October 14, 2026
From youth mentorship and culturally grounded wellness programs to grief counselling, creative expression, and opportunities for social connection, community-led projects are helping to build a stronger, more supportive Nova Scotia.
Mental health support doesn’t look the same for everyone. Sometimes it’s a conversation with someone who understands. Sometimes it’s finding a sense of belonging through art, music, movement, or shared experiences. And sometimes it’s having access to the right support close to home when it’s needed most.
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is proud to announce the recipients of our latest round of Community Grants, supporting local organizations that are finding meaningful ways to strengthen mental health and wellbeing across the province.
From Cape Breton to the South Shore, the Annapolis Valley to Halifax Regional Municipality, and rural communities throughout Nova Scotia, these projects reflect the diverse needs of Nova Scotians and the creativity, compassion, and commitment of the organizations working to meet them.
“The organizations we support understand their communities because they’re part of them,” says Starr Cunningham, President & CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. “They see where support is needed and find creative, compassionate ways to bring people together. That’s what makes community-based mental health support so powerful.”
For children, youth, and families, these grants will help create opportunities to build confidence, strengthen relationships, develop coping skills, and access supportive spaces. For older adults, projects focused on movement, music, recreation, and social connection will help address isolation and support mental wellbeing.
While each project is unique, they share something important: they are rooted in the communities they serve and shaped by the people who understand their needs best.
A Smile That Makes a Difference: Supporting Youth in HRM
Five projects are also receiving support through the newly established Tim Hortons HRM Smile Cookie Named Grant, helping more than 650 youth and families access mental health supports and opportunities for connection.
Made possible through the generosity of the Tim Hortons HRM Smile Cookie Campaign, these one-year projects were approved by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s Grants Selection Committee:
- Boys & Girls Club Preston: Strong Minds, Strong Roots: Mental Health Initiative for African Nova Scotian Youth
- Chebucto Community Development Association: Open Minds Presents: M.A.N.C.A.V.E. (Mentoring and Nurturing Confidence, Accountability, Values, Empowerment)
- Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS): Newcomer Youth Wellness Project
- MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning: The Art of Connection: Bridges to Belonging – Connecting youth, schools, and community through creativity
- Healthy Minds Cooperative: Family Intervention for Suicide Prevention
These projects demonstrate how a simple act of generosity can create meaningful opportunities for connection, learning, and support.
To HRM Tim Hortons owners and everyone who supported the Tim Hortons HRM Smile Cookie Campaign, thank you. Your generosity is helping local organizations make a difference for youth across HRM.
Making Community Connections Possible
Behind every Community Grant is an organization that understands its community, sees a need, and has an idea for making a difference. And behind every grant is a network of donors, partners, volunteers, and supporters who believe that everyone deserves access to mental health support.
We’re grateful to the organizations bringing these projects to life and to everyone who helps make this funding possible.
Help us continue supporting mental health across Nova Scotia. Your donation helps fund community-led projects that create connection, strengthen wellbeing, and remind people they are not alone.