Muskoka Community Grant Program
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).
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Community Applications Now Closed
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThank 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.
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2023 Muskoka Community Grant Program - Now Accepting Applications!
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkWe 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.
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Community Grant Recipients Announced! - Community Enhancement Fund and Pay it Forward Grant Program
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkCommunity 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.
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2022 Muskoka Community Grant Program - Applications Now Being Accepted for Pay It Forward and Community Enhancement Fund
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkCLOSED: 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
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2022 Applications for SSRF are Now Being Accepted!
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe 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.
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2021 Community Enhancement Fund and Pay It Forward Grant Recipients Announced!
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkWe 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-operativeA 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
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe 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.
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2021 SSRF 3.0 Recipients Announced!
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThank 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
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2021 Community Grant Program Kick Off – Applications for SSRF Now Being Accepted!
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe 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
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Community Enhancement Fund and Pay It Forward Grant Recipients Announced!
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkWe 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
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Key Dates
Who's Listening
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Transportation Network Coordinator
SP