Ontario Government Supporting Innovative Programs and Services in Ajax
December 19, 2025
Two local non-profit organizations receiving $193,700 in funding to create jobs and build
stronger communities
News | December 19, 2025
AJAX ― The Ontario government is providing two non-profit organizations in Ajax with
$193,700 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 Ajax a great place to live,
work and play.
“Our government believes local non-profit organizations enrich the lives of people in
Ajax 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
ASE Community Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters South Durham and
Northumberland are pillars of our community. This support will enable them to deliver
essential programming and better serve the people of Ajax, making a positive difference
for years to come.”
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
Ajax.
In Ajax, organizations receiving funding include:
• ASE Community Foundation – $99,300
• Big Brothers Big Sisters South Durham and Northumberland – $94,400
“In Ajax 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 this generous funding from Ontario Trillium Foundation, we can begin filling
a critical gap in our services by offering group programming for youth ages 6-10 on our
waitlist. With rising demand and long wait times for mentorship, this support means up
to 45 children will have access to the positive guidance and connection they’ve been waiting for. We are truly grateful for your commitment to helping young people thrive.”
- Melanie Stewart, Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Durham
and Northumberland
“We are grateful for the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s commitment to strengthening
outcomes for Black neurodivergent youth. This investment allows us to put our research
into practice by building Black disability-affirming families, developing confident young
leaders, and creating pathways that dismantle the systemic barriers highlighted in our study.”
- Liza Arnason, Founder & Chair, Board of Directors, ASE Community Foundation
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