Muskoka Community Grant Program

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The Community Grant Program encourages community collaboration through assisting community-funded programs. Funds are awarded to local grassroots and community non-profits to support projects and events that address the needs of our most vulnerable. Two grant opportunities are available:


Pay It Forward (PIF)

  • Available since 2012, PIF provides grants of up to $2,500. 
  • Open to community members or grassroots groups.
  • Supports projects that bring people together, fill a community need and create positive change. 

Community Enhancement Fund (CE)

  • Available since 2020, CE provides grants of up to $10,000. 
  • Open to non-profit community organizations and registered charities.
  • Funds initiatives that address poverty reduction, food security, housing, education and training opportunities, volunteer and job development, and community engagement. 

The Community Grant Program encourages community collaboration through assisting community-funded programs. Funds are awarded to local grassroots and community non-profits to support projects and events that address the needs of our most vulnerable. Two grant opportunities are available:


Pay It Forward (PIF)

  • Available since 2012, PIF provides grants of up to $2,500. 
  • Open to community members or grassroots groups.
  • Supports projects that bring people together, fill a community need and create positive change. 

Community Enhancement Fund (CE)

  • Available since 2020, CE provides grants of up to $10,000. 
  • Open to non-profit community organizations and registered charities.
  • Funds initiatives that address poverty reduction, food security, housing, education and training opportunities, volunteer and job development, and community engagement. 
  • 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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    CLOSED: This application is now closed.
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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


  • 2020 Community Grant Recipients Announced!

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    August 12, 2020 - 2020 Muskoka Community Grant Recipients Announced!

    Thank you to all 2020 Muskoka Community Grant Applicants. We are encouraged to see leaders in our community working together to broaden community engagement in the face of the unique and evolving challenges posed by COVID-19.

    We are excited to share our list of successful applicants and projects under the Pay it Forward Grant Program and Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF). Successful applicants in the Community Enhancement (CE) fund are expected to be announced next month.

    We are also pleased to share that the Pay it Forward 2020 Grant Program has been extended and we are continuing to accept applications! If you are a Grassroots Community Group looking to fill a strategic need in the community, enhance volunteerism, community support and leadership, and create positive change, complete an application today!

    Don’t forget to subscribe to this page to stay informed of project updates and future CE fund recipients! Look for the big megaphone on this page, enter your email address and hit subscribe!

    Successful Applicants and Projects - Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF):

    Applicant

    Program Description

    Grant Amount

    Free Stuff 4 Daily Needs

    Sourcing free/low cost essential daily living items from across the District and beyond and distributing them to vulnerable Muskoka residents via delivery and pickup from their Gravenhurst location.

    $5,000

    Bracebridge Out of the Cold

    Preparing and sharing nutritious meals and opportunities for empowerment, engagement and capacity building with families and individuals in need.

    $5,000

    Bracebridge United Church

    Offering timely financial assistance and essential care items for families in need during C-19.

    $5,000

    Dorset Community Partnership Fund

    Increasing ability to respond to COVID needs by purchasing more PPE, medical supplies, pharmacy/emergency drug supplies for those in need along with food support.

    $5,000

    Elder Abuse Prevention Muskoka

    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

    Muskoka North Good Food Co-operative Inc.

    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

    Muskoka Seniors Home Assistance

    Offering a mobile, outdoor gathering opportunity for Muskoka Seniors clients/volunteers to stay connected and engaged while sharing a meal/snacks in the midst of C-19.

    $2,950

    The Salvation Army Bracebridge Community Church

    Serving Bracebridge

    Serving Gravenhurst

    Filling the gap generated by C-19 as they provide families in need with a Christmas hamper containing staple food items, a Christmas meal, and children's toys.




    $5,000

    $5,000

    The Salvation Army Huntsville Food Bank & Family Services

    Purchasing groceries to support individuals and families with essential food items during C-19.

    $5,000


    Successful Applicants and Projects - Pay it Forward:

    Applicant

    Program Description

    Grant Amount

    Archers In Muskoka

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

    $1,125

    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


  • 2020 Muskoka Community Grant Updates

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    July 27, 2020 - 2020 Muskoka Community Grant Applications Under Review!

    Just a quick update to let you know that grant applications are still under review by our grant committee.

    Successful applicants in the Pay it Forward Program and the Social Service Relief Fund are expected to be announced within the next two weeks! Applicants successful in the Community Enhancement Fund are expected to follow late September.

    Once we’ve contacted all successful applicants we will post the list of 2020 successful applicants and projects to this page.

    Would you like to be notified when successful applicants are posted?
    Subscribe to this page to receive future grant announcements and updates via email!

    To subscribe, enter your email address in the subscribe tool (which can be found under the megaphone on the top right hand corner of the screen on your desktop computer, or scroll down on your mobile device):

    Thanks and stay tuned!

Page last updated: 21 Mar 2025, 02:12 PM