Joan Feynman Climate Change Fund Spring 2023 Recipients
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
Date: March 27, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HALIFAX, NS – RCFNS is excited to bring more support for community projects on climate change through the Joan Feynman Climate Change Fund. Eight organizations working to do good in Nova Scotia are receiving $37,000 in funding through the Joan Feynman Climate Change Fund in conjunction with the Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia to increase their positive impact though climate action.
We have a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion and will be paying specific attention to marginalized communities and issues of environmental justice. We are seeking matching and challenge funds for the program from large-scale partners, including corporate, provincial, federal sources and high wealth individuals. As well, partners who cannot provide funds at this time are welcome as they provide other important resources such as training, communications, networking, and in-kind support. Our grant focus is specifically in moving from ideas to action on climate change and so projects are in the form of micro grants of $2000 for youth-led projects and $5000 for projects led by adults.
The Spring 2023 recipients of the Joan Feynman Climate Change Fund are:
Blomidon Naturalists Society ($2,000)
Climate Circles
Climate Circles is a community climate action capacity-building project that aims to facilitate
local climate action in the Annapolis Valley.
Fundy Geological Museum with Cumberland Geological Society ($5,000)
Fundy Geo Solar Energy Project
The project is to install an array of rooftop solar panels on the museum to generate as much
power to the building as possible.
Halifax Brewery Farmers Market ($5,000)
Gaspereau Mountain Community Food Forest Garden
Design, implantation and maintenance of a Food Forest Garden with community members,
teaching the ecological, social and economic value of community tended food forests in relation
to Climate Change.
Dr. Kingston Memorial Community Health Centre ($5,000)
Inspiring climate change through co-creation of eco-friendly meals
Through developing with others and sharing of economical, nutritious, vegetable-based meals
stressing locally sourced ingredients, Richmond River Roots Market Garden can contribute to
decreasing the effects of agriculture on climate change.
NS Non Profit: Re-imagining Atlantic Harbours League ($5,000)
Shoreline Governance and Climate Resilience.
Governance model to improve community coordination and planning for adapting to climate impacts in Nova Scotia. By amplifying recreational water users’ voices though the project messaging and useful citizen science training, nature enthusiasts will be equipped to provide baseline knowledge of vulnerable ecosystem changes.
Metroworks Employment Association ($5,000)
Handmade Newspaper paper bags made from newsprints without any chemical process.
Save trees, reduce pollution by making newsprints paper bags using newsprints without any
chemical process, hire vulnerable women communities to thrive.
Yarmouth County Historical Society ($5,000)
Saving Fish Point Historic Site
Build a seawall and landfill to prevent flooding.
Farm to Feast Cafe Association ($5,000)
The Greenhouse Project
Focused on food insecurity, education and economic development, the Farm to Feast Cafe
Association is working with its partners to provide dignified access to local food, increased food
and garden literacy and an opportunity to co-facilitate a community economic impact that is
positive and sustainable.
Quick Facts
This fund was created in 2019 with a private donor grant in order to ignite creativity, innovation and change through community projects on climate change. During the next 3-5 years RCFNS plans to greatly increase our Feynman Fund granting and to coordinate with other sectors to leverage progress on climate change throughout the province.
About Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia
Build on the strengths and assets of rural Nova Scotia by convening, stimulating generosity, establishing giving, growing an endowment, and granting funds to create diverse, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable communities.
The Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia (RCFNS)
∗ is a member of the Community Foundation of Canada. RCFNS supports community organizations in rural Nova Scotia, through convening, fund development and granting.
∗ has a proven track record, with more than 20 years of developing and delivering small grant programs.
∗ has dedicated board members from all regions of the province who have a wealth of experience about community development in rural Nova Scotia
∗ is a registered charity.
∗ adheres to the highest standards of transparency and accountability in its financial management.
∗ is a member of the Community Foundations of Canada, Volunteer Canada, Environmental Funders of Canada and the Nova Scotia Music Association and the Nova Scotia Not For Profit Coalition.
∗ has signed and adheres to the seven pillars of the Canadian Philanthropic Commitment on Climate Change.
∗ has been widely recognized for its excellence and leadership in the field of rural grant-making.
∗ adheres to the values of gender equality, equity, and climate action
Interviews Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia can be arranged by contacting:
Penny Cooper, Executive Director, RCFNS
(902) 717-3675
