July 7, 2026
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia released its 2025-2026 Community Report at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, highlighting a year of strengthening connections, fostering compassion, and supporting mental wellness in communities across the province.
Growing Compassionate Communities Together
“Our theme this year is Growing Compassionate Communities Together because compassion is at the heart of everything we do,” says Starr Cunningham, President and CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. “We see it in action every day through the projects we fund, from families turning loss into hope, to volunteers giving their time to help others, to grassroots organizations leading with love.”
Throughout the year, the Foundation continued investing in projects designed by communities, for communities. These initiatives helped Nova Scotians access counselling, peer support, mental health education, arts programming, recreation opportunities, and other supports that promote wellbeing and recovery.
Funding Community Mental Health
In 2025-2026, the Foundation awarded more than $4 million through its grant programs, supporting projects that build stronger, more connected communities across Nova Scotia.
The Foundation’s support reached communities in every corner of the province through initiatives that reduced isolation, strengthened relationships, improved mental health literacy, and increased access to care. This year’s Community Report highlights the impact of that investment through stories of connection, recovery, creativity, and hope.
Sharing Stories and Expanding Connections
The Foundation also launched a new website this year, creating a more accessible and user-friendly experience for donors, volunteers, grant applicants, and community members seeking information and support.
The refreshed website helps showcase the impact of funded projects while making it easier for Nova Scotians to engage with the Foundation’s work. The update was made possible through the support of RBC Ignite, the NSLC Holiday Campaign, and Shortstop Consulting.
The organization also launched Keep Talking, a new podcast featuring honest conversations about mental health, lived experience, recovery, grief, connection, and hope. The first season included 10 episodes and generated more than 1,100 views, streams, and downloads, along with more than 128 hours of watch time.
Board of Trustees
The Foundation recognized the contributions of several outgoing members of its Board of Trustees whose leadership, expertise, and commitment have helped strengthen mental health support across Nova Scotia.
The Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to departing Trustees Alisa Mesheau, Bryan Rice, Kim MacDonald, and Paul Shirriff for their dedicated service and meaningful contributions.
“It is special to have such outstanding, dedicated volunteers share their exceptional expertise and abilities. They exemplify the compassion of Nova Scotians.” says Morgan Manzer, Chair of the Board of Trustees.
The AGM marked the appointment of two new Trustees, who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the Foundation’s governance and strategic direction; Chadwick Langille, Regional Operating Officer, Atlantic Provinces, RBC, and Sarah Lefurgey, Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia.
Looking Ahead
As the Foundation looks toward the future, its commitment remains unchanged: supporting projects that foster connection, compassion, and hope while helping create a province where every Nova Scotian has the opportunity to thrive.
From grassroots organizations and dedicated volunteers to families transforming loss into hope, the stories featured throughout this year’s Community Report demonstrate how compassion continues to strengthen communities across Nova Scotia.
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia thanks its donors, partners, volunteers, grantees, and supporters for helping grow compassionate communities together throughout another remarkable year.
Click here to read the full Community Report
Photo credit: Stoo Metz Photography