Ontario Government Supporting Innovative Programs and Services in Oshawa
December 19, 2025
Four local non-profit organizations receiving $336,300 in funding to create jobs and
build stronger communities
News | December 19, 2025
OSHAWA ― The Ontario government is providing four non-profit organizations in
Oshawa, with $336,300 in funding this year through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s
(OTF) Seed grant stream. The funding will help provide local residents with better
access to the critical programs, services, activities and spaces that make Oshawa a
great place to live, work and play.
“Our government believes local non-profit organizations enrich the lives of people in
Oshawa and play an important role in building a strong and supportive community and
prosperous economy. That is why our government is proud to support these program
and service providers through OTF’s Seed grants,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence
and Security, and Children, Community and Social Services. “Organizations such as
Canadian Automotive Museum, Community Living Oshawa/Clarington, Durham
Community Health Centre and The Denise House are pillars of our community. This
support will enable them to deliver essential programming and better serve the people
of Oshawa, making a positive difference for years to come.”
In Oshawa, organizations receiving funding include:
• Canadian Automotive Museum – $88,700
• Community Living Oshawa/Clarington – $65,200
• Durham Community Health Centre – $82,500
• The Denise House – $99,900
OTF’s Seed grants help organizations build resilience and enhance their ability to
deliver programs and services that directly benefit community members. Grantees can
use their funding to support organizational planning, pilot a new program and/or build
their organizational capacity to plan for future programs and services for the people of
Oshawa.
“In Oshawa and all across Ontario, non-profit organizations are delivering critical
programs that empowers people to learn new skills, pursue rewarding careers and build
meaningful connections with their community,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism,
Culture and Gaming. “With this funding, Ontario is protecting and supporting
communities, while helping to ensure these non-profits can strengthen their foundations
and prepare for the future, so they can continue meeting the evolving needs of
Ontarians now and for years to come.”
The Ontario government has invested more than $792 million in over 7,300 projects
since 2018. These investments have created more than 9,490 full time jobs and
generated over $1.1 billion in economic benefits for communities across the province.
QUOTES
“We are grateful for the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s support. This Seed grant will allow
us to develop engaging, curriculum-linked programs that connect students not only to
local history and culture, but also to the innovation and impact of Canada’s auto
industry. By improving access for teachers and building resources that reflect real
classroom needs, we will be able to welcome more young people into the museum and
strengthen our capacity to serve families for years to come. We’re excited for the longterm impact this will have in our community as we grow our role as a learning hub for
automotive history and innovation.”
- Alex Miller-Gerrard, Executive Director, Canadian Automotive Museum
“This Ontario Trillium Foundation Seed grant will allow Community Living
Oshawa/Clarington to strengthen our capacity and explore innovative ways to support
individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. With this funding, we can
expand programs that foster inclusion, independence, and community engagement—
ensuring that people have access to the resources and opportunities they need to
thrive. We are grateful for this investment in building a more inclusive Oshawa and
Clarington.”
- Terri Gray, Executive Director, Community Living Oshawa/Clarington
“We are deeply grateful to the Ontario Government for providing us with this funding
from the OTF Seed grant stream. For charitable health care organizations like ours, this
kind of additional funding goes a very long way in helping us provide the kind of
wraparound care and services that are at the heart of community health.”
- Francis Garwe, Chief Executive Officer, Durham Community Health Centre
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for this generous
grant, which will enable us to provide our staff with the highest quality training. Your
support strengthens our ability to deliver essential, compassionate care to the women
and children we serve at The Denise House.”
- Julia Fiddes, Executive Director, The Denise House
QUICK FACTS
▪ The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ministry of Tourism,
Culture and Gaming. Its mandate is to build healthy and vibrant communities across
Ontario by investing in community-based initiatives and strengthening the impact of
the province’s non-profit sector.
▪ OTF programs support the arts, culture, heritage, sports and recreation, human and
social services, and environment sectors across the province.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
2025 Ontario Fall Economic Statement
-30-
MEDIA CONTACTS
Eric Hutchins
Office Manager
Lorne Coe
MPP Whitby
Lorne.coeco@pc.ola.org
905-430-114