MUSKOKA LAKES – The Township of Muskoka Lakes “Grants to Organizations Program” for 2019 is now open for applicants. The program includes two funding streams, Community Grants and new Event and Festival Grants.
The Township is excited to launch new Event & Festival Grants, in addition to the Community Grants. It is open to applicants who can demonstrate their event is a tourism driver, providing an economic spin-off for the community via visitor spending and overnight stays. “This new grant was an outcome of the Downtown Enhancement Project”, states Communications & Economic Development Specialist Corey Moore. “The number one response we received to drive more traffic into the urban cores was to have more events.”
“We are looking for grant applications from organizers who are planning to enhance a current event or create a new event. The goal is to draw visitors from beyond the local area and drive visitor spending in Muskoka Lakes,” says Moore. The Downtown Enhancement Action Plan was approved in May 2018, in an effort to generate more traffic downtown Bala and Port Carling. The plan has resulted in enhanced beautification, including new banners and expansion of the hanging flower basket program, and new marketing activities such as the View the Lakes Muskoka Chair Tour. Partnerships with community organizations, such as the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce and Muskoka Tourism, have lead to the development of the Muskoka Cranberry Route and Midday Madness in Port Carling.
The Community Grants program provides financial assistance to non-profit, community-based organizations providing direct programs, services, or activities that enhance the quality of life for Township residents in the areas of social services and health, arts, culture, heritage, recreation, or the environment.
The Township of Muskoka Lakes recognizes the valued contributions being provided through the
volunteer efforts of community organizations and agencies on behalf of the citizens. Municipal donations
demonstrate Council’s commitment to working with groups which provide these beneficial programs, services, events or projects to the community.
Organizations interested in these programs are encouraged to review the program applications and contact the appropriate Township department located on the Township’s website at: www.muskokalakes.ca. The deadline to submit an application to either grant is December 11th, 2018 at 4:00pm.
