In 2016, CFUW St. John’s established a formal Outreach Committee, which focuses on providing grants that support the work of local not-for-profit organizations.
Outreach grants are funded by our annual Great Big Book Sale. We are grateful for the incredible support we receive from the public. Book sale proceeds have grown annually, helping us fund an ever increasing number of Community Outreach projects. Thanks to the unprecedented success of our 2026 sale, our Outreach budget for 2026-27 is $23,400.
Committee members are now in the process of reviewing funding requests from 23 organizations. Community needs are forever changing and expanding. Since our outreach grant program began, we have supported a diverse range of organizations and projects. The groups we have funded cover a very wide range of service needs in the community, including but not limited to: social and educational opportunities for single moms, services for seniors, gardening programs, Home Again Furniture Bank, St. John’s Women’s Centre, and support for several special needs groups such as Special Olympics NL and the Alzheimer’s Society of NL.
The Outreach Committee presently consists of 7 club members. This group normally meets 2-3 times between September and December of each year. Funding requests are carefully reviewed and decisions are made regarding the organizations that can realistically be supported within the budget. An effort is make to support the ongoing needs of previously funded groups while also contributing to the needs of new applicants.
Our longest standing project is the monthly New Beginnings Baskets for Iris Kirby House, a shelter for women and children who have experienced domestic violence. Throughout the year, when residents leave the shelter, they are given laundry baskets filled with basic household items to help set up their new homes. This year our budget for baskets is $1,500. In addition, our members regularly donate additional items during our general and special events meetings.
To date for 2026-27, donations have been delivered to fund the work of the following groups:
- Alzheimer’s Society of NL
- Rabbittown Adult Learners Program
- Thrive – Community Meal Program
- Choices for Youth – Mama Moments Program
- Scientists in School
Our committee is continuing the process of allocating this year’s budget. We are very proud of the dedicated and thoughtful work of our committee members. We will continue to update this page as new funding decisions are made.
For further information or to submit a proposal for consideration, please email the Chair, Outreach Committee at Contact us
