🏛️ Our Stories of Impact
The Lunenburg County Community Fund (LCCF) is dedicated to building a vibrant and resilient future for our community. We operate as more than just a grant-maker; we are a strategic partner and a catalyst for change. Our approach begins with data-driven research to identify the county's most pressing needs. From there, we build powerful partnerships and make catalytic investments to create sustainable, long-term solutions that improve our shared quality of life.
The stories below highlight how we, together with our partners, have turned this strategic vision into impactful, real-world results.
The Lunenburg County Community Fund (LCCF) is dedicated to building a vibrant and resilient future for our community. We operate as more than just a grant-maker; we are a strategic partner and a catalyst for change. Our approach begins with data-driven research to identify the county's most pressing needs. From there, we build powerful partnerships and make catalytic investments to create sustainable, long-term solutions that improve our shared quality of life.
The stories below highlight how we, together with our partners, have turned this strategic vision into impactful, real-world results.
💧 Protecting Our Health: The Healthy Wells Day Initiative (2024-Present)
The Challenge: Many residents in Lunenburg County rely on private wells, yet barriers like high cost and inconvenience mean that testing is rare. This poses a significant, often invisible, health risk, as our wells can be contaminated by bacteria and our local geology can lead to unseen contamination from arsenic, uranium, and manganese.
Our Action: The LCCF decided to tackle this problem directly. We initiated and funded a successful pilot "Healthy Wells Day" in Walden in 2024, which confirmed residents' need for an easier, more affordable testing option. Based on this success, we immediately funded an expanded program for 2025, partnering with the Atlantic Water Network (AWN) and Rural Water Watch (RWW).
The Outcome: AWN and RWW hosted events in Parkdale-Maplewood, Blockhouse, and New Russell/New Ross, offering residents comprehensive bacteria and chemical testing for just $5 each—a fraction of the normal cost. The response was overwhelming, with 170 households participating.
The results provided critical, life-changing information: of the wells tested, nearly 73% had a water quality issue of some kind, including exceedances for bacteria (29.2% for total coliforms), arsenic (16.7%), or manganese (32.1%). This LCCF-led initiative empowered hundreds of our neighbours with the vital knowledge needed to protect their families' health.
The Challenge: Many residents in Lunenburg County rely on private wells, yet barriers like high cost and inconvenience mean that testing is rare. This poses a significant, often invisible, health risk, as our wells can be contaminated by bacteria and our local geology can lead to unseen contamination from arsenic, uranium, and manganese.
Our Action: The LCCF decided to tackle this problem directly. We initiated and funded a successful pilot "Healthy Wells Day" in Walden in 2024, which confirmed residents' need for an easier, more affordable testing option. Based on this success, we immediately funded an expanded program for 2025, partnering with the Atlantic Water Network (AWN) and Rural Water Watch (RWW).
The Outcome: AWN and RWW hosted events in Parkdale-Maplewood, Blockhouse, and New Russell/New Ross, offering residents comprehensive bacteria and chemical testing for just $5 each—a fraction of the normal cost. The response was overwhelming, with 170 households participating.
The results provided critical, life-changing information: of the wells tested, nearly 73% had a water quality issue of some kind, including exceedances for bacteria (29.2% for total coliforms), arsenic (16.7%), or manganese (32.1%). This LCCF-led initiative empowered hundreds of our neighbours with the vital knowledge needed to protect their families' health.
What's Next: This successful program has clearly demonstrated the critical need for accessible water testing. Our work now shifts to the next phase: finding ways to strategically expand this affordable testing model across all of Lunenburg County. Just as importantly, we are beginning to develop an effective mitigation program to ensure that residents who receive concerning results have the clear guidance and support they need to successfully treat their water and protect their health.
🚀 Building from Within: The LIFT Lunenburg County Initiative (2021-Present)
The Challenge: How can we foster a truly sustainable, resilient, and diverse local economy from the ground up?
Our Action: To answer this, we first needed to know what our community was missing. True to our data-first approach, the LCCF commissioned a comprehensive research report in 2021 to ask residents what products and services they felt were lacking. The LIFT Lunenburg County initiative was born from this data. Powered by a transformative $1 million gift from the Fulcher Foundation and managed by the LCCF, LIFT provides a two-part solution for local entrepreneurs.
The Outcome: LIFT is more than a grant; it's a permanent, self-sustaining ecosystem for entrepreneurship. It offers:
The Challenge: How can we foster a truly sustainable, resilient, and diverse local economy from the ground up?
Our Action: To answer this, we first needed to know what our community was missing. True to our data-first approach, the LCCF commissioned a comprehensive research report in 2021 to ask residents what products and services they felt were lacking. The LIFT Lunenburg County initiative was born from this data. Powered by a transformative $1 million gift from the Fulcher Foundation and managed by the LCCF, LIFT provides a two-part solution for local entrepreneurs.
The Outcome: LIFT is more than a grant; it's a permanent, self-sustaining ecosystem for entrepreneurship. It offers:
- Micro-loans of up to $10,000 for new or expanding businesses.
- A advisor network that pairs new entrepreneurs with experienced local business leaders.
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🌊 A Catalyst for Change: The LaHave River Clean-Up (2017-2023)
The Challenge: For decades, the LaHave River suffered from a massive environmental and public health crisis. Hundreds of straight pipes were discharging raw, untreated household sewage directly into the water, making it unsafe for swimming, fishing, or recreation. The solution—a $15.7 million+ infrastructure project—was too large for any single group to solve. The inspiration for the solution finally came from a young Student, Stella Bowles, whose science project went viral after finding dangerous levels of contamination in the river.
Our Action: The LCCF stepped in to play the critical role of financial catalyst. We were entrusted to manage a visionary $1 million donation from the Fulcher Foundation. In partnership with the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, we strategically used this capital not to pay for construction, but to create a homeowner loan program. This innovative program removed the financial barrier for residents who were required to upgrade their septic systems.
The Outcome: This $1 million, community-backed financial solution was the key. It demonstrated local buy-in and financial viability, which allowed the Municipality to successfully lobby and unlock the full $15.7 million in funding from the provincial and federal governments. By 2023, the project was complete, the straight pipes in the target area were eliminated, and the health of the LaHave River was restored for generations to come.
The Challenge: For decades, the LaHave River suffered from a massive environmental and public health crisis. Hundreds of straight pipes were discharging raw, untreated household sewage directly into the water, making it unsafe for swimming, fishing, or recreation. The solution—a $15.7 million+ infrastructure project—was too large for any single group to solve. The inspiration for the solution finally came from a young Student, Stella Bowles, whose science project went viral after finding dangerous levels of contamination in the river.
Our Action: The LCCF stepped in to play the critical role of financial catalyst. We were entrusted to manage a visionary $1 million donation from the Fulcher Foundation. In partnership with the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, we strategically used this capital not to pay for construction, but to create a homeowner loan program. This innovative program removed the financial barrier for residents who were required to upgrade their septic systems.
The Outcome: This $1 million, community-backed financial solution was the key. It demonstrated local buy-in and financial viability, which allowed the Municipality to successfully lobby and unlock the full $15.7 million in funding from the provincial and federal governments. By 2023, the project was complete, the straight pipes in the target area were eliminated, and the health of the LaHave River was restored for generations to come.
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📊 Starting with Data: The Vital Signs® Initiative (2010 & 2013)
The Challenge: When the LCCF was founded in 2010, we had to answer a fundamental question: how can a community fund ensure it is investing "local dollars where it's needed most"?
Our Action: One of our very first actions was to invest in deep, diagnostic research. We led and published two comprehensive "Vital Signs®" reports in 2010 and 2013. These reports were a community "check-up," compiling extensive data on everything from health and education to the economy and demographics. This initiative moved us beyond anecdotal funding and allowed us to build an unbiased, evidence-based understanding of our community's greatest needs.
The Outcome: This project became the bedrock of our strategic philosophy. The data from these reports has guided our funding decisions ever since. Furthermore, the findings—which clearly identified demographic decline and an emerging labour shortage as critical threats—were the direct catalyst for the formation of our key partner, NOW Lunenburg County. This "data-first" approach ensures that our work, and the work of our partners, is always targeted for maximum impact.
The Challenge: When the LCCF was founded in 2010, we had to answer a fundamental question: how can a community fund ensure it is investing "local dollars where it's needed most"?
Our Action: One of our very first actions was to invest in deep, diagnostic research. We led and published two comprehensive "Vital Signs®" reports in 2010 and 2013. These reports were a community "check-up," compiling extensive data on everything from health and education to the economy and demographics. This initiative moved us beyond anecdotal funding and allowed us to build an unbiased, evidence-based understanding of our community's greatest needs.
The Outcome: This project became the bedrock of our strategic philosophy. The data from these reports has guided our funding decisions ever since. Furthermore, the findings—which clearly identified demographic decline and an emerging labour shortage as critical threats—were the direct catalyst for the formation of our key partner, NOW Lunenburg County. This "data-first" approach ensures that our work, and the work of our partners, is always targeted for maximum impact.
🤝 Community Partnerships in Action: NOW Lunenburg County
A core part of our strategy at the LCCF is to act as a strategic enabler, providing the foundational data and financial support for dynamic, action-oriented partners. Our most vital partner in this work has been NOW Lunenburg County, a grassroots organization formed in direct response to the demographic challenges identified in our Vital Signs® reports.
With operational funding and strategic support from the LCCF and other partners , NOW Lunenburg County has executed creative, high-impact campaigns that have successfully marketed our region, tackled critical service gaps, and brought new energy to our community.
A core part of our strategy at the LCCF is to act as a strategic enabler, providing the foundational data and financial support for dynamic, action-oriented partners. Our most vital partner in this work has been NOW Lunenburg County, a grassroots organization formed in direct response to the demographic challenges identified in our Vital Signs® reports.
With operational funding and strategic support from the LCCF and other partners , NOW Lunenburg County has executed creative, high-impact campaigns that have successfully marketed our region, tackled critical service gaps, and brought new energy to our community.
🩺 Securing Our Future: Physician Recruitment Initiative (c. 2019 - )
The Challenge: Access to healthcare is a critical factor for quality of life, and our community identified a growing physician shortage as a major concern. Formal recruitment efforts by the health authority were in place, but they needed community support.
Our Action: Our partner, NOW Lunenburg County, launched a targeted initiative to complement official recruitment by focusing on the lifestyle advantages of our region. They successfully secured a $20,050 provincial grant to create a six-part webinar series for prospective doctors. This innovative tool went beyond clinical practice, walking families through practical topics like finding a home, local schools, spousal employment opportunities, and recreation.
The Outcome: The program was a model of successful community development. After NOW Lunenburg County incubated the idea and proved its effectiveness , the initiative was adopted by the Health Services Foundation of the South Shore for long-term sustainability. This represents a perfect project lifecycle: a grassroots group piloted a creative solution, and a larger institution adopted it for permanent impact.
The Challenge: Access to healthcare is a critical factor for quality of life, and our community identified a growing physician shortage as a major concern. Formal recruitment efforts by the health authority were in place, but they needed community support.
Our Action: Our partner, NOW Lunenburg County, launched a targeted initiative to complement official recruitment by focusing on the lifestyle advantages of our region. They successfully secured a $20,050 provincial grant to create a six-part webinar series for prospective doctors. This innovative tool went beyond clinical practice, walking families through practical topics like finding a home, local schools, spousal employment opportunities, and recreation.
The Outcome: The program was a model of successful community development. After NOW Lunenburg County incubated the idea and proved its effectiveness , the initiative was adopted by the Health Services Foundation of the South Shore for long-term sustainability. This represents a perfect project lifecycle: a grassroots group piloted a creative solution, and a larger institution adopted it for permanent impact.
💻 Advocating for Connection: The High-Speed Internet Initiative ()
The Challenge: In a modern economy, reliable and affordable high-speed internet is not a luxury—it's essential infrastructure. NOW Lunenburg County identified that our region's digital divide was a fundamental barrier to attracting the new entrepreneurs, remote workers, and young families we need to thrive.
Our Action: NOW Lunenburg County launched a powerful advocacy and community-organizing campaign. Rather than simply waiting for service, they mobilized residents by organizing public meetings and researching successful alternative models from other rural jurisdictions, such as community-owned utilities and wireless cooperatives.
The Outcome: This initiative successfully changed the public conversation. By educating the community and presenting practical, proven solutions, NOW LC applied effective pressure on government and private actors to address the county's digital infrastructure gaps. This vital advocacy work, supported by LCCF operational funding, is critical to ensuring our county's economic future.
The Challenge: In a modern economy, reliable and affordable high-speed internet is not a luxury—it's essential infrastructure. NOW Lunenburg County identified that our region's digital divide was a fundamental barrier to attracting the new entrepreneurs, remote workers, and young families we need to thrive.
Our Action: NOW Lunenburg County launched a powerful advocacy and community-organizing campaign. Rather than simply waiting for service, they mobilized residents by organizing public meetings and researching successful alternative models from other rural jurisdictions, such as community-owned utilities and wireless cooperatives.
The Outcome: This initiative successfully changed the public conversation. By educating the community and presenting practical, proven solutions, NOW LC applied effective pressure on government and private actors to address the county's digital infrastructure gaps. This vital advocacy work, supported by LCCF operational funding, is critical to ensuring our county's economic future.
📖 Telling Our Story: NOW Lunenburg County Magazine (2018 - )
The Challenge: Following the success of a one-time recruitment tour, NOW Lunenburg County needed a durable, high-quality marketing asset that could tell our story in an in-depth and compelling way.
Our Action: In 2018, NOW launched the NOW Lunenburg County Magazine, a free, professionally designed "Recruitment Magazine". Funded by local sponsorships and municipal partners , the magazine is filled with authentic stories and photographs showcasing local entrepreneurs, cultural traditions, and the vibrant life available here.
The Outcome: The magazine became a cornerstone of our community's marketing toolkit. It transformed the population growth strategy from a single event into a repeatable, product-based approach. This professional publication provides a tangible and compelling asset to share with prospective residents, investors, and partners, effectively showcasing the "can-do spirit of this beautiful place".
The Challenge: Following the success of a one-time recruitment tour, NOW Lunenburg County needed a durable, high-quality marketing asset that could tell our story in an in-depth and compelling way.
Our Action: In 2018, NOW launched the NOW Lunenburg County Magazine, a free, professionally designed "Recruitment Magazine". Funded by local sponsorships and municipal partners , the magazine is filled with authentic stories and photographs showcasing local entrepreneurs, cultural traditions, and the vibrant life available here.
The Outcome: The magazine became a cornerstone of our community's marketing toolkit. It transformed the population growth strategy from a single event into a repeatable, product-based approach. This professional publication provides a tangible and compelling asset to share with prospective residents, investors, and partners, effectively showcasing the "can-do spirit of this beautiful place".
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💨 The Bold Approach: 2017 Cross-Canada Recruitment Tour (Summer 2017)
The Challenge: The LCCF's Vital Signs® reports identified a critical threat: an aging, declining population and a widening labour gap. To reverse this trend, we needed a bold, national campaign to attract new residents.
Our Action: With operational support from the LCCF and other partners , NOW Lunenburg County launched a highly creative "guerilla marketing" campaign in the summer of 2017. A coordinator drove a brightly branded vintage Boler trailer on a 36-day, coast-to-coast tour, stopping in major cities to personally engage with Canadians. The pitch was simple: a high quality of life, vibrant communities, and affordable real estate.
The Outcome: This "quirky and bold" approach was an immediate media sensation. The tour generated a massive amount of earned media, giving the campaign a reach far beyond what a conventional ad budget could buy. It produced tangible results, with one local realtor reporting that a prospective buyer from British Columbia contacted them to inquire about properties immediately after hearing the tour coordinator's interview on CBC Radio.
The Challenge: The LCCF's Vital Signs® reports identified a critical threat: an aging, declining population and a widening labour gap. To reverse this trend, we needed a bold, national campaign to attract new residents.
Our Action: With operational support from the LCCF and other partners , NOW Lunenburg County launched a highly creative "guerilla marketing" campaign in the summer of 2017. A coordinator drove a brightly branded vintage Boler trailer on a 36-day, coast-to-coast tour, stopping in major cities to personally engage with Canadians. The pitch was simple: a high quality of life, vibrant communities, and affordable real estate.
The Outcome: This "quirky and bold" approach was an immediate media sensation. The tour generated a massive amount of earned media, giving the campaign a reach far beyond what a conventional ad budget could buy. It produced tangible results, with one local realtor reporting that a prospective buyer from British Columbia contacted them to inquire about properties immediately after hearing the tour coordinator's interview on CBC Radio.
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