Previously known as the Community Bursary Program, this program provides funding to community organizations that offer events, programs and services that support community well-being in the Municipality of Meaford.

 

Eligibility and Ineligible Costs

In order to be eligible for this program:

 

The applicant must be a community group, not-for-profit or charitable organization operating in the Municipality of Meaford.

Events, programs and services must occur in the Municipality of Meaford or be shown to have a direct benefit to community safety and well-being in the Municipality of Meaford.

Applicants must demonstrate how the bursary will result in an enhanced event, service or program for municipal residents, and how the event, service or program aligns with Council’s Strategic Priorities.

Applicants must demonstrate sound organizational and financial management abilities.

Bursary recipients who fail to provide an update to Council during the term of the bursary may be deemed ineligible for the program in the future.

 

For more information, see the Community Well-being Bursary Policy.

 

Ineligible Costs

Bursaries cannot be used:

 

• To cover deficits or borrowing costs

 

• To retire debts

 

• To increase endowment funds

 

• To meet fundraising targets

 

• To fund activities that serves primarily the membership or purposes of religious or political organizations.

 

Bursaries may not be used to cover the costs of alcohol, consultants, or personal equipment. Organizations who have failed to present satisfactory reports will not be eligible for future funding. 

How to Apply

The Community Well-being Bursary Program application acceptance period is now closed.

 

All applicants delivered a short presentation at a special meeting of Council on May 8 and 9, 2023.

 

Applications will not be solicited again until early 2027.

Funding Decisions and Project Initiatives 2023-2026

Backpacks for Learning at GBCS - $2,500.00

Ensuring students have access to more expensive, healthy perishable food like yogurt, cheese and fruit every week.

Beautiful Joe Heritage Society - $1,000.00

Preserving Beautiful Joe Park.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grey and Bruce - $1,500.00

Our 'Bigger Together' project is aimed at bringing youth and mentors together in safe and accessible ways that focus on building stronger inter-community relationships and connections.

Big Canoe Project - $500.00

Big Canoe Project's collaboration with Meaford Parks and Rec organizing free evening paddles improves the lives of Municipality of Meaford residents by providing an opportunity to connect with the unique, beautiful, precious and relaxing aquatic environment in their backyard.

Bognor Canada Day Committee - $2,500.00

Hosting Canada Day celebration.

Christ Church Anglican - $1,000.00

Christ Church provides breakfast every Monday morning for all who come. Donations are accepted and surplus money is donated to the Meaford Food Bank or other community projects/ services.

Christmas on the Bay - $2,000.00

Christmas On The Bay™ is a free event that is committed to creating a welcoming safe space where everyone is aware they belong. Our aim is to support the foundations of well-being.

Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce Inc. - $500.00

Offers an anonymous service to the residents of Grey and Bruce counties, including those living in the Municipality of Meaford, to report information about unsolved crimes, crimes about to occur, and the locations of wanted persons, illicit drugs, and stolen property.

Eat Local Grey Bruce Cooperative Inc. - $1,000.00

Provide free home delivery to households in Meaford that are facing mobility barriers to accessing fresh, local foods.

Electrics Eclectics - $1,000.00

Workshops for youth and music festival. 

Georgian Bay Coyotes Track Club - $1,000.00

Annual cross country race, free soccer for youth 7-16, support GBCS track & field intramural running. 

Goldenaires - $1,000.00

Community Choir.

Kids in the Meaford Hall Arts Society - $1,000.00

Annuel pre-christmas presentations in Meaford Hall to all school-aged children in the area.

Meaford & St. Vincent Agricultural Society - $2,000.00

Meaford Fall Fair: This is an annual community event that involves our youth, such as schools, day cares, 4H groups, volunteers and all ages of people who attend and/or participate in our friendly competition.

Meaford 55+ Friendship Club - $3,000.00

Committed to provide our Seniors with local services through speakers, exercise and activities that are funded by the Club.

Meaford Creative Arts Association - $1,500.00

Hosting creative events for Seniors at Meaford Hall.

Meaford Culture Foundation - $2,000.00

The Meaford Culture Foundation, established in 2006, has two mandates: (a) To provide capital funding for Meaford Hall, and (b) To provide funding for arts and culture based programming and initiatives within Meaford through our Community Outreach Program.

Meaford Food Bank and Outreach - $4,000.00

Provide food assistance to people within the Municipality of Meaford who are experiencing food insecurity.

Meaford Lawn Bowling Club - $1,000.00

The Meaford Lawn Bowling Club offers physical activity and social time for its participants. We feel it is imperative to offer recreational opportunities to our community members, within our community. 

Meaford Pickleball Club - $1,000.00

Pickleball as a sport provides physical exercise - we operate 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year, therefore are providing our residents with the opportunity to remain active year round leading to a happier, healthier community. We offer programming for youth as well as adults.

Meaford Theatre Company - $1,500.00

Youth in the Theatre Program (March- June), (Sept-Nov); The Misanthrope (Feb-May); Self Help by Norm Foster (Sept-Dec).

My Friend's House - $2,000.00

My Friend's House operates the shelter for women and their children in Collingwood, and is working hard to expand reach and create awareness around the programs and services offered to women who have been impacted by gender base violence.

Optimist Club of Sydenham and District - $2,500.00

Canada Day celebration in Annan.

Rotary Club of Meaford - Greening Committee - $500.00

Great Canadian Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup, aka "Baggy Day."

Rotary Club of Meaford - Rotary House Committee - $2,500.00

Rotary House provides a safe, welcoming social environment where everyone, from paid staff and volunteers to our guests and donors, is making an important contribution to our community's well-being, and feel a strong sense of belonging.

SweetWater Music Festival - $1,500.00

Concerts in Meaford.

United Way of Grey Bruce - $2,000.00

The core mission of the MCG is to produce sustainable and natural food for the Meaford community, and produces an average surplus of 2000lbs every year. This surplus is mostly distributed through the Meaford food Bank and Outreach, but has added other channels like the Meaford Community Fridge, and Community Living, to ensure that nothing is wasted.

Viva Variety - $1,000.00

Inclusive Arts Showcase.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How has the program changed since the last intake in 2018?

The program focus has been updated since 2018 to have a greater focus on community well-being. This means we are asking applicants to explain how the requested funding will impact the community health, safety, and well-being.

Reporting requirements have also been simplified, and recipients will have to make one brief presentation to Council over the four-year term.

 

2. What is community well-being?

In general, when we discuss well-being in our community, we are referencing the factors in our lives that impact our safety, health, happiness, and overall life satisfaction. 

Applicants can read the Meaford Well-being Plan to get a better idea of current priorities.

 

3. What kinds of programs, events and services that enhance community well-being?

Many different kinds of programs, events and services enhance community well-being. Some examples might be things like:

  • A free service that provides information and support about landlord and tenant matters to Meaford residents
  • A program of activities teaching life skills to youth
  • A seniors group that offers lifelong learning and social activity programming throughout the year
  • A not-for-profit organization expanding their offerings to include satellite mental health services in Meaford

These are just a few examples, but are not intended to be limiting. Read the Well-being Plan and think about how your group is making an impact.

 

4. What is an example of something that would not count as well-being?

This Program is not intended to fund economic development initiatives.

Further, please see the Eligibility and Ineligible Costs section above.

 

5. Why the shift toward community well-being?

The Municipality is committed to supporting new and ongoing work that supports health, safety, and well-being within the community. By providing multi-year stable funding for these efforts, the Municipality hopes to both support existing such work and incentivize new well-being projects.

 

For information on the nomination process and eligibility requirements, please see the Community Well-being Bursary Policy.

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