Ontario Government Supporting Innovative Programs and Services in Whitby

December 19, 2025

Three local non-profit organizations receiving $172,800 in funding to create jobs and
build stronger communities

News | December 19, 2025

WHITBY ― The Ontario government is providing three non-profit organizations in
Whitby with $172,800 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 Whitby a great
place to live, work and play.
“Our government believes local non-profit organizations enrich the lives of people in
Whitby 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
L’Assemblée des communautés francophones de l’Ontario, Durham-Peterborough,
Sunrise Developmental Support Services and The Participation House Project (Durham
Region) are pillars of our community. This support will enable them to deliver essential
programming and better serve the people of Whitby, making a positive difference for
years to come.”
In Whitby, organizations receiving funding include:
• L’Assemblée des communautés francophones de l’Ontario, DurhamPeterborough – $84,500
• Sunrise Developmental Support Services – $13,100
• The Participation House Project (Durham Region) – $75,200
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
Whitby.
“In Whitby 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
“Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s support, Sunrise will be able to build the
internal capacity needed to meet rising demand for our services. This funding allows us
to create a thoughtful strategic plan and modernize our policies and procedures,
ensuring our programs remain responsive, person-centred, and accessible. This
investment directly strengthens our ability to support individuals with developmental
disabilities today and well into the future.”

• Amber McKinley, Executive Director, Sunrise Developmental Support Services

“We are deeply grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their generous investment
in our Step-by-Step Parenting Program. Their support ensures parents with cognitive
challenges will have the opportunity to build confidence, develop skills, and thrive in
their role as caregivers, making a lasting difference in lives of these families.”

• Michelle Brooks – Executive Director, The Participation House Project (Durham
  Region)

“L’Assemblée des communautés francophones de l’Ontario, Durham-Peterborough, is
grateful to the Government of Ontario for this strategic support provided through the
Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Seed Grant. This funding represents a vital investment in
strengthening access to high-quality French-language services and supporting the
vitality and well-being of the francophone community in Whitby and the Durham Region.
With this investment, our organization will be able to expand its capacity, develop
innovative programming, better meet the needs of the families we serve, and continue
advancing our commitment to building an inclusive, dynamic and resilient community.
We extend our sincere appreciation to MPP Lorne Coe and our partners for their trust
and continued support of Ontario’s francophone community.”

• Achille Fossi, PhD Chair, Assemblée des communautés francophones de
  l’Ontario Durham-Peterborough

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

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MEDIA CONTACTS
Eric Hutchins
Office Manager
Lorne Coe
MPP Whitby
Lorne.coeco@pc.ola.org
905-430-114