Ontario Investing over $1.5 million to Expand Community Programs and Services in Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston

March 3, 2026

Grow Grant will support 6 local non-profit organizations to create jobs and build stronger communities

March 3, 2026

The Ontario government is investing over $1.5 million this year through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) Grow program to support 6 non-profit organizations in Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston. This funding helps organizations promote active lifestyles, protect arts, culture and heritage, and expand opportunities for children and youth across the province, while delivering on the government’s plan to protect Ontario by strengthening local services and build stronger, more resilient communities.

“Our government is continuing to deliver for my riding of Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston with new investments through OTF’s Grow grants, that will strengthen our communities and empower our local non-profit organizations,” said John Jordan, MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston. “Organizations such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Lanark County, Rideau Roundtable and Mississippi Mills Youth Centre are pillars of our community and this support will enable them to improve programs that are essential to the well-being of our residents, making a positive difference for years to come.”

Every year, OTF Grow grants support community organizations across the province to expand and improve the delivery of community-based programs and services that Ontario families rely on, with investments of up to $600,000 to support programs and services.

Some of this year’s recipients include:

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County – receiving $180,300 over 2 years to expand programming to deliver culturally relevant mentorship programs to at-risk Black, Indigenous and racialized youth across Lanark County
  • Rideau Roundtable – receiving $153,900 over 3 years to expand and sustain the Rideau Centre for Eco-Literacy, delivering creative environmental programs for children through six regional libraries
  • Mississippi Mills Youth Centre – receiving $110,600 over 2 years to deliver 6 annual cooking programs for youth, building food skills, leadership and social connection, while reducing food insecurity and fostering confidence and well-being
  • Community Living Kingston and District, Independent Living Centre Kingston and KEYS Job Centre, all based in Kingston – receiving total funding of $1,127,100 to expand their programs

“At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County, we believe that all children should have the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Board Co-Chair, Andrew Lynch. “This grant will help us to expand our support of and the equitable inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth through mentoring programs, services and community engagement. The grant will also enable us to develop programs and mentoring relationships that reflect the needs and aspirations of Indigenous youth and youth of colour. These initiatives will enrich our existing programs and enable us to support the development of a vibrant, inclusive community to which all children can truly feel a sense of belonging. We are truly grateful to the Provincial Government and Ontario Trillium Foundation for recognizing the importance of this work.”

“Mississippi Mills Youth Centre is deeply grateful to the Provincial Government and Ontario Trillium Foundation who’s funding allows us to take our cooking program to the next level, “said Lilli Nothnagel, Executive Director of Mississippi Mills Youth Centre. “Youth in our community will develop skills, gain confidence, and build community while increasing access to nutritious meals.”

“We are honored to receive a Grow grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which will allow us to expand our impact across the province,” said Peter Au, Chair of Rideau Roundtable. “This funding empowers us to cultivate more responsible environmental stewards and develop the leaders who will drive tomorrow’s sustainable economy.”

“On behalf of myself, the Rideau Eco-Literacy Centre, our partner public libraries, and the children and families that participate in our events and workshops, we would like to extend heartfelt thanks and deep gratitude to MPP John Jordan and the Ontario Government for their support in the form of the Ontario Trillium Grow Grant,” said Tina Bye, Program Director for the Rideau Eco-Literacy Centre for Children. “This will allow us to continue to provide hands-on environmental science ‘learn and play’ opportunities across the region for the next three years. These workshops and excursions are designed to empower the young participants with the knowledge, leadership skills, and motivation to become the environmental stewards of tomorrow. Whether this means they make small positive changes in their own and their family’s lifestyles and habits, they share their learning at school and with their communities, or they go on to become professionals in the field, building this foundation is an important investment in all of our futures.”

“In Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston and in communities across Ontario, non-profits are running proven programs that help people build skills, stay active, and feel more connected to where they live,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “This investment will help build on the successes of local initiatives, empowering them to reach more people, deepen their impact, and strengthen community life all across the province.”

“The Ontario Trillium Foundation is pleased to invest in this new round of Grow grants, which are designed to improve the lives of Ontarians. These grants play an essential role in helping non-profit organizations broaden their local programming to address diverse community needs,” said Katharine Bambrick, CEO of the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Through OTF’s various granting programs, Ontario has invested more than $857 million in over 7,700 projects since 2018. These investments have created more than 10,700 full time jobs and generated over $1.3 billion in economic benefits for communities across the province. For more information and a list of recipients, visit the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s website.

QUICK FACTS

  • 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.
  • Applicants can apply for funding of $100,000 to $600,000 over two or three years through OTF’s Grow grant to expand, improve or adapt an existing program or service.

MPP John Jordan, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston

www.johnjordanmpp.ca

john.jordan@pc.ola.org

613-284-1630

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