MPP Jill Dunlop Announces Ontario Investing $229,400to Expand Community Programs and Services in Simcoe North

March 3, 2026

The Ontario government is investing $229,400 this year through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) Grow program to support non-profit organizations, First Nations and small municipalities in Simcoe North. 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 Simcoe North with new investments through OTF’s Grow grants that will strengthen our communities and empower our local non-profit organizations,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “Organizations such as Green Haven Shelter for Women are pillars of our community and this support will enable them to improve programs that are essential to the well-being of people in Simcoe North, making a positive difference for years to come.”

“Green Haven Shelter for Women has been serving women and children escaping violence for 35 years and we are very grateful for the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation,” says Executive Director, Krista Storey. “This funding will support the expansion of our residential programming with the development of ‘Roots to Resilience’, a structured, 8-week, trauma-informed life-skills program that aims to strengthen the stability and self-sufficiency of women rebuilding their lives after violence. We are very proud of how our team continues to strive to improve the essential services our agency offers and this funding will help bring this program to fruition,” adds Storey.

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.

“In Simcoe North 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.