During this week’s virtual Town Council meeting, Mayor Paul Kelly introduced this year’s successful recipients of Terence Haight Community Funding. This was an opportunity to formally recognize each community group for their valuable contributions and learn more about how they intend to use the awarded grant funding for the betterment of the community.
On Wednesday, March 16th, recipients joined Mayor Paul Kelly, Deputy Mayor Heidi Lorenz, and District Councillor John Gordon for in-person presentations and photos. This funding announcement will inject $25,000 into local community groups whose efforts aim to benefit the people of Gravenhurst.
The following 10 groups received funding for their proposed requests:
In addition to this annual grant process, in 2020, the COVID-19 Financial Assistance Fund was established with an amount of $25,000 from the Terence Haight Endowment. The fund, in response to the pandemic, was to be made available on a one-time basis to assist established community agencies and service clubs who offer, among other things, financial, mental health and food security assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Review Panel composed of three Council members was set up to recommend grant awards under that program. To date, a total of $18,500 has been disbursed to the Rotary Club of Gravenhurst, the Moon River Metis Council, Gravenhurst Against Poverty, and the United Way Simcoe Muskoka Urgent Needs Fund. Currently, a balance of $6,500 remains to meet COVID-19 related community needs through this additional Fund.
The Terence Haight Financial Assistance Committee will begin planning for next year’s application process, with marketing activities beginning in the fall for a December 5, 2022, submission deadline for 2023 funding applications. Community groups are encouraged to follow updates on the Town’s website. Town Council established the Terence Haight Financial program in 2013, following the significant financial bequest by Mr. Haight of $1 million to the Town. The fund’s goal is to provide limited financial assistance to groups and organizations within the municipality to assist with activities, special events or with an improvement to the organization’s existing assets. To learn more about the grant please visit: www.gravenhurst.ca/communityfunding
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