Muskoka Community Grant Program

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The District Municipality of Muskoka values the individuals and organizations that innovate to make our community a great place to live. Muskoka is strengthened by people driven to better our community and improve the quality of life of our residents. One way the District of Muskoka supports this work, is through the Community Grant program.

Applications for Pay it Forward and the Community Enhancement Fund Are Now Closed. Recipients are expected to be announced mid-May.

Grant opportunities available for 2023 include the Pay it Forward Community Investment Grant Program and the Community Enhancement Fund.

Pay It Forward (PIF)

PIF has been made available to grassroots Muskoka community groups since 2012 and offers grants of up to $2,500.

PIF grants are awarded to community members or groups with innovative ideas that will bring people together and contribute to the well-being of our community. Grants are awarded to projects that fill a strategic need in the community, enhance community support and leadership, and create positive change. PIF grants can help grassroots ideas become a reality.

Community Enhancement Fund (CE)

The CE fund has been made available to non-profit community organizations since 2020 and offers grants up to $10,000.

Grants are awarded to non-profit community organizations that address poverty reduction, food security, housing and living conditions, education and training opportunities, volunteer and job development, and citizen engagement.

Applications close Wednesday, April 5th 2023.

Funding for the 2023 Muskoka Community Grant Program is pending budget approval at the March 20th meeting of Muskoka District Council.


IDEA Community Grant Program 2023
The purpose of the IDEA Advisory Group’s IDEA Grant Program 2023 is to amplify the efforts of the IAG in creating opportunities for community engagement and public education around the IDEA principles of inclusion, diversity, equity and anti-racism or anti-hate.

For more information on the IDEA Community Grant Program Please visit: https://www.engagemuskoka.ca/idea


Stay Informed!

To receive updates and stay informed of the outcomes of the 2023 Muskoka Community Grant Application please subscribe via the "Subscribe Button" on this page (on the top right hand of your desktop screen, or scroll down on your mobile phone).

The District Municipality of Muskoka values the individuals and organizations that innovate to make our community a great place to live. Muskoka is strengthened by people driven to better our community and improve the quality of life of our residents. One way the District of Muskoka supports this work, is through the Community Grant program.

Applications for Pay it Forward and the Community Enhancement Fund Are Now Closed. Recipients are expected to be announced mid-May.

Grant opportunities available for 2023 include the Pay it Forward Community Investment Grant Program and the Community Enhancement Fund.

Pay It Forward (PIF)

PIF has been made available to grassroots Muskoka community groups since 2012 and offers grants of up to $2,500.

PIF grants are awarded to community members or groups with innovative ideas that will bring people together and contribute to the well-being of our community. Grants are awarded to projects that fill a strategic need in the community, enhance community support and leadership, and create positive change. PIF grants can help grassroots ideas become a reality.

Community Enhancement Fund (CE)

The CE fund has been made available to non-profit community organizations since 2020 and offers grants up to $10,000.

Grants are awarded to non-profit community organizations that address poverty reduction, food security, housing and living conditions, education and training opportunities, volunteer and job development, and citizen engagement.

Applications close Wednesday, April 5th 2023.

Funding for the 2023 Muskoka Community Grant Program is pending budget approval at the March 20th meeting of Muskoka District Council.


IDEA Community Grant Program 2023
The purpose of the IDEA Advisory Group’s IDEA Grant Program 2023 is to amplify the efforts of the IAG in creating opportunities for community engagement and public education around the IDEA principles of inclusion, diversity, equity and anti-racism or anti-hate.

For more information on the IDEA Community Grant Program Please visit: https://www.engagemuskoka.ca/idea


Stay Informed!

To receive updates and stay informed of the outcomes of the 2023 Muskoka Community Grant Application please subscribe via the "Subscribe Button" on this page (on the top right hand of your desktop screen, or scroll down on your mobile phone).

  • Community Applications Now Closed

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    Thank you to everyone who submitted an application to the Muskoka Community Grant Program - we received 48 applications!

    Applications are now under review and applicants will be notified via email of the results in mid-May. A recipient list will be posted to this page once all applicants have been contacted.

  • 2023 Muskoka Community Grant Program - Now Accepting Applications!

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    We are excited to launch the 2023 Muskoka Community Grant Program!

    Information about the Pay it Forward and Community Enhancement Grants are available in the Grant Guideline document.

    How to Apply:

    One application form has been created for both grant opportunities. You will be guided through the appropriate grant stream as you complete the application.

    You can complete an application at the following link: 2023 Muskoka Community Grant Application or access the application through the Applications and Reporting tab.

    The grant application guide and budget worksheet can be found in the document section on the right hand side of your computer monitor or scroll down on a mobile device.

    Applications close Wednesday, April 5th 2023.

  • Community Grant Recipients Announced! - Community Enhancement Fund and Pay it Forward Grant Program

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    Community Enhancement Fund and Pay it Forward Grant Recipients Announced!

    We are excited to share the list of successful grant applicants and projects through the Pay it Forward extension period and the Community Enhancement Fund! Successful applicants and projects can be viewed in the table below.

    Another big shout-out to all the 2022 community grant applicants! Thank you for all that you do!

    Organization
    		 Area
    		 Funding Received
    		 Project Description

    Pay It Forward

    Muskoka Indigenous Friendship Centre

    Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, & Huntsville

    $2,500

    Expanding culturally significant programming and supports into Huntsville and continuing programming in Bracebridge and Gravenhurst.

    Sewing Group

    All of Muskoka

    $2,500

    Providing sewing programming to children across Muskoka.

    Free Stuff for Daily Needs

    All of Muskoka (Gravenhurst focus)

    $2,500

    Providing urgent support to community members with practical needs.

    Community Enhancement

    Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere

    Township of Georgian Bay

    $4,680

    Partnering with Moose Deer Point First Nation and community elders to develop a medicine garden with accompanying programming.

    Riverside Public School

    Huntsville, Lake of Bays

    $10,000

    Forming a “Good Food Crew” club which will provide weekly fresh & local lunches to students and a community meal in December.

    Huntsville Mountain Bike Association

    Huntsville

    $2,500

    Building new, public access, hiking and biking trails with a focus on volunteerism and skill building.

    Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere (Honey Bee Festival)

    Township of Georgian Bay (Honey Harbour)

    $1,800

    Supporting the volunteer run Honey Bee Festival.

    Knox Presbyterian Church

    Bracebridge

    $2,500

    Supporting the Community Garden and Food box program.

    Ryde Community Coop

    Gravenhurst

    $3,950

    Various free seniors programing including seniors workouts, social activities, speakers, food, music.

    Muskoka Seniors

    Huntsville

    $9,100

    Supporting the seniors transportation program.

    Rotary Club Bracebridge

    Bracebridge

    $6,010

    To provide monthly, hot meals for the Manna Food Bank.

    Gravenhurst Against Poverty - Transportation

    Gravenhurst

    $5,000

    To provide gas cards through the neighbours in need program.

    Gravenhurst Against Poverty – Volunteer Retention

    Gravenhurst

    $2,500

    To support volunteer recruitment and retention.

    Enliven Muskoka

    Bracebridge and Huntsville

    $7,113

    Arts programming for people living with cancer.

    YMCA Simcoe Muskoka

    Gravenhurst

    $6,600

    Providing free lifeguard training to community members in financial need.

    Muskoka North Good Food Coop

    Huntsville

    $10,000

    To provide seniors with free healthy food boxes.

    Muskoka Shoebox Project

    All of Muskoka

    $2,500

    To provide shoeboxes of essential goods to women in need.

  • 2022 Muskoka Community Grant Program - Applications Now Being Accepted for Pay It Forward and Community Enhancement Fund

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    The District of Muskoka (District) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2022 Muskoka Community Grant program on the Engage Muskoka Platform.

    The District supports the enhancement of community well-being with a focus on improving a positive quality of life for our most vulnerable population. One way of helping to achieve this goal is through a few different community-funded programs.

    Earlier this year, the Muskoka Community Grant Program kicked off with Social Services Relief Fund grant opportunities, this current round of grant funding opportunities is focused on the Pay it Forward (PIF) and Community Enhancement (CE) Fund programs.

    The PIF Community Investment Grant Program has been available to Grassroots Muskoka Community Groups since 2012 and offers grants of up to $2,500. Grants are awarded to projects that fill a strategic need in the community, enhance community support and leadership, and create positive change.

    The CE Fund is available to Non-Profit Community Organizations. The program will offer grants up to $10,000. Grants will be awarded to groups that address poverty reduction; food security; housing and living conditions; education and training opportunities; volunteer and job development; and citizen engagement.

    Submit an Application for Funding

    The Pay It Forward and Community Enhancement Fund application is now available at the following link: 2022 Muskoka Community Grant Application

    The application will remain open until June 30th and remain open until 4:00pm.

    Learn More and Stay Informed!

    For updates regarding the program and available grant opportunities, please subscribe to the 2021 Community Grant Program Project Page made available on the Engage Muskoka platform at the following link: 2022 Muskoka Community Grants

  • 2022 Applications for SSRF are Now Being Accepted!

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    The 2021 Community Grant Program is kicking off with the release of fourth-wave funding made available through the Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF). The SSRF is a direct result of COVID-19 and is supported by the Province of Ontario through the District’s Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI). Through grants of up to $10,000, this fund intends to provide financial assistance to community groups that offer essential services such as food and shelter programs or other necessary programs to help vulnerable populations during COVID-19.

    Submit an Application for Funding

    The SSRF application is now available at the following link: https://www.engagemuskoka.ca/embeds/projects/14872/survey-tools/26277

    The application will remain open until January 31, 2022, and will close at 4:00 p.m.

    Eligibility requirements are provided at the top of this page and directly within the application.

    For questions regarding this application, please contact Sandra Daleman, Manager of Homelessness Programs and Services via email at Sandra.Daleman@muskoka.on.ca.

  • 2021 Community Enhancement Fund and Pay It Forward Grant Recipients Announced!

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    We are excited to share the list of successful grant applicants and projects through the Community Enhancement Fund and Pay It Forward!

    Successful applicants and projects can be viewed in the table below.

    Another big shout out to all of the 2021 community grant applicants! Our grant review committee was thrilled to see the resiliency of individuals and groups such as yourself, who, despite current challenges related to COVID-19, can pull together to innovate and support our most vulnerable populations during this time.

    Thank you for all that you do!

    Recipients through the Pay It Forward Grant Program:

    Recipient Project Description Grant Funding
    Muskoka Indigenous Friendship Community Providing program supplies to support the local Indigenous groups in culture and community building activities. $2,500
    Cameron of Lochiel Pipes and Drums Providing instruments for the band, which provides free music lessons, supports the local long-term care homes, as well as the Legion. $2,500
    Klahanie Community Gardens Providing new tools the Community Garden, which is a community building and food security effort. $1,115
    Free Stuff for Daily Needs Providing essential items to people in need throughout Muskoka. $2,500


    Recipients through the Community Enhancement Grant Program:

    Recipient
    		 Project Description
    		 Grant Funding
    Muskoka Shoebox Project Providing essential items for women and non-binary people in need during the holiday season. $2,500
    Ryde Community
    Co-operative    		 A community lunch project will involve preparing and sharing a healthy community meal for people facing food insecurity. $1,600
    Muskoka North Good Food Co-operative Providing food literacy workshops including topics such as food rescue, kitchen skills, gardening, and sustenance. $9,000
    Muskoka Pride Community For the purchase of six rainbow pride benches to be placed in each Town and Township within the District. $10,000
    Knox Presbyterian Church Bracebridge A community garden project to provide food and community building in the neighbourhood. Funding will also support the ongoing food box program that provides food to people facing food insecurity. $10,000
    Ryde Community Co-operative Free drive-by family events for neighbours. Families pick up an "event goody bag" monthly. Provides entertainment and community building in an area with few options for families. $2,500
    Alzheimer's Society of Muskoka Providing a "Dementia Friendly Community Education Training" program to organizations and businesses across the District of Muskoka to enhance inclusion and support of people living with dementia across the District. $6,200
    Community YWCA of Muskoka Providing support for the "Circles" program in the Town of Gravenhurst, which is a follow-up to the "Getting Ahead" program. This program provides wrap-around support with the goal of moving individuals out of poverty. $5,550
    Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere The "Growing Together" program engages individuals in preparing vegetable planters through a series of workshops. Growing together will continue to encourage the community to think about growing more of its own food and support people who want to start gardening. $4,120
    Big Brothers Big Sisters Muskoka Providing a "Matches out in Muskoka" program that will allow Big Brothers/Sisters to take their mentees out to explore our local attractions and businesses. $3,800
    Enliven Cancer Care, Muskoka Providing a mindfulness based stress-reduction program, as well as yoga classes to people impacted by cancer. $10,000
    Gravenhurst Against Poverty Providing slow-cookers to people living with poverty and cooking classes with a trained chef about how to use them to increase food security. $2,030
    Hospice Muskoka
    (Andy's House)    		 Supporting Hospice Muskoka to provide a complex grief counselling program. $5,000
    Lake Country Legal Clinic Creating a renters support and advocacy resource for people experiencing eviction or housing insecurity. $5,000
    Gravenhurst Against Poverty To support with volunteer training and tracking for Gravenhurst Against Poverty's expanding organization. $7,000
    Community Living Huntsville Providing support for the "Pathways" program, which helps young adults and youth with developmental support needs develop skills and build connections in the community. $2,000

  • 2021 Muskoka Community Grant Program - Applications Now Being Accepted for Pay It Forward and Community Enhancement Fund

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    The PIF Community Investment Grant Program has been available to Grassroots Muskoka Community Groups since 2012 and offers grants of up to $2,500. Grants are awarded to projects that fill a strategic need in the community, enhance community support and leadership, and create positive change.

    The CE Fund is available to Non-Profit Community Organizations. The program will offer grants up to $10,000. Grants will be awarded to groups that address poverty reduction; food security; housing and living conditions; education and training opportunities; volunteer and job development; and citizen engagement.

    Submit an Application for Funding

    The Pay It Forward and Community Enhancement Fund application is now available at the following link: 2021 Muskoka Community Grant Application

    The application will remain open until October 27, 2021, and will close at 4:00 p.m.

  • 2021 SSRF 3.0 Recipients Announced!

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    Thank you to all 2021 Muskoka Community Grant Program Social Service Relief Fund (SSRF) 3.0 applicants.

    The SSRF is a direct result of COVID-19 and is supported by the Province of Ontario through the District’s Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI) program. Through grants of up to $10,000 this fund intends to provide financial assistance to Muskoka community groups that offer essential services such as food and shelter programs or other necessary programs to help vulnerable populations during COVID-19.

    We are pleased to share our list of successful SSRF recipients below. Please stay tuned to this page for other grant opportunities made available through the 2021 Muskoka Community Grant Program!

    Agency/Recipient
    		 Food Security
    		 Other Supports
    		 Social Isolation
    		 Technology Programs
    		 PPE or Cleaning
    		 Transportation
    		 Funding Amount

    Alzheimer Society of Muskoka

    X

    $8,000

    Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka

    X

    $8,000

    Bracebridge Out of the Cold

    X

    $7,500

    Children's Foundation of Muskoka

    X

    $10,000

    Canadian Mental Health Association Muskoka-Parry Sound

    X

    X

    X

    $10,000

    Community Living Huntsville

    X

    $10,000

    District of Muskoka – Children’s Programs

    X

    $10,000

    District of Muskoka – EarlyON Programs

    X

    X

    $5,000

    District of Muskoka – Seniors Programs

    X

    X

    $5,000

    Dorset Community Partnership Fund

    X

    X

    $5,000

    Elder Abuse Prevention Muskoka

    X

    $10,000

    Enliven Cancer Care Muskoka

    X

    $10,000

    Feed it Forward - Food Rescue South Muskoka

    X

    $10,000

    Financial Assistance Partners Group - Muskoka

    X

    X

    $10,000

    Free Stuff 4 Daily Needs - Gravenhurst

    X

    X

    $10,000

    Gravenhurst Against Poverty - Food Security

    X

    $10,000

    Gravenhurst Against Poverty - Transportation Program

    X

    $10,000

    Gravenhurst Women's Centre

    X

    X

    $6,700

    Hospice Muskoka

    X

    $10,000

    Huntsville Meals on Wheels

    X

    X

    $6,500

    MiND-Aid - Muskoka

    X

    $10,000

    Muskoka Family Works - Huntsville

    X

    X

    $5,000

    Muskoka Seniors - Huntsville

    X

    X

    $10,000

    Muskoka Shoebox Project for Women

    X

    X

    $2,500

    Muskoka Women's Advocacy Group

    X

    X

    $10,000

    Pets Too, Moosonee Puppy Rescue

    X

    $10,000

    Port Severn Food Bank

    X

    $10,000

    Rotary Club of Bracebridge

    X

    $5,000

    Ryde Community Co-op

    X

    X

    $10,000

    Salvation Army (Bracebridge / Gravenhurst)

    X

    $10,000

    Salvation Army (Huntsville) - Fresh Foods / Perishables

    X

    $10,000

    Salvation Army (Huntsville) - Non-perishable Food

    X

    $10,000

    Wahta Mohawks First Nation

    X

    X

    $5,000

    Youth Unlimited (The Door Youth Centre)

    X

    $10,000

    YWCA - Muskoka

    X

    X

    $10,000

    Total SSRF3 Funding

    $299,200

  • 2021 Community Grant Program Kick Off – Applications for SSRF Now Being Accepted!

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    The 2021 Community Grant Program is kicking off with the release of third-wave funding made available through the Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF). The SSRF is a direct result of COVID-19 and is supported by the Province of Ontario through the District’s Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI). Through grants of up to $10,000 this fund intends to provide financial assistance to Muskoka community groups that offer essential services such as food and shelter programs or other necessary programs to help vulnerable populations during COVID-19.

    Submit an Application for Funding

    The SSRF application is now available at the following link: https://www.engagemuskoka.ca/muskoka-community-grants/survey_tools/ssrf-application-may-2021

    The application will remain open until May 25, 2021, and will close at 4:00 p.m.

    Eligibility requirements are provided at the top of this page and directly within the application.

    For questions regarding this application, please contact Sandra Daleman, Manager of Homelessness Programs and Services via email at Sandra.Daleman@muskoka.on.ca

  • Community Enhancement Fund and Pay It Forward Grant Recipients Announced!

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    We are excited to share the list of successful grant applicants and projects through the Pay It Forward extension period and the Community Enhancement Fund!

    Successful applicants and projects can be viewed in the table below.

    Another big shout out to all of the 2020 community grant applicants! Our grant review committee was thrilled to see the resiliency of individuals and groups such as yourself, who despite current challenges related to COVID-19, can pull together to innovate and support our most vulnerable populations during this time.

    Thank you for all that you do!

    Recipients through the Pay It Forward Grant Program:

    Applicant

    Program Description

    Grant Amount

    Muskoka Lakes Public Library

    A new outdoor-safe social gathering opportunity for Muskoka Lakes Seniors to connect and engage during COVID-19.

    $2,500.00

    Shoebox Project

    The annual Shoebox Project is a small, simple gesture of kindness that has an immediate, positive impact on the women that receive it. Due to COVID-19, the Shoebox Project will be a virtual campaign. Donations will go towards purchasing gift cards and essentials for women in Muskoka. https://www.shoeboxproject.com/muskoka.html

    $2,500.00

    Previously announced PIF recipients:

    Serenity's Haven

    A chance for mothers whose children have been sexually abused to care for one another and share resources and encouragement in a regular, peer support gathering.

    $890.00

    Archer's In Muskoka

    Volunteers bringing affordable/free alternate recreation opportunities to Muskoka students with indoor and outdoor archery training and skill development.

    $1,125.00


    Recipients in the Community Enhancement Fund:

    Applicant

    Program Description

    Grant Amount

    Christine's Place

    Developing supported online programming, including hardware loan options, to increase access for rural, home-bound and transportation-challenged families.

    $5,839.00

    Community Living Huntsville

    The Pathways program facilitates community connection and personal development among isolated individuals living with a developmental disability.

    $3,400.00

    Enliven

    Enhancing support/service delivery to vulnerable and isolated people impacted by cancer through the provision of Chromebooks, internet access and technical support to tap into a wide variety of local discussions and cancer supports.

    $5,500.00

    Huntsville Theatre Company

    Providing an open and welcoming space for anyone to develop and pursue avenues for creative expression and get advice and guidance on artistic endeavours.

    $10,000.00

    Muskoka Eco Club The Green Team

    Engaging and informative programming to encourage smart waste handling practices in our community, and provide options for large scale diversion of compostable and recyclable materials, all driven by volunteers.

    $8,522.00

    YWCA of Muskoka

    Increasing visibility and accessibility of the YWCA programming, and enabling after-school development opportunities for young women in Bracebridge in a safe, welcoming space.

    $10,000.00

    Muskoka North Good Food Co-op

    Co-op members and volunteers preparing fresh, local food boxes and launching community meals to support and engage families in need during C-19.

    $5,000.00

    Elder Abuse Prevention

    Providing digital access for seniors in the form of tablets, technology training and increased free community internet opportunities in Muskoka, with strong partner and volunteer support.

    $5,000.00


Page last updated: 11 Apr 2023, 07:59 AM