Highlights:
Halifax, NS – September 28, 2026 – The Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association (NSHPCA) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2027 Healing Pathways Community Funding Grants, with more than $628,000 available to support community-led grief, bereavement, and emotional wellness initiatives across Nova Scotia.
As the Community Hub Organization for the Nova Scotia Community Grief and Emotional Wellness Model, NSHPCA works collaboratively with communities, organizations, healthcare partners, and government to strengthen local capacity, improve access to grief and emotional wellness supports, and help build compassionate, resilient communities across the province.
Eligible non-profit organizations, as well as community-based groups working in partnership with a registered non-profit, are invited to apply for funding that supports innovative, community-driven initiatives that respond to the unique grief and emotional wellness needs of Nova Scotians.
“Healing Pathways is about empowering communities to develop supports that reflect their unique strengths, cultures, and needs,” said Tim Guest, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association. “As the Community Hub Organization for the Nova Scotia Community Grief and Emotional Wellness Model, we are proud to work alongside communities across Nova Scotia to strengthen local capacity and expand access to compassionate grief and emotional wellness supports. Every project funded through Healing Pathways helps create stronger, more connected communities.”
Healing Pathways is funded by the Government of Nova Scotia through the Office of Addictions and Mental Health and was established in response to recommendations of the Mass Casualty Commission. The program is a key component of the Nova Scotia Community Grief and Emotional Wellness Model and supports community-led initiatives that improve access to grief, bereavement, and emotional wellness services while fostering sustainable community capacity throughout the province.
“These grants are a meaningful step toward supporting individuals and families as they navigate grief and healing,” said Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health. “By supporting community organizations to offer practical, compassionate help, we can create spaces where people feel understood and supported. Healing isn’t something anyone should have to face alone, and these partnerships are helping make sure people can find the care and connection they need, close to home.”
Since its launch in 2024, the Healing Pathways Community Funding Grants have invested more than $1.6 million in 68 community-led initiatives across Nova Scotia. Funded projects have included grief support groups, cultural healing gatherings, peer support programs, youth initiatives, mental health workshops, arts-based therapies, volunteer training, and other innovative approaches that strengthen community well-being.
Through the 2027 funding cycle, an additional $628,000 will be invested in projects that continue building compassionate, connected, and resilient communities across Nova Scotia.
Applications are now being accepted, and eligible organizations are encouraged to begin the application process early and carefully review all program guidelines and eligibility requirements before the November 13, 2026 application deadline.
Organizations that were unable to attend NSHPCA’s Healing Pathways Information Webinar on September 17, 2026 can access a recording online. The webinar provides a comprehensive overview of the program, including eligibility criteria, funding priorities, the application process, and practical guidance for preparing a strong funding proposal.
Applicants are encouraged to review the webinar before submitting their application.
To watch the webinar and access application resources, visit: https://nshpca.ca/feature-webinars/
To learn more about the Healing Pathways Community Funding Grants, including eligibility requirements, application materials, and a list of previous funding recipients, visit: https://nshpca.ca/healing-pathways/
ABOUT THE NOVA SCOTIA HOSPICE PALLIATIVE CARE ASSOCIATION
The Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association (NSHPCA) was established in 1994 to promote the philosophy and principles of hospice palliative care. Today, the NSHPCA works collaboratively with healthcare system partners to support the implementation of grief and emotional wellness programming while continuing its mission to achieve comfort and peace for people across Nova Scotia living with life-limiting illnesses.
In January 2024, the NSHPCA was selected by the Nova Scotia Office of Addictions and Mental Health to work with communities and Nova Scotia Health to design and deliver grief, bereavement, and emotional wellness services across the province. Funding supports community-based projects aligned with the Nova Scotia Community Grief and Emotional Wellness Hub Model.
Media Contact
Michael Kydd
Communications & Government Relations Director, NSHPCA
Cell: 902-818-6983
Email: mkydd@nshpca.ca
