June 17, 2025 – The Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association (NSHPCA) announced today that 25 nonprofit organizations across the province will receive a total of $635,879.49 in phase two funding through the Healing Pathways Community Funding Grants initiative. The funding will support local grief, bereavement, and emotional wellness programs that are rooted in community needs and designed to support healing, and connection.
“These projects reflect the diversity and need of communities across Nova Scotia,” said Tim Guest, Executive Director of NSHPCA. “Whether through peer support, cultural healing practices, or creative therapy programs, local organizations are stepping up with compassionate, community-driven responses to grief and loss. We’re pleased to support them in this important work.”
Healing Pathways Phase Two builds on the momentum of Phase One, which delivered $304,274 in funding to nonprofits in Colchester, East Hants, and Cumberland Counties in June 2024 – bringing the total funding awarded to $940,153.49.
Phase Two broadens access to grief support for populations often overlooked or underserved in traditional care systems. Funded projects include a diverse range of initiatives from grief kits for children and caregiver book clubs to youth empowerment programs, bereavement training, community events, and arts-based therapies. Populations served include youth, seniors, caregivers, newcomers, Indigenous communities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.
“I am incredibly honoured to receive a Healing Pathways Grant,” said Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist, Hilary Scott. “Thanks to this support, The Practical Guide to Understanding Grief online course will be made available to more than 100 people in the Western Zone of Nova Scotia. This course is for anyone who walks alongside others through emotional or difficult experiences – caregivers, healthcare workers, first responders, educators, wellness practitioners, frontline staff, and community members. It offers clear, compassionate tools for understanding grief in those we care about and in ourselves,” she added.
The Healing Pathways Community Funding Grants are supported by a two-year funding commitment from the Public Health Agency of Canada and government of Nova Scotia to aid communities most affected by the April 2020 Mass Casualty Event and others across Nova Scotia.
The Honourable Brian Comer, Nova Scotia Minister of Addictions and Mental Health, added: “Congratulations to all the successful recipients. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our partners at the Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association for their leadership in advancing such vital work through the Healing Pathways Funding Grants. We’re honoured to support initiatives led by community members with a deep understanding of how to provide meaningful support to Nova Scotians experiencing grief and loss.”
Click here for a full list of recipients.
Interview requests should be directed to:
Michael Kydd
Communications Director, NSHPCA
Email: mkydd@nshpca.ca
nshpca.ca and healingpathways.nshpca.ca
