Gravenhurst approved the 2026 Community Grant recommendations for funding

The program will distribute $30,000 to local organizations in 2026

Gravenhurst Council approved the 2026 Community Grant recommendations for funding, in the February 10, 2026, meeting.

The Town’s Community Grants Committee (CGC) put forward the funding recommendations, outlining how municipal grant programs could support local organizations, businesses, and community improvements across the municipality.

According to the report, the CGC oversees two funding streams: the Terence Haight Financial Assistance Program (THFAP) and the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Program.

This year the THFAP has $30,000 available for distribution, while the CIP program has approximately $115,000 in available funding. However, staff also reported that there is no requirement that all available funds must be allocated.

Administration reported that the CGC received 18 applications for the THFAP and 12 applications for the CIP.  All applications were reviewed to ensure they met eligibility requirements, including having no outstanding financial arrears, building permit issues, or planning matters.

The report also notes that increased marketing and promotion efforts have resulted in applications from new properties and organizations.

The committee recommended approval of nine THFAP applications, totaling $30,000. Proposed recipients include the Gravenhurst Loan Cupboard, Gravenhurst Imagination Library, Mind Aid, YWCA, GHS Robotics, Muskoka Ringette, Gravenhurst Against Poverty, the Literacy Society of South Muskoka, Hospice Muskoka, Big Brothers Big Sisters Orillia, and the Gravenhurst Legion.

These grants are intended to support a range of social, educational, health, and community-focused initiatives.

In addition, nine applications under the CIP were recommended for approval, totaling $99,258. This funding focuses primarily on façade improvements, as well as commercial safety and technology upgrades, structural improvements, landscaping, and signage.

Recommended CIP projects include work at locations on Muskoka Road South, Bay Street, Bethune Drive North, Ferguson Road, and Brock Street, with individual funding amounts ranging from smaller signage projects to larger façade and structural improvements.

The report explains that the CIP program is designed to enhance the appearance, safety, and functionality of commercial and community properties, contributing to downtown revitalization and broader economic development objectives.

Now that the recommendations have been approved, staff will proceed with notifying successful applicants and drafting funding agreements.

Some Council members expressed concern about Big Brothers Big Sisters Orillia being approved for $5,000 in funding considering they are not in Gravenhurst.

Councillor, Jo Morphy, questioned why they are receiving funding “when they are not here yet.” She said, “I am dramatically opposed to that unless they are here.”

She added that other applicants like Safe Quiet Lakes, the United Church, and GAP, didn’t receive funding or got less than they asked.

Mayor, Heidi Lorenz, said there was a lot of discussion that led to the recommendations, and “we did talk about every item on the list.”

She added that the decision “was unanimous, and I will stand by that decision.”

She continued, “I was told last year, ‘Why appoint members of the public if you’re not going to listen to them.’”