WELLINGTON NORTH – The Township of Wellington North is pleased to announce the approval of $37,415.83 ($18,000 in cash donations, $19,415.83 in fee waivers) for various organizations and community groups as part of the 2026 Grants and Donations Community Development Fund. This initiative underscores the Township's commitment to supporting local events, programs, and activities that benefit the community.
The approved funding will be distributed among 36 organizations (see table at the bottom of this release for details) supporting a wide range of programs and events, from recreational activities to cultural celebrations and community fundraisers.
"The Grants and Donations Community Development Program is a vital part of our efforts to foster community engagement and support the invaluable work of our local organizations. We are proud to contribute to initiatives that enhance the quality of life for our residents,” said Mayor Andy Lennox.
The program, which was first approved by Wellington North Council in December 2016, has undergone several updates to better meet the needs of the community. For 2026, the overall budget for the program remains at $40,000, with $37,000 allocated for the Fund and $3,000 for discretionary in-year budget donations. Of the approved funds for 2026, $1,000 in funding will come from the Township’s 2026 Downtown Revitalization budget.
The Township received a total of 58 applications for the 2026 intake period, with requests amounting to $47,350.34. The approved funding ensures that a greater number of programs, events, and activities can be supported, reflecting the Township's priorities and commitment to community development.
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Media Contact
Mandy Jones
Manager of Recreation, Community and Economic Development
Township of Wellington North
mjones@wellington-north.com
2026 Grants and Donations Community Development Fund Recipients
| GROUP | AMOUNT |
| Arthur Agricultural Society | $ 500.00 |
| Arthur and Area Skating Club – Carnival | $ 339.00 |
| Arthur Car Show | $ 755.97 |
| Arthur Curling Club - Gala | $ 807.95 |
| Arthur and District Horticulture Society | $ 1,000.00 |
| Arthur Food Friends | $ 580.82 |
| Arthur Leo Club and Arthur Lions Cub Club | $ 290.41 |
| Arthur Lions Club | $ 807.95 |
| Arthur Minor Hockey | $ 500.00 |
| Arthur Optimist Club – Canada Day Celebrations | $ 2,500.00 |
| Arthur Optimist Club – Arthur Optimist Town Hall | $ 500.00 |
| Arthur OPTIMRS – Santa Claus Parade | $ 500.00 |
| Arthur SU Sports Camp | $ 926.60 |
| Auxiliary to the Louise Marshall Hospital – Spring Luncheon | $ 463.30 |
| Auxiliary to the Louise Marshall Hospital – November Bazaar | $ 807.95 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Wellington | $ 1,000.00 |
| Christmas Time in Arthur | $ 686.48 |
| Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington | $ 1,000.00 |
| Friends of Bill Walker – “Git Yer Hillbilly On Ribfest” | $ 463.30 |
| Hayden’s Hope Foundation | $ 500.00 |
| Hospice Wellington | $ 1,000.00 |
| Junior Achievement South Western Ontario | $ 500.00 |
| Little Black Dress Event | $ 807.95 |
| Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation – Community Breakfast | $ 378.55 |
| Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation – Hospital Gala | $ 2,500.00 |
| Mount Forest Air Cadets – Flight Simulator | $ 500.00 |
| Mount Forest Air Cadets – Pasta Dinner Fundraiser | $ 807.95 |
| Mount Forest Christmas Bureau | $ 1,000.00 |
| Mount Forest Community Pantry | $ 1,000.00 |
| Mount Forest Family Health Team – Gentle Movement Program | $ 1,000.00 |
| Mount Forest Family Health Team – Companions Coffee Hour | $ 678.00 |
| Mount Forest Fireworks Festival | $ 2,500.00 |
| Mount Forest Horticultural Society | $ 1,000.00 |
| Mount Forest Leos Club – Family Fun Day | $ 290.41 |
| Mount Forest Leos Club – Teen Dances | $ 926.60 |
| Mount Forest Lions Club – Valentine’s Dance | $ 500.00 |
| Mount Forest Lions Club – Childhood Cancer Fundraiser Dance | $ 500.00 |
| Mount Forest Lions Club – Craft Markets | $ 1,000.00 |
| Mount Forest Lions Club – Breakfast with Santa | $ 500.00 |
| Mount Forest Lions Club – Santa Claus Parade | $ 500.00 |
| Mount Forest Minor Ball | $ 500.00 |
| Mount Forest Seniors Group | $ 500.00 |
| Royal Canadian Legion Branch 134 – Mount Forest | $ 750.00 |
| VON | $ 596.64 |
| Wellington North Fire Service | $ 1,000.00 |
| Wellington North Ringette Association | $ 500.00 |
| York Soaring Association | $ 750.00 |
| TOTAL REQUESTS/GRANTS – Fee Waivers - $19,415.83 - Cash Donations - $18,000.00 | $37,415.83 |