TORONTO – The Ontario government has withdrawn $15 million in funding promised to the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) – money the foundation would have granted to community projects this winter.
OTF grants are given to non-profit organizations, First Nations and small municipalities to implement community projects.
The Ontario Nonprofit Network is concerned the large cut will cancel or delay some important planned projects and is asking the government to reverse its decision.
“OTF grants help us all be open to the business of strengthening the people and communities of Ontario,” said Cathy Taylor, executive director at the Ontario Nonprofit Network.
“This funding cut puts communities at risk. The government should keep its promise and restore funding.”
Some local OTF grants listed for the 2018-19 fiscal year include $166,200 over three years for the Learning Disabilities Association of Wellington County to provide and expand an early intervention program for young struggling readers across the county.
There is $119,700 allocated to the Rockwood Football Club for training soccer coaches, officials and volunteers, and $37,000 for Transition Guelph to run a workshop series on sustainable living.
It is not confirmed which organizations may have already received their grants, and whether multi-year grants will be affected.
Other funding previously allocated for 2017-18 includes $150,000 to the Kinette Club of Drayton for the Mapleton Splash Pad, $127,000 for a trail at Rockmosa Park in Rockwood, $300,900 for the Ignatius Jesuit Centre in Guelph to recruit and train ecosystem conservation stewards, and $70,000 for the Organic Council of Ontario based in Guelph to design and test a support program for organic certification.
Ontario NDP deputy leader Sara Singh said the government action will “shortchange” communities.
“This cruel cut will make things harder for thousands of people — especially those living in rural and small communities, where OTF grants make a big difference,” Singh said.
“Every year, hundreds of Ontario communities have depended on OTF grants to pay for vital community initiatives at community sports facilities, food banks, arts organizations and other social service providers.”
Singh said the reduction is “particularly short-sighted” since it will cut jobs from the economy.
Norman Ragetlie, executive director of the Rural Ontario Institute, said, “One of the realities nonprofit organizations serving small rural communities face is that there are relatively few other funding organizations to turn to when it comes to pooling resources.
“OTF is very important for rural municipalities and non-profits alike.”
Groups of local volunteers help OTF make funding decisions. OTF invests in community services and facilities across the province – organizations such as food banks, sports facilities, arts organizations and social service providers.
Not counting programs it administers for other ministries, OTF invested $100 million directly in the community economy in 2016-17.
Through its Seed, Grow, and Collective Impact streams, OTF funded 469 projects in 2016-2017 that will impact over 750,000 Ontarians over three years. OTF’s 203 capital grants in 2016-17 totalled $22.4 million.
