Community Grants and Support | Town of Huntsville

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Types of community requests
Application limits
Submit an application
Frequently asked questions

This program provides support for new recreation and cultural experiences, special events, projects, and programs that provide benefit to the community.

View the Community financial requests policy

If you have any questions, concerns or would like assistance with your application, please contact the Town’s Economic Development Officer.

Types of community requests

This is a financial contribution paid by the Town to the successful applicant to support a community event, project, or program.

This is a non-monetary contribution from the Town to the successful applicant to support community events or projects; examples: free admission passes for Muskoka Heritage Place.

Eligible requests

Requests related to direct programs, services, projects, events or initiatives that create opportunities which enhance the quality of life and public benefit for Huntsville residents.
Requests that do not qualify for Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association (HMATA) funding.

Ineligible requests

The following requests will not be considered under this program:

Private events or events that support only one individual or family.
Funding to support a business or commercial activity unless the business is requesting funds for a specific event outside of their normal operations.
Events that could adversely impact the Town’s reputation.
Funding where the activity duplicates or conflicts with an existing program or activity that is already offered by the Town.
Ongoing operational funding
Direct charitable donations to an organization.
Primarily serve the membership of purposes of any one organization.
Events, projects, or programs that have already received funding through the Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association (HMATA).

If the event, project, or program is tourism focused, connect with HMATA first, and review their funding process. If a request for HMATA funding is denied, the event, project, or program may be eligible for funding through this program.

Application Limits

Funding is limited to the lesser of: 50% of the net costs of the event, project or program, or $1,500.
Applications related to recurring community events and community programs will be considered every 3 years.
Applications can be submitted retroactively, however, must relate to events, projects or programs occurring in the same calendar year.
If annual budgeted funding remains uncommitted on November 1 annually, timing limitations may be waived for the remainder of the year.

Applications can only be submitted for community events or projects.
Applications cannot be submitted for events or projects that have already occurred.

Submit an application

Before submitting an application, we encourage you to read the Community Financial Request policy and review the FAQ's below.

Frequently asked questions

What events, projects, or programs have received grant funding in the past?

Events and projects that have received monetary contributions from the Town include:

Food4Kids Muskoka – Audio visual costs for gala
Fairy Lake Association – Cleanup initiative
Rotary Club of North Muskoka – Santa Claus parade traffic control
Friends of Fairvern – Fundraising dinner costs
Mary Spring & Terri Howell – Sewing camp equipment and materials
Cameron of Lochiel Pipes & Drums – Uniforms and instruments
Breakthru Dance Challenge – Tent rental during local dance competition
Huntsville Concert Band – Christmas concert
Huntsville High School Life Skills Program – Recreation passes for the Canada Summit Centre

I received funding through HMATA already for my event/project, am I eligible for a monetary contribution?

No, events and/or projects directly related to tourism that already received funding through HMATA are not eligible for this program. If your request was declined by HMATA, you may still submit an application. If you have any questions please reach out to our Economic Development Officer.

I am having a fundraiser that is open to the community and need silent auction items; can I apply through this program?

Absolutely, you can submit a request for promotional and/or discounted admission items through the application form as a non-monetary contribution.

Will I get the full amount of my request?

It is not guaranteed that you will receive funding for the full requested amount. Applications are limited to the lesser of 50% of the event, project or programs net costs or $1,500. The program’s budget is also set annually and requests can only be approved until the program’s budget has been spent. A lesser amount than the request may be approved to allow other organizations in the community to benefit from the funding.

What criteria is used when evaluating the requests for funding?

The Community Financial Request policy outlines the various objectives that the funds are to be used for. Objectives include but are not limited to: arts, culture, environment, heritage, recreation, social services and health, economic development and other program or service that provides a benefit to resident quality of life.

Is there a deadline for applying?

There is no set application deadline. While applications are generally reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, they will be awarded based on the overall benefit to the community. It is expected that the program will be popular for applications, therefore the funds may be used up earlier in the year. If, however, the budgeted funds are not fully committed by November 1 annually, applications may be submitted even if they do not meet the timing limitations identified above.