In 2011, a group of dedicated volunteers recognized the need for funding assistance for children and youth in performing arts activities in the Cowichan Valley and The Cowichan Valley Performing Arts Foundation (CVPAF) was formed. In 2014 the CVPAF received official enrollment as a federally registered charitable organization.

The CVPAF is the only locally-founded, not-for-profit organization in the Cowichan Valley dedicated to providing financial assistance and funding through bursaries and scholarships solely to youth (aged 18 and under) applicants requiring support to pursue performing arts activities and education in music, theatre, dance and singing. We also accept applications for bursaries and scholarships submitted from performing arts students already registered in performing arts programs wishing to further their education by way of additional classes, workshops and conferences.

The CVPAF is a community wide initiative – one in which all local performing arts schools can be involved from the ground up. The CVPAF provides funding assistance to kids 18 and under (who meet the eligibility requirements) residing across all communities within the Cowichan Valley regional district from Ladysmith, Chemainus, Duncan, Cobble Hill, Shawnigan Lake, North Cowichan, South Cowichan, Lake Cowichan, Mill Bay, the Malahat district and all Cowichan Valley communities in between.