LOB expands its Community Fund program

The municipality is working with the Muskoka Community Fund

Lake of Bays Council agreed to expand its Community Fund program, in the May 13, 2025, meeting.

According to the staff report, the Township implemented the program in May of last year to replace their Community Grant Program and allocated $20,000 from the budget for it. “Of that amount $10,500 was distributed and the remaining $9,500 was redirected to a new fund.”

Last December they chose to support three charitable organizations, including Community Living Huntsville, Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation, and YWCA Muskoka, providing them each with $1,500 in funding.

The Township also partnered with the Muskoka Community Foundation (MCF) to launch the new Lake of Bays Community Fund with the goal of supporting charitable organizations and initiatives that serve the community.

This year the Township is expanding the program to three funding streams to provide additional community support.

Staff advised that the three streams are as follows:

The Lake of Bays Charity Fund, which will contain $10,000. This fund will be issued by the MCF. According to the report, “The fund is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of local residents through new or existing initiatives, with a focus on youth, seniors, the environment, and equitable access to sports and recreation.”

Staff indicated that last year grants ranged from $500 to $5,000, which has been increased to up to $5,000 “offering greater potential for community impact.”

Applications for this fund begin this September.

The Lake of Bays Bursary, containing $5,000 will also be issued by the MCF and offers two bursaries for eligible high school students applying to secondary education. The application process began in April, and the deadline is May 23^rd. Staff indicated they have only received one application for this program so far.

The Lake of Bays Grant Program also contains $5,000 and is to help not-for-profit organizations provide “specific projects or one-time initiatives that benefit the community,” indicates the report. Applications began on May 14^th and continue until June 4^th.

The MCF will begin the application process for the Grant Program, however the applications will be reviewed by a Township committee whose recommendations will be presented to Council for approval for issuing the funds.

Staff advised that $4,500 has been carried over from last year and will bring this year’s allocated $20,000 funding to $24,500.