$366,000 to Support Community Programs and Services
October 17, 2024Ontario government supporting local non-profit organizations
NORTH BAY – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government is providing two non-profit organizations in Nipissing with over $366,000 in funding through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) Seed Grant stream and Youth Opportunity Fund. The funding will help provide residents better access to the critical programs, services, activities, and spaces that make our area a great place to live, work, and play.
“Our government believes local non-profit organizations enrich the lives of people in Nipissing and play an important role in building a strong community and prosperous economy. That’s why our government is proud to support these programs and service providers through the Ontario Trillium Foundation,” said MPP Vic Fedeli.
Organizations receiving funding include:
- $300,000 through the OTF’s Youth Opportunities Fund, for the Near North Mobile Media Lab for Taleweavers Alliance Grassroot Collective to offer an annual visual-novel style video game, bi-weekly video game design workshops, and weekly playtesting opportunities to help strengthen cultural connections in the community
- $66,100 through the OTF’s Seed Grant, for the Discovery Routes Trail Organization to establish a Trail Stewardship Program to grow and support the network of volunteers who provide stewardship to recreational trails
“We’re proud to serve as a mentor organization for the Taleweavers Alliance, supporting their mission of empowering queer First Nations youth in Nipissing. Thanks to this vital OTF funding, this project will foster creativity, cultural connection, and inclusivity through game design, offering a unique platform for self-expression and growth in a safe and affirming space.” – Sharon Switzer, Executive Director, Near North Mobile Media Lab.
“Our trails are more than just paths; they connect us to nature, provide recreational opportunities, improve our well-being and boost our local economy. Volunteers play a vital role in the stewardship of our local trails and thanks to the generous contribution of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, we will grow and support the network of volunteers who care for our local trails.” – Susan Christian, Discovery Routes Co-chair.
OTF’s Seed grant stream helps organizations build resilience and enhance their ability to deliver programs and services that directly benefit community members. Grantees can use their funding to support organizational planning, pilot a new program, and/or build their organizational capacity to plan for future programs and services.
The OTF’s Youth Opportunities Fund invests in community-led projects that play an essential role in creating safe spaces, empowering youth and families, supporting career pathways, and addressing issues faced by our communities. The fund supports grassroots groups and community-based collaboratives led by people who share identities and lived experiences and who face the same systemic barriers as those who will benefit from their projects is integral to YOF’s funding priorities. Projects led by and for communities play a key role in developing solutions that are tailored to the needs of communities and providing appropriate support for those with similar experiences.
QUICK FACTS
- The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. Its mandate is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario by investing in community-based initiatives and strengthening the impact of the province’s non-profit sector. OTF programs support the arts, culture, heritage, sports and recreation, human and social services, and environment sectors across the province.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES