Grant and Funding Programs Offered by The Community Foundation of Prince Edward Island Inc. (CFPEI)

The Community Foundation of Prince Edward Island (CFPEI) is an incorporated, CRA-registered charity founded in 1993. It serves as a central philanthropic hub for donors who wish to support charitable activities across Prince Edward Island. CFPEI helps individuals, families, organizations and governments establish endowment, flowthrough, legacy and agency funds, then channels the investment income from these funds into grants and scholarships that address diverse community needs across the Island.

Through its portfolio of community funds, CFPEI offers a structured range of funding opportunities. Community grant funds support existing and emerging Island organizations working in areas such as heritage, arts and culture, environment and sustainability, health and human services, sports and recreation, education, and community development. Many named funds are designated to particular causes or partner charities, while others are community impact funds that CFPEI allocates based on priority needs identified by its Board and Granting Committee.

In addition to grants to organizations, CFPEI manages a substantial scholarship program. Numerous named scholarship and bursary funds support Island students pursuing post-secondary education, often with specific criteria related to geography, field of study, personal circumstances, community involvement or leadership. These funds provide financial awards to students attending universities and colleges on PEI and elsewhere in Canada, and in some cases support specialized programs such as dental studies or teacher education.

CFPEI centralizes its “Funding Opportunities” under three main categories: Scholarships, Community Grants and Other Funds. For community grants, organizations apply through an online portal where open calls, eligible funds and available amounts are listed. Application periods and deadlines vary by fund, and CFPEI provides detailed information and a Community Grant FAQ to help applicants understand requirements and timelines. Scholarship opportunities are similarly organized by fund, with clear descriptions of the intended beneficiaries and selection criteria.

Beyond administering funds, CFPEI plays a broader community-building and leadership role. The foundation has supported major initiatives such as the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre and the 2023 Canada Games Legacy Fund, and hosts donor-advised and designated funds for many local organizations. By connecting caring donors with worthy causes and ensuring the permanent stewardship of endowment capital, CFPEI helps sustain charitable programs, cultural and environmental projects, and educational opportunities for Islanders now and in the future.