Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association Launches Phase Two of Healing Pathways Community Funding Program
Funding totaling $500,000 will be allocated to eligible nonprofit organizations across Nova Scotia
HALIFAX, NS – January 8, 2025 – The Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association (NSHPCA) is excited to announce the Phase Two launch of the Healing Pathways Community Funding Program, now open for applications from eligible nonprofit community organizations. Following the success of Phase One, which distributed $300,000 in funding to nonprofits in Colchester, East Hants, and Cumberland Counties in June 2024, Phase Two will distribute $500,000 to successful applicants across the province.
“Phase Two of the Healing Pathways Community Funding Program ensures that organizations across Nova Scotia can apply to access critical support to address grief, bereavement, and emotional wellness needs in their communities,” said NSHPCA Executive Director, Tim Guest. “We are proud to be leading this vital initiative and look forward to seeing the impact these funds will have on communities in need throughout the province.”
Registered nonprofit organizations and charities in Nova Scotia can now apply for grants of up to $50,000 through the Healing Pathways website. The application period will remain open until February 14, 2025. Final decisions will be communicated to successful applicants via email by March 31, 2025, with funds expected to be distributed by April 30, 2025, after letters of agreement are signed.
The NSHPCA welcomes applications and partnerships from diverse communities and encourage initiatives that address the needs of individuals of all ages, genders, identities, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. Prior to submitting applications, applicants should review the Phase Two Community Funding Guidelines for eligibility requirements.
Announced in January 2024, the Healing Pathways Community Funding Program is supported by a two-year funding commitment from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the government of Nova Scotia. This fund is designed to provide direct financial support to communities most affected by the April 2020 Mass Casualty Event, as well as those across the province, in alignment with the recommendations of the Mass Casualty Commission Report.
Information Webinar:
The NSHPCA plans to host a virtual information webinar at 6:00 p.m on January 13, 2024, for organizations interested in applying for funding.
Chair of the Funding Committee and Board Member, Diana Whalen, shared that the success of Phase One funding motivated the organization to adopt a more engaged and collaborative approach for Phase Two:
“We learned a lot from the first phase and want to ensure all applicants feel supported and have the information they need to navigate the process and maximize this funding opportunity,” Whalen added. “We’re genuinely looking forward to working closely with community organizations throughout this process and encourage them to attend the information webinar.”
To register for the webinar, please access the following link:
Healing Pathways Community Fund Information Webinar
For Editors
- About the Healing Pathways Community Funding Program: Healing Pathways was initiated as part of a funding partnership between NSHPCA, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the government of Nova Scotia to support grief, bereavement, and emotional wellness across Nova Scotia.
- Phase One Impact: In June 2024, $300,000 was awarded to 14 projects from an initial pool of 29 applications. Projects supported included grief support groups, mental health workshops, and caregiver resources.
- Funding Process: A committee of NSHPCA Board Members thoroughly reviewed all applications. Each member conducted an independent evaluation before participating in group discussions to make final decisions.
- Media Resources: High-resolution images and additional program details are available upon request. Interviews with NSHPCA staff or previous funding recipients can also be arranged.
Important Links:
Phase Two Community Funding Guidelines
Healing Pathways Community Fund Information Webinar
Interview requests should be directed to:
Michael Kydd
Communications Director, NSHPCA
Cell: 902-880-6121
Email: mkydd@nshpca.ca
nshpca.ca and healingpathways.nshpca.ca
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ABOUT NOVA SCOTIA HOSPICE PALLIATIVE CARE ASSOCIATION
The NSHPCA, founded in 1994, was created to advance the philosophy and principles of palliative care. Over the years, it has evolved to collaborate closely with healthcare partners, supporting the delivery of grief and emotional wellness programs while remaining dedicated to its core mission of providing comfort and peace to Nova Scotians facing life-threatening illnesses.
In January 2024, the organization was selected by the Nova Scotia Office of Addictions and Mental Health to partner with communities and Nova Scotia Health to assist with the implementation of grief, bereavement, and emotional wellness services across the province.
Responding to the Mass Casualty Commission’s call for enhanced support, NSHPCA will distribute funding to groups and organizations to develop community-based initiatives that align with the Nova Scotia Community Grief and Emotional Wellness Hub Model.
