Three Community Organizations Receive Over $280,000 in Trillium Grants

Date: Aug 02, 2023

Three local organizations are receiving a combined $282,500 in funding through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) Resilient Communities Fund, aimed at strengthening community services and long-term sustainability.

The funding announcement was made by Todd Smith, MPP for Bay of Quinte, alongside Neil Lumsden, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, who outlined how the grants will support organizations across the region.

The largest portion of the funding, totaling $199,800 over a 24-month period, has been awarded to the Regent Theatre Foundation. The grant will support the development of a film festival experience designed to boost audience engagement, revenue generation, and cross-sector partnerships.

The ROC Youth Services will receive $50,000 over 12 months to create and implement a volunteer recruitment strategy as well as a staff wellness and retention plan, helping to build a stronger and more resilient workforce.

Meanwhile, the 173 Royal Tiger Air Cadet Squadron has been awarded $32,700 over 12 months to introduce a new music program and expand STEM-based activities, giving youth opportunities to build confidence, skills, and community involvement.

“These organizations play a vital role in promoting civic engagement and supporting economic growth in the Bay of Quinte,” said Smith, noting that the targeted investments are designed to maximize long-term impact.

The Resilient Communities Fund was established during the COVID-19 pandemic to help non-profit organizations recover while building capacity, resilience, and sustainability. Grants support medium- to long-term projects that encourage innovation, revenue generation, and preparedness for future challenges. Applications are reviewed by non-partisan, volunteer-led regional committees.

Minister Lumsden emphasized the importance of the sector, stating that non-profit organizations help residents live healthier and more fulfilling lives, and that the province is proud to support groups making a meaningful difference at the local level.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation divides the province into 16 catchment areas. Bay of Quinte falls within the Quinte, Kingston, and Rideau region, which extends east to Lanark County. In this funding round, 16 projects shared $1,256,900, with the Regent Theatre Foundation receiving the largest allocation.