Community Grants Program in South Frontenac

South Frontenac established a community grants program several years ago, to provide a leg up for community-based groups and organisations. For the 2026 budget, $35,000 was allocated to the program, and there was a $2,850 left over from 2025. The maximum grant for each applicant is $5,000.

Applications were opened in early March, and ended on March 31. Staff are coming to council this week with a list of 13 recommended grants, at a total value of $34,900, which will leave just under $3,000 as a kick start for the 2027 program.

There were 17 applicants this year, and staff are recommending that council award 13 grants. Of those, 4 are capital grants, there is 1 operating grant, and 8 grants under the heading of sponsorship.

The operating grant that is recommended is to the Battersea United Church for their food security initiatives, including a weekly eat-in or take out lunch, a monthly coffee hour, and volunteer training. It is a $2,500 grant.

Among the capital grants being recommended are: $5,000 for an outdoor classroom at Perth Road Public School, $5,000 for mobility assistive equipment to the Princess Margaret Rebekah Lodge based in Harrowsmith, $5,000 towards furnace replacements for the Sydenham Legion (Branch #496), and $598.50 to the South Frontenacs Stocksport Club for Stockspot youth handles.

Sponsorship grants include: $2,000 to the Boo Bash, a Halloween event that features trick-or-treating, games, and activities in a safe, accessible location; $2,500 to the Frontenac Farmer's Market to book live music for market dates, $2,500 to the Frontenac Holistic Fair for advertising and promotion, $1,500 to the Loughborough Firefighters Association for costs associated with the Sydenham Santa Claus Parade, $800 to Pawsitive Impact for advertising costs to promote the 'Dog Days of Summer' event that promotes awareness of animal welfare initiatives, $2,500 to Southern Frontenac Community Services for promotional branded products as part of their annual fundraising golf tournament, $2,500 to the Storrington Lions for their Breakfast with Santa event, and finally $2,500 to Wild Art Walk Battersea, for a community art workshop and an art walk at night.

Council is considering these recommendations at their May 5 meeting