About the Ubuntu Giving Fund and the Helping Hands Community Fund
In 2022, the NSCDA developed two funding programs dedicated to supporting initiatives that maximize community potential, including rural areas that have been traditionally overlooked.
The Ubuntu Giving Fund totalled $40,000, split into two awards — one within HRM and one outside of HRM. These funds were intended for new or existing projects or initiatives within the applicants’ communities.
The Helping Hands Community Fund, an event-based fund of $10,000, was shared with multiple organizations. To be eligible, applicants had to be non-profit, grassroots and located in Nova Scotia.
The NSCDA also contributed an additional $10,000 to support two organizations that presented outstanding applications. Both the Blk Women in Excellence BLK Business Baddies Program and the Chebucto Connections Community Produce Packs program received $5,000.
The Ubuntu Giving Fund recipients included:
- Diversity of Nature (DoN) received $20,000. DoN is a scientific outreach organization dedicated to increasing BIPOC representation in the natural sciences. Funding will support cost-free, immersive monthly STEM workshops and annual overnight workshops for the next two years.
- The Potlotek First Nations Community received $20,000. Funding will be used to create a “Food Forest” within the Potlotek First Nation Community in Cape Breton. The Food Forest will complement the community’s existing food security site, which includes greenhouses, a field garden and an apiary with over 30 hives. The funds will be used to construct access roads, plant fruit trees, and purchase new honey-making equipment.
Helping Hands Community Fund recipients included:
- Descendants of African American Enslaved Living in Nova Scotia received $3,000 to support the completion of a documentary film focusing on issues of violence against Black women.
- The Immigrant Parents Network received $2,500 to support their annual Parent Circle. This event is focused on supporting Immigrant and Newcomer parents as they prepare their children for school in their new country.
- Independent Living Nova Scotia received $3,000 to help re-establish the Art of Disability Festival. This hybrid online and in-person festival allows artists who identify as disabled to showcase their art.
- The Mauya Tribe received $1,000 to support a safe space painting event.
- The New Glasgow Black Gala Homecoming received $500 to support this year’s annual event.
Funding Stories
Diversity of Nature
Suchinta Arif, Co-founder of Diversity of Nature, Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, K’jipuktuk (Halifax), says the money her project received was “instrumental in launching many of our immersive outreach activities over the past few years. In particular, we ran several snorkeling expeditions as well as a shark tagging event. These events gave BIPOC and underrepresented youth in Nova Scotia a chance to gain valuable and direct experience working with marine ecosystems, as well as build mentorship with early career researchers in the area. Our plans for the future are to expand our programming across Canada, as we now have leaders in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick ready to create their own Diversity of Nature chapters.”
Immigrant Parents Network
The Back-to-School Project of the Immigrant Parents Network used the money they received to provide backpacks and school supplies to more than 70 new immigrant families and relieve the financial burdens of those in need. The organization also presented an education session attended by 55 parents online and in person. This event offered a space to connect, learn, and share with other parents.
Chebucto Connections Community Produce Packs
Christina Carter, Executive Director of Chebucto Connections, says their funding was used for Chebucto Connections Community Produce Packs and “enabled us to distribute 2,400 produce packs during the 2022-2023 fiscal year.” The organization is growing its efforts, and Carter added, “We now provide 100 produce packs every two weeks, with 35 packs being delivered to individuals facing mobility challenges. Our food assistance extends beyond distribution; we are introducing initiatives to connect communities through food. One of our latest programs is the English as an Additional Language Conversation Club.”
Mission
Our mission is to celebrate differences. The Nova Scotia Career Development Diversity and Inclusion Committee (NDIC) advocates for equitable accessibility to resources, while fostering purpose, growth, and empowerment.
The NDIC is a diverse, representative group within the NSCDA. We work with local communities through collaboration and engagement to challenge the narrative.
Vision
The NSCDA is committed to creating and building authentic relationships with communities and community partners. For us to address societal barriers, we must listen, collaborate, and take action towards building welcoming, safe spaces to ensure each person’s voice and needs are heard and treated with dignity and respect.