called a “first-past-the-post” system.
Each member of Parliament has a seat in the House of Commons. Candidates can represent a political party, or can be independent, meaning they have no association with a political party.
The Canada Elections Act states that a general election shall be held on the third Monday of October every four years. However, the Act does not prevent a general election from being held on another date. By law, election day must be at least 36 days and no more than 50 days after the day when an election is called.

SOAR-Well-AiP Research Study Eligibility Survey of Older Adults 55+: Ongoing Recruitment
2025-05-05 08:00 - 17:00
A new National Institute on Ageing-affiliated study is looking for participants age 55 years or older and interested, to participate in a research study in Southwestern Ontario, exploring how voice assistants, such as Google NEST can support well being and independence among older adults aging in place.
If someone you know aged 55+ is interested in participating, they can complete the eligibility survey provided on the SOARWell-AiP study website. Recruitment is on-going, and participants may be invited to participate up to 12 months after submission of the eligibility survey.
