Ontario Investing $1,270,700 to Expand Community Programs and Services in Durham Region
March 10, 2026
Investment will support 3 local non-profit organizations to create jobs and build stronger communities
NEWS | March 10, 2026
DURHAM ― The Ontario government is investing $1,270,700 this year through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) Grow program to support two non-profit organizations in Whitby and one in Ajax. This funding helps organizations promote active lifestyles, protect arts, culture and heritage, and expand opportunities for children and youth across the province, while delivering on the government’s plan to protect Ontario by strengthening local services and build stronger, more resilient communities.
“Our government is continuing to deliver for Durham Region with new investments through OTF’s Grow grants that will strengthen our communities and empower our local non-profit organizations,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence, and Security. “Organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters South Durham and Northumberland, the Alzheimer Society of Durham Region and Sunrise Developmental Support Services are pillars of our community, and this support will enable them to improve programs that are essential to the well-being of people in Whitby, Ajax, and other parts of the Region of Durham, making a lasting impact for years to come.”
Every year, OTF Grow grants support community organizations across the province to expand and improve the delivery of community-based programs and services that Ontario families rely on, with investments of up to $600,000 to support programs and services.
Some of this year’s recipients include:
· Big Brothers Big Sisters South Durham and Northumberland – $346,000
· Alzheimer Society of Durham Region – $461,300
· Sunrise Developmental Support Services – $463,400
“In Durham Region and communities across Ontario, non-profits are running proven programs that help people build skills, stay active, and feel more connected to where they live,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “This investment will help build on the successes of local initiatives, empowering them to reach more people, deepen their impact, and strengthen community life all across the province.”
Through OTF’s various granting programs, Ontario has invested more than $857 million in over 7,700 projects since 2018. These investments have created more than 10,700 full time jobs and generated over $1.3 billion in economic benefits for communities across the province. For more information and a list of recipients, visit the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s website.
QUOTES
“We are deeply grateful for this remarkable investment from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Government of Ontario. This support will allow the Alzheimer Society of Durham Region to expand and strengthen vital programs that empower people living with dementia and their care partners. We are excited for the impact this funding will have across Durham Region and sincerely thank the province for recognizing the importance of accessible, high-quality dementia care.”
– Gillian Barrie, Chief Executive Officer, Alzheimer’s Society of Durham Region
“We are incredibly grateful to OTF for their generous support. This funding allows us to adapt our group mentorship program for girls ages 11–14 to better address the challenges they are facing today, including gender-based violence, online safety, bullying, and mental health. We are thankful to OTF for recognizing the urgency of this work and for standing alongside us as a committed partner in supporting girls’ mental health, safety, and empowerment in our community,”
– Melanie Stewart, Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Durham and Northumberland
“Sunrise Developmental Support Services is deeply grateful to receive a $463,400 Grow Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. This investment will allow us to expand our Community Program from three days to five days per week, doubling our capacity and supporting the 36 individuals currently on our waitlist. Through increased community engagement and practical life skills development, including navigating public transit, we will continue to help adults with developmental disabilities build independence, confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging in the Durham Region.”
– Amber McKinley, Executive Director, Sunrise Developmental Support Services
“The Ontario Trillium Foundation is pleased to invest in this new round of Grow grants, which are designed to improve the lives of Ontarians. These grants play an essential role in helping non-profit organizations broaden their local programming to address diverse community needs.”
– Katharine Bambrick, CEO, Ontario Trillium 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.
- Applicants can apply for funding of $100,000 to $600,000 over two or three years through OTF’s Grow grant to expand, improve or adapt an existing program or service.
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Eric Hutchins
Office Manager
Lorne Coe
MPP Whitby
Lorne.coeco@pc.ola.org
905-430-1141