Nova Scotia Power Announces First Grassroots Grants Recipients

“The response to this program has been incredibly inspiring,” says Vivek Sood, President and CEO, Nova Scotia Power. “We heard from so many groups doing important work—improving community spaces, supporting seniors and youth, and keeping community kitchens going. We’re thrilled to support the people and projects that help our communities thrive.”

Given the strong interest and the hundreds of applications received, Nova Scotia Power doubled its original investment in the pilot to $200,000.

Recipients were selected by an external committee. To learn more about the recipients and their projects, visit the Grassroots Grants Program here.

Alma-Westville Community Program Society: “This funding will help us expand our program offerings, break down barriers in our community, and increase access to entrepreneurship opportunities, knowledge and skill-building workshops, and food insecurity supports. With this support, we can better serve our community and create more meaningful opportunities for growth, connection, and resilience.”

Boys and Girls Club of Preston: “This $10,000 investment in Fruits of Our Labour: Harvesting Change will help empower our youth with continued hands-on cooking and agriculture skills while strengthening food knowledge and community connections. We are grateful for this support, which will allow us to continue creating meaningful opportunities for our youth and families in our community.”

The Deanery Project: “Funding through the Nova Scotia Power Grassroots Grant program comes at just the right time for the Deanery Project. Our on-site wood shop has long been an important, but under-utilized resource —this support allows us to take a major step forward, growing it into a Woodworking Hub that advances our goals of hands-on education and community resilience.”

Frenchvale Fire Department: “Receiving this grant means so much to our small volunteer fire department and the community we serve. An AED at our community hall and an electric vehicle emergency plug will help our volunteers respond faster and more safely when every second counts. In a small community, we look after each other, and this support helps us continue to protect our friends, families, and neighbours.”

Lincolnville Community Development Association: “Feeding a community starts with showing up for one another. This $10,000 boost to the LCDA pantry means more fresh food, fewer empty cupboards, and a stronger, healthier Lincolnville.”

North Sydney Food Bank Society: “This grant from Nova Scotia Power’s Grassroots Program will have a meaningful impact on our community. By adding a refrigerator and freezer, we can offer a client-choice model that improves food access, reduces waste, and allows residents to select fresh items that meet their household needs.”

Malagash Community Club: “Seniors will gain valuable knowledge and essential digital skills that will help them keep their independence in the rapidly changing technological world. They will cover key topics, such as how to identify cyber threats, practice safe online shopping, access health related websites, and use email.”

Pugwash Community Garden: “The Pugwash Community Garden exists because a decade ago a group of foresightful volunteers took the initiative to create an accessible, local food source. As the garden evolves, we have been encouraged by the number of citizens, both individual and corporate, who have shown a genuine interest in helping to grow food for other community members. In an ever increasingly stressed water environment, we have been motivated to improve watering methods and have plans to install a drip-irrigation system to minimize water waste. With the generous support of Nova Scotia Power’s Grassroots Grant Program, the Pugwash Community Garden is excitedly looking forward to a refreshing season of growth and rejuvenation. The Pugwash Community Garden extends a heart-felt “Thank YOU!” to Nova Scotia Power’s Grassroots Grant Program.”

St. Micheal Hall: “This grant will help us address issues necessary to ensure all people can access our community hall. The Margaree Community Hall is in the center of our village, close to our church and the Margaree Manor, a senior’s complex. It is the center of all activities in our community throughout the year. In winter, well-attended-weekly card games, crafting activities, and varied social gatherings take place. Other times, it is the location of various meetings, concerts, funerals, weddings, educational activities, and functions related to our annual community event: The Margaree Highland Games.”

Voglers Cove Community Hall: “The Voglers Cove Community Hall thanks the Grassroots Grant Program for helping us to improve the functioning of our hall and the health of our community members. Our new range removes the smoke and odors from meal prep, which makes our events more enjoyable and safer. Our new AED with newly trained first aiders gives us the tools to help people in medical distress while waiting for first responders to arrive. Thanks again Nova Scotia Power.”

We Feed Lunenburg: “We Feed Lunenburg is more than a service; we are a vital strand in a wider web of community connection and support. This funding helps solidify that web we weave together, allowing us to extend selfless care to our neighbours and ensure a resilient, well-fed community for everyone.”

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