The Front Door Ministry supports the less fortunate in Simcoe and Norfolk County by providing food, water, and essential resources. They distribute food bags, grocery store gift cards, and personal hygiene products and host a weekly coffee hour to offer community support to those in need.
Community Grants
Application opens February 1
The 2025 Norfolk County Community Grants Program application process is open from February 1 to February 28, 2025.
Norfolk County recognizes the need to assist not-for-profit organizations in taking on new initiatives and assisting organizations in carrying out their services and responsibilities.
About Community Grants
In accordance with Section 107 of the Municipal Act, Norfolk County Council may provide grants to organizations and groups who operate within and/or provide services to Norfolk County for any purpose that Council considers in the interest of the municipality.
These projects should align with one or more of the Norfolk County Strategic Priorities for the current term of Council:
- Empowering Norfolk
- Building Norfolk
- Connecting Norfolk
- Serving Norfolk
- Sustaining Norfolk
Norfolk County believes that organizations should become sustainable as soon as possible after they begin operations and should remain sustainable if the community provides the level of funding required for their operation. In other words, Norfolk will not support any organization that does not have sufficient ongoing support from the community, financial or otherwise.
Community Grants purpose
- Benefit the community and be clearly non-core or non-scheduled services the County offers
- Supplement the organization's overall requirements for implementing the new initiative, delivering services, or fulfilling responsibilities.
Past Community Grants recipients
Front Door Ministry – St. Paul Presbyterian Church
PRIDE DAY celebrates the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their allies with musical entertainment, public speakers, and a “Queer Artists and Allies Market.” The event includes local musicians, a children’s area, literacy activities, and special recognition of community efforts, promoting inclusivity and equality.
The Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival
The festival expanded in three key areas: KidsZone, Community Showcase Stage, and cultural diversity in Main Stage programming, along with greening initiatives. It focused on providing a fun, inclusive event for families and people of all walks of life, featuring interactive art, diverse music, and eco-friendly practices.
Long Point Biosphere Reserve Foundation
The Long Point Biosphere Region established an annual “Conservation Crawl” festival in Norfolk County, promoting environmental and cultural sustainability. The festival featured outdoor conservation activities, eco-tourism products, and Indigenous cultural projects, aiming to position Norfolk County as a unique tourist destination and increase off-season tourism.
A weekend camp offering interactive learning experiences, workshops, and activities focused on body image, self-esteem, healthy eating, active living, healthy relationships, and personal safety. Campers participate in self-defence, yoga, and high ropes courses to build confidence and develop new skills.
South Coast Community Caring for Cancer
This project aims to purchase parking passes for Hamilton Health Sciences facilities to support local community members undergoing cancer treatment, primarily at Juravinski Hospital.
Haldimand-Norfolk REACH (Child Nutrition Network)
The Child Nutrition Network is experiencing significant growth in demand for healthy food for students in Norfolk County. Currently, it serves an average of 5,100 students daily. Despite record fundraising, it is struggling to meet the rising need and aims to maximize fundraising capacity and expand program operations.
Community Grants policy
View the Norfolk Community Grants Policy for:
Community Grants should not be considered as a primary source of funding. Approval of grant funding in any one year does not guarantee future assistance and is not to be regarded as a commitment.
Preference will be given to new organizations that provide new initiatives, services, or responsibilities.
How and when to apply
- Application opens: February 1, 2025
- Application deadline: February 28, 2025, 11:59 p.m. (late applications will not be accepted)
Contact us
Marie Steiner
Divisional Coordinator
Community Development Division
519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 1346 or marie.steiner@norfolkcounty.ca
