Media Release

CUA Awards $100,000 in Community Grants

Halifax, N.S. — CUA has awarded $125,000 for 27 projects, organizations and small businesses aiming to make a positive impact in communities across Nova Scotia.

“We are continually amazed by how much can be done with these funds,” said Marie Mullally, President & CEO of CUA. “These recipients continue to show us the impact you can make when you give resources to people who care.” 

Since 2015 the Grant has distributed over $650,000 to initiatives and programs in Nova Scotia into five categories: Small Business; Community; Health, Wellness & Recreation; Sustainability; and, Arts & Culture.

Applications for this year’s grants totaled more than $250 million, with submissions from 585 deserving initiatives across the Province.

“This funding allows us to make a deep impact to important initiatives that may not get off the ground otherwise,” said Mullally. “We really enjoy staying in touch with each of the recipients and hearing about how their projects progress through the year."

Each year CUA ensures that a minimum of $10,000 goes toward projects supporting BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and / or Disabled Communities and this year 68% totaling $86,000 in funding was awarded to organizations that fall within those categories.

This year’s grant recipients were selected by CUA’s Member Advisory Council. Earlier today, recipients gathered for celebration, with both virtual and in-person attendees, hosted by CUA to recognize and discuss the impact the funding will have on their work, organization, and community.

The 2026 Community Investment Grant Program recipients are:

Small Business

• Handy Rescue Company - $2,000

• GraceMade Cakes - $6,000

• Alyson Samways - $4,500

• Meister Field and Forest Ltd - $2,500

• Aspen Landscape and Development - $7,500

• Boatskeg Distilling Company Inc. - $7,500
  

Community

• Wellness Wags Assistance Dogs - $7,000

• HEARTS Ability Society - $5,000

• SchoolsPlus - $2,000

• Healing Opportunities for People Everywhere Counselling Services Society (Couch of HOPE) - $6,000
  

Health, Wellness & Recreation

• Rooted Rose Community Acupuncture - $7,000

• The Dartmouth Community Fridge / Public Good Society - $5,000

• Basketball Nova Scotia - $2,500

• District 13 Recreation and Planning Commission - $3,000 
  

Sustainability

• ReEquip Now - $2,500

• Square Roots North End, Halifax - $2,500

• Ager Lane Flower Farm and Event Space $5,000
  

Arts & Culture

• New Germany Area Promotion Society (NGAPS) - $1,000

• Scotian Since 1783 - $5,000

• Wolf Hart Productions Inc. - $5,000

• Le Conseil des Arts de Chéticamp - $4,000 

Impact Enhancement 

• What on Earth Farms - $5,000

• Annapolis Fine Cheese - $7,500

• Mirians Place - $5,000

• The Station Food Company (2019) Ltd. - $7,500
  

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About CUA

Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, CUA is a full-service banking institution serving 20,000 members with flexible products, personalized service and quick decisions. CUA has eight branches spanning Tantallon to Cole Harbour, as well as a Wealth Management Services Division, Commercial Banking Centre and a dedicated Customer Contact Centre. To learn more, visit cua.com

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