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Annauma Community Foundation receives CAD $5.5 million grant from BHP Foundation to support community-led initiatives across Nunavut

IQALUIT, NU — In partnership with the BHP Foundation, Annauma Community Foundation is proud to announce a CAD $5.5-million philanthropic investment to support community-led initiatives and build long-term resiliency for the nonprofit and charitable sector across Nunavut.

BHP Foundation and Annauma Community Foundation announce a 5,5 million dollar grant at the WAG on September 22, 2026 Left to right - Caitlin Sokul and Alyna Wyatt from BHPF and Danielle Gibbie and Udlu Hanson fro.jpg
BHP Foundation and Annauma Community Foundation announce a 5,5 million dollar grant at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Canada, on September 22, 2026. Left to right - Caitlin Sokul and Alyna Wyatt, BHP Foundation, Danielle Gibbie and Udlu Hanson Annauma Community Foundation

Annauma, Nunavut's first community foundation, takes its name from the Inuktitut word annaumakkaijiit, meaning "to help people stay ahead." Guided by an Inuit-led board of directors, Annauma's vision is for Inuit communities to be healthy, confident, and have what they need to thrive. Annauma works towards this by supporting community-led initiatives and strengthening the long-term sustainability of the territory's nonprofit and charitable sector, connecting organizations with the resources and support they need to grow.

Since launching its consensus granting program in 2024, Annauma has awarded 58 grants totalling more than CAD $4.3 million to organizations across Nunavut.

The partnership will invest in three interconnected areas which include:  

  • Supporting Annauma's Consensus Granting model, which places funding decisions in the hands of communities themselves and reflects Inuit values of collective decision-making, shared responsibility, and mutual trust.

  • Growing the Pirujaq Fund, an endowment providing support for Nunavut's nonprofit and charitable sector while contributing to Annauma's long-term sustainability.

  • Advancing Annauma's Pijunnaq sector development strategy, which supports the people and systems Nunavut's nonprofit and charitable organizations need to operate effectively and sustain their work for the long term.

Mabel Etegik leads a qulliq lighting ceremony with support from Trainees-Credit-Margaret Thompson (1).jpg
Mabel Etegik leads a qulliq lighting ceremony with support from Trainees

"We are incredibly grateful to the BHP Foundation for their trust, commitment, and belief in Annauma and in Inuktitut Philanthropy. This investment will benefit not only Annauma, but also Nunavut's nonprofit and charitable sector for years to come," said Udloriak Hanson, Co-Founder and Board Chair, Annauma Community Foundation.

"Annauma is demonstrating what is possible when communities have the resources, trust, and authority to shape their own futures. We are honoured to support Annauma's vision and help strengthen a model of philanthropy that is grounded in Inuit values, local leadership, and long-term community wellbeing," said Alyna Wyatt, Country Director, Canada and U.S., BHP Foundation.

About Annauma Community Foundation

Annauma Community Foundation is Nunavut's first community foundation. Guided by Inuit values and community knowledge, Annauma supports Nunavut's nonprofit and charitable sector through trust-based philanthropy, community-led grantmaking, capacity building, and long-term funding solutions that help communities thrive. To learn more, visit www.annauma.ca.