Our History
Our Beginning
The idea for the Quadra Island Foundation (QIF) took root in 2020. That spring, Michael Mascall and Matthew Kelly met after a community networking event and discussed how Quadra Island was ready for its own community foundation. The realities of the COVID-19 pandemic made this goal feel even more urgent.
Recognizing the need for a diverse and skilled leadership team, they invited Julie Douglas, Mitsuru (Mich) Hirano, and Jody Rodgers to join them. This eclectic, passionate, and talented group became the Foundation’s founding volunteer board. Since then, board membership has gradually evolved, with each new member contributing valuable experience, creativity, dedication, and community spirit.
QIF offers special thanks to the Campbell River, Salt Spring Island, and Bowen Island Foundations for their invaluable early support. We also acknowledge the many Quadra Island residents who had previously imagined a community foundation for the island and helped cultivate the philanthropic spirit that made QIF possible.
Establishing the Foundation
QIF was incorporated under the BC Societies Act on August 18, 2020, and received charitable status on March 3, 2021.
In 2021, QIF also became a member of Community Foundations of Canada, joining a network of nearly 200 community foundations across the country. This relationship continues to provide valuable resources, encouragement, and learning opportunities.
During its inaugural year, QIF benefited from financial support provided by founding board members, an anonymous donor, the Strathcona Regional District, the Campbell River Community Foundation, and Coastal Community Credit Union. These contributions helped cover incorporation and charitable registration costs and funded the development of the Foundation’s first website and logo in partnership with Quadra Island designer Sarah James.
Early Growth
By its second anniversary in March 2022, donations from individuals and organizations had reached approximately $33,000.
A portion of these funds supported local community projects through flow-through funding, including:
• Seniors’ Housing – $2,000
• Quadra Elementary School ICAN Solar Panels Project – $9,000
QIF also established its first permanent endowed fund with an initial investment of $10,000 through the Vancouver Foundation’s Socially Responsible Investment Fund. This fund continues to grow through community donations, generating income that will support future grants and community initiatives for years to come.
Building Community Impact
Since its founding, the Quadra Island Foundation has successfully attracted and distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars in community investment funding to a wide variety of local organizations and projects.
One of our most popular annual programs is Neighbourhood Small Grants, which provides residents with up to $500 to bring community-building ideas to life. The program encourages neighbours to connect, collaborate, and strengthen community through grassroots initiatives.
Our volunteer Board is also passionate about strengthening relationships across Quadra Island’s social-profit and non-profit sector. We believe strong organizations and strong partnerships create stronger communities.
As we continue to grow, we are working to build a locally sourced community fund that will support a wide range of initiatives benefiting Quadra Islanders.
Expanding Our Role
In 2025, the Foundation successfully expanded its charitable purposes, creating new opportunities to support community initiatives and collaborate with other organizations.
This expanded charitable mandate allows QIF to provide charitable oversight and administrative support for projects that advance important community goals.
The first such initiative occurred in 2026 when the Foundation partnered with the Quadra Island Health Society to administer a fund dedicated to recruiting and attracting a new physician, helping keep a vital medical clinic operating on the island.
Looking Ahead
The future of the Quadra Island Foundation will continue to be shaped by the ideas, participation, generosity, and hard work of Quadra Islanders. As community needs evolve, so too will the Foundation’s role as a connector, supporter, and steward of local philanthropy.
If you are interested in making a tax-deductible donation to support the Quadra Island Foundation, please click here.