A Message from our President
“Why am I getting the Small Change Fund newsletter?”
We get this question occasionally as all donors automatically receive our newsletter. But they may only remember the initiative they supported, forgetting that it was a project of Small Change Fund. Hence the question.
While many of our readers have an interest in one particular project, every Small Change Fund project is part of a greater ecosystem. As a small charity we have big ambitions: to help as many grassroots groups as we can to achieve their goals. These groups face many roadblocks, but with a little money and advice there’s no one more effective. So far, we’ve helped over 300 community-led projects punch well above their weight.
So, we hope you enjoy our newsletter. Not only do we tell stories from all our incredible projects nationwide, we include insights from those closest to the fight.
Whatever brought you to Small Change Fund, we’re so glad you’re here. Thank you for trusting us with your donations and supporting one (or more) of our projects.
And thank you for sticking with us beyond that first donation.
Wishing you all the best for 2026.
– Burkhard
A Note from Maseeda
Recently, I travelled to Sri Lanka—my homeland. The visit came at a difficult time as the country is still recovering from a devastating, and atypical, November cyclone. Climate emergencies in the global South are driven by climate change caused predominantly by more industrialized countries. Although developing countries have contributed relatively little to the problem, they are experiencing some of its worst consequences. This imbalance highlights a deep climate injustice, where those least responsible bear the greatest burden.
Despite these challenges, I was reminded of Sri Lanka’s remarkable resilience and beauty. From its lush landscapes and coastline to the generosity and strength of its people, the country continues to shine even in the face of hardship. This visit was a powerful reminder of the deep connections I carry to home, even when I live far away. I’m thankful for the time spent with family and for the chance to witness both the challenges and the quiet strength of communities across Sri Lanka. I’m grateful for the opportunity to return home, to contribute in small ways to relief efforts and to share a glimpse of both the challenges and the enduring beauty of Sri Lanka.
Maseeda Majeed, Training Program Manager
Inside one of the Two Steps Home cabins.
Building Hope
More than 1,000 people are currently experiencing homelessness in Durham Region. Of these individuals, more than half have been homeless for at least six months. These sobering statistics reflect a growing trend of homelessness, one which we are working with Two Steps Home to address – starting at the human level. Durham Regional Council has recently endorsed our transitional housing pilot project to build temporary Cabin Communities, where unhoused people can move into safe, warm, dignified shelter quickly while more affordable housing is built. We are happy to say Durham is directing staff to advance and open the project in 2026.
As explained by Two Steps Home, “Cabin Communities can fill a critical gap between the community found in encampments and the security of affordable housing.” They are a proven method for supporting people experiencing homelessness as they move towards secure housing. You can help support this pilot, and others in the Greater Toronto Area, by donating here.
Knowledge is Power
Two of our partners are offering exciting learning opportunities next month. As part of our work together to promote accessible climate education, Climate Action for Lifelong Learners is hosting an 8-week online Zoom course with Dr. Martin Bush, a leading expert on climate and renewable energy. The course will focus on the Canadian experience of climate change – and what we can all do to make a difference. Registration is $25, click here for more details. Our very own Mike Balkwill is a panelist for Organizing in Critical Times: How to Build Power Through Campaigns. Hosted virtually through our partners at The Hub on February 3, this evening webinar will feature panelists’ insights gleaned from decades of organizing experience. This event is free but registration is required.
Saving an Ecological Treasure
The date is set: on February 17, the Ontario Superior Court will hold a hearing on the fate of the beautiful Lemoine Point Farm in Kingston, ON. We are working with Save Lemoine Point Farm Inc. (SLPF) to secure permanent protection for this biologically diverse landscape.
In the three months since our partnership began, the project has raised 62% of its $25,000 goal. “Thank you to those who have made generous donations to support our legal and expert team,” said SLPF president, Richard Raeburn-Gibson. “Additional donations will help protect this ecologically rich landscape from being sold and developed.” Stay tuned for updates on this project as we approach the hearing date.
Moving Up in the World
Many of our projects and partners start as small, grassroots initiatives. And there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing these small groups hit their stride and grow. Movement is one such partner: they started 2025 with one staff member and 1,000 people on their mailing list. By the end of the year, they had five staff and 8,000 subscribers. As founder and Executive Director Denis Agar expressed in his year-end message, “I think there was an unmet demand for the work that we do…we are shifting the conversation around transit in Metro Vancouver.” The difference between the year-end party pictures above says it all – Movement is growing and it’s growing fast! To learn more about our work together, visit Building a Movement for Better Transit in Metro Vancouver.
It’s Been Fun, Jim
After four years of writing everything from radio and social media ads to our annual reports and new website, Small Change Fund’s Chief Storyteller Jim Diorio is starting a new chapter in his career. We’ve appreciated his skill and humour more than we can say.
However, our loss is your gain: Jim’s still writing and creating away for clients of all kinds, using his unique experience helping hundreds of non-profits and environmental causes — always delivering ideas that stand out from the usual and expected.
So, we invite anyone who’s looking for a truly world-class writer and strategist to meet our former colleague and still good friend Jim at jimdiorio.ca.
Small News Bites
- Major congratulations to our longtime board member David Love on receiving the Charles III Coronation Medal. David was recognized for his 57 years (and counting!) of conservation work, both as a professional and a volunteer.
- The Save the Bay Polar Dip is back for 2026! This year’s dip is virtual so anyone, anywhere can join to help raise awareness and funds to protect Georgian Bay and the surrounding escarpment from hazards related to a proposed energy mega project. The dip is running from January 1 – February 28 – interested dippers can register here.
- The first offshore wind development project in Canada is taking shape off the coast of Nova Scotia. Wind West has the potential to play a critical role in Canada’s energy transition and Small Change Fund is excited to support the equitable and ecologically conscious development of this new industry. Click here to read a summary of the comments we submitted during the open Call for Information.
- Check out this opinion piece from The Narwhal on our partner Karen Barnes’ upcoming naturalized garden court case. If you think Canadians should have a right to naturalize their gardens, you can support Karen’s defence here.
We hope everyone’s new year is off to a great start!
Warmly,
The Small Change Fund team
P.S. Your donation directly to Small Change Fund allows us to keep improving services and supports to help more grassroots projects succeed nationwide. Thank you for helping make change!
