Changing Our Sponsor Organization

The Mayne Island Collective’s Transition to the SGI Neighbourhood House as Sponsor.

The Mayne Island Collective (MI Collective) is excited to announce an important transition in our journey to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for Mayne Island. We are now formally aligned with the Southern Gulf Islands Neighbourhood House (SGI NH) as our new sponsoring organization. This shift represents a strategic move that will enable us to amplify our impact on the island and streamline our efforts to serve the community better.

Here’s why we made this change, what it means for our work, and how it will affect Mayne Island.

Why We Transitioned to SGI Neighbourhood House

The Mayne Island Collective began with a vision to unite local nonprofits and residents around common goals, from affordable housing and food security to youth engagement and environmental resilience. Since our founding in November 2023, we have been fortunate to partner with the Mayne Island Assisted Living Society (MIALS), who graciously served as our sponsoring organization. This partnership helped us take our first steps as a community-driven collective.

As the Mayne Island Collective’s projects expanded, it became clear that our initiatives were reaching beyond the stated purpose of MIALS, potentially impacting its status as a charity. Charities are required to operate within their designated purpose to maintain compliance. We explored the option of incorporating as a separate nonprofit and applying for charitable status ourselves to access grants available only to nonprofits and charities. However, this would have been a lengthy process.

During our discussions, the Southern Gulf Islands Neighbourhood House (SGI NH) presented an alternative: it could become our sponsoring organization, as its mission naturally aligns with our goals and it is a registered charity. SGI NH’s stated purpose is to serve individuals and families across the Southern Gulf Islands by enhancing self-sufficiency, promoting well-being, and reducing poverty through innovative solutions. This dovetails perfectly with the Mayne Island Collective’s purpose of championing an inclusive and sustainable Mayne Island community, thriving across all ages through collaboration and commitment to equity, accessibility, and future well-being.

By moving to SGI NH, we gain a partner whose broader mission supports our objectives, enabling us to pursue grants and other funding opportunities aligned with our vision for a resilient, interconnected community. We remain wholly based on Mayne Island, and we can support the SGI NH in its efforts to extend its programs to all the SGI, including Mayne.

What This Change Means for the Mayne Island Collective

This shift to SGI NH as our fiscal sponsor will bring several positive changes for the MI Collective:

• Enhanced Capacity for Growth: SGI NH’s structure and experience with multi-island initiatives provide us with greater access to resources, funding opportunities, and networks that can drive our projects forward. We’ll be better positioned to secure the support we need for larger and more complex initiatives.
• Get Grants for Community Projects: Previously, we were limited to applying for grants only for projects owned by existing nonprofit members of the Collective. Now, with SGI NH as our sponsor, we have the flexibility to apply for grants for a wider range of community projects, even if they fall outside the scope of our current nonprofit members. This change opens doors to more funding opportunities and allows us to advance additional initiatives that support Mayne Island’s well-being.
• Efficient Financial and Program Management: SGI NH has robust financial systems in place to manage restricted funds and support program reporting. This partnership allows us to focus more on program delivery and less on administrative tasks, helping us put even more energy into the projects that matter to our community.

What This Means for the Community

Our commitment to Mayne Island remains unchanged. We are here to strengthen this community, with all of our projects—current and future—focused on the needs, well-being, and resilience of Mayne Island residents. This transition simply enhances our ability to serve the community by leveraging SGI NH’s capacity and expertise.

By aligning with SGI NH, we are taking a proactive step to ensure that Mayne Island’s voice is amplified within the broader Southern Gulf Islands network. This partnership supports our goals to make Mayne Island more self-sufficient, inclusive, and equipped to meet the needs of all ages. The MI Collective will continue to prioritize the aspirations of our island community.

Looking Ahead Together

As we move forward with SGI NH, we are excited to bring even more opportunities to Mayne Island. This transition represents a new chapter for the MI Collective—one that is community-driven, island-focused, and resilient. Our work together has just begun, and we invite you to stay connected, share your ideas, and help shape the next phase of Mayne Island’s journey toward a sustainable future.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to MIALS for their support over the years, and we look forward to the road ahead with SGI NH by our side. Together, let’s continue building a vibrant, resilient Mayne Island for generations to come.