The Pay it Forward Community Investment Grant Program has delivered its funding decisions for the 2019 year.
The PIF program provides Community Investment Grants to community groups or individuals wishing to build a stronger Muskoka together.
The committee that decides on successful grants looks for projects that fill a strategic need in the community, enhance community support and leadership and create positive change for Muskoka’s most vulnerable residents.
The Pay it Forward program was initiated in 2012 and the ask for grant support continues to exceed the amount of available funding each year. For 2019, a total of 54 applications were submitted and 25 of those applications were approved funding up to a maximum of $2,500 from the $40,000 available through the Community Investment Grant Program.
Programs that received funding this year include Curling for Kids – a project that increases access to low-cost recreation for children, the Huntsville Women’s Group – which offers free weekly drop-in programs to promote social engagement and support for women, and the Muskoka Family Network – who is delivering programming to increase the capacity of families living with disabilities and enhancing support networks for those individuals.
“Through the dedication and leadership of our local Community Champions, the Pay it Forward grant program allows an opportunity for Muskokans to invest in, and to give back to other Muskokans. That is what the Pay it Forward program is all about – investing in our communities, celebrating leadership and working together to build a strong, vibrant, thriving Muskoka Community” stated District Chair John Klinck.
2019 Recipients
Bala in Bloom Township of Muskoka Lakes
Create a sitting area in Andy’s House Hospice grounds – chairs and perennial gardens to be planted and maintained by volunteers.
$2,361.00
Speaking of Wildlife All of Muskoka
Wildlife presentations to seniors across Muskoka, including live wildlife at the events.
$2,000.00
Stephenson District Lions Club Town of Huntsville
A large Christmas dinner geared toward seniors which engages many volunteers in the preparation and delivery of the meal.
$1,500.00
Cameron of Lochiel Pipes and Drums Town of Huntsville
Registered non-profit agency hoping to purchase band equipment to enhance ability to offer free music lessons and pro bono performances.
$2,450.00
Muskoka Shoebox Project All of Muskoka
Bringing community together to purchase/prepare shoeboxes full of pamper/luxury items to be given out to women in need.
$500.00
Port Carling Curling Club Township of Muskoka Lakes
Providing curling equipment (brooms, shoes, pants, jackets, sweaters, bags) to kids in order to increase access to low-cost fitness/recreation and instill sportsmanship, etc.
$2,000.00
Dollars For Dinners Township of Muskoka Lakes
Preparation of healthy, crockpot meals for families in need. Volunteers gather in Shamrock Lodge kitchen to prepare the meals which are given to the West Muskoka Food Bank for dispersal.
$2,000.00
Enliven Centre for Wellbeing in Cancer Town of Huntsville
Holding 3rd annual panel discussion on living with cancer diagnosis. Aim is to better support, engage and educate people living with cancer and their supporters. Increasing access to services by sharing system navigation tips.
$1,000.00
West Muskoka Food Bank Township of Muskoka Lakes
Purchasing of food to be distributed through West Muskoka Food Bank, which offers low barrier service, no questions asked.
$2,000.00
Ryde Community Co-op Town of Gravenhurst
Foot care and blood pressure clinic for vulnerable community members. Referred by local hospital and health care providers.
$1,500.00
Gravenhurst Against Poverty (GAP) Town of Gravenhurst
Creating a community garden to promote social interaction and provide food to be distributed through GAP food programs.
$2,500.00
Huntsville Ukulele Group Town of Huntsville
Travelling group of ukulele players who engage groups in ukulele jams and sing-alongs. They make an effort to reach people who may be socially isolated, specifically seniors and people with disabilities.
$2,500.00
Huntsville Women’s Group Town of Huntsville
Free weekly drop-in for all women, sharing info on diverse topics, relying on local expertise, hosting workshops, and providing social engagement and support. Strong support base, heavy investment in protecting anonymity and respecting boundaries.
$950.00
Dorset Community Partnership Fund Township of Lake of Bays
Purchasing equipment to offer home care – mobile primary and preventative care to “shut-ins” or people with mobility issues.
$675.00
Muskoka Pride Community Town of Bracebridge
Support groups and one-time events to support LGBTQ youth in Muskoka.
$500.00
Huntsville Lion’s Club Town of Huntsville
Club is purchasing commercial BBQ to hold fundraisers in support of important community causes and provide affordable food options at town festivals and community events.
$1,800.00
Muskoka Lakes Public Library Township of Muskoka Lakes
Lunch and learn for seniors held at the public library. Guest speakers and sharing of stories/experiences.
$500.00
P.A.M. Educational Services Township of Georgian Bay
Free summer (July) program at MacTier library aimed at engaging youth 5-15 in innovative exploration based on Ministry of Education curriculum.
$2,500.00
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka (BBBS) All of Muskoka
An engagement group for mentees on the BBBS waitlist and volunteers within the community. Hoping to build awareness of benefits of volunteering/ mentorship and draw in mentors.
$1,680.00
Muskoka Family Network All of Muskoka
Running programs and events to increase the capacity of people and families living with disabilities. Decreasing isolation and enhancing support networks.
$2,500.00
Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation Township of Lake of Bays
Creating a nature trail at Marsh’s Falls. Hoping to promote conservation and build awareness of importance of preserving natural environment.
$1,100.00
Lions Club of Bracebridge Town of Bracebridge
Weekly 3-course meal and social event for community, high senior attendance.
$1,000.00
Port Sydney Yoga Town of Huntsville
Provide free, gentle yoga twice a week for 12 weeks to encourage activity and demonstrate benefits of yoga to people who might not otherwise access.
$1,000.00
Muskoka Paddle Club Town of Bracebridge
Purchasing a kayak and canoe to increase the capacity of the club to include people who are developmentally challenged and to increase opportunities for people to access physical activity and recreation.
$1,484.00
Huntsville Theatre Company Town of Huntsville
Free afterschool theatre program for children which culminates in a full production.
$2,000.00
TOTAL: $40,000.00