Dufferin Community Foundation grant recipients
Six local charities are receiving grants from Dufferin Community Fund to support everything from socks for people in need to watershed education for kids.
The funding, most of which will go towards initiatives in 2026, will have a significant impact across our county, making it possible for the charities to pilot new programs or expand existing ones, enrich lives, and enhance culture in our community.
“This year’s grant applications underscored the incredible work being done by organizations in Dufferin. It motivates all of us to work harder towards supporting their tireless dedication to our community,” said Shirley Boxem, Grants Committee Chair.
Here are the Fall Grants recipients:
Arts, Culture & Heritage Grants
These grants were made possible by the W. & M. Edelbrock Fund.
Dufferin Film Festival – $5,500
Dufferin Film Festival 2026 will showcase Canadian short films and create meaningful cultural experiences for Dufferin County residents and visitors. With support from the grant, DFF will deliver screenings at the Orangeville Opera House, host filmmaker Q&As and a speaker brunch and expand inclusive workshops at a lower cost than typical film festivals.
Streams Community Hub – $8,250
Tools for Creativity: Tech for the Arts will strengthen learning outcomes and reduce bottlenecks in some of Streams’ most in-demand programs. The grant will be used to purchase pottery wheels, new laptops for video, photography and music programs, BeaverBot cardboard cutters for the makerspace programs, and 3D printers for creative STEM programs for children and youth aged 4-17.
Environment Fund Grant
Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority – $2,000
Wonderful Wetlands will bring curriculum-linked programming on our watershed and the importance of wetland preservation to Grades 2-4 students in Dufferin County schools. Using interactive models, active discussion and scientific experiments, students will become empowered to take action to protect their environment. Schools would be eligible to participate free of charge.
Dufferin Vision Fund Grants
Community Living Dufferin – $2,500
Many adults with intellectual disabilities face barriers to cultural participation due to limited finances, lack of accessibility and transportation challenges. The Options program provides them with low-cost, supported access to culture and recreation, such as arts, music, crafts, yoga, swimming, horseback riding and other group activities designed to promote creativity and reduce isolation.
Headwaters Communities in Action (HCIA) – $2,500
With the Grounded & Growing program, HCIA’s Headwaters Food and Farming Alliance supports mental well-being and food literacy by providing high-needs schools with indoor growing equipment, seeds, soil and mentorship. The team visits the schools to set up the seed kits and Earth Boxes, and check in on growth and harvest. Approximately 140-160 students will benefit.
Socks 4 Souls Canada – $2,500
Through this initiative, Socks 4 Souls Canada will deliver 7,000 pairs of new, durable socks at no cost to local organizations including Choices Shelter, The Salvation Army and the Orangeville Food Bank. Socks wear quickly and cannot be reused or donated second-hand. The supply of socks will meet a critical personal need and help prevent foot-related health issues.
“Our grants reviewers had the challenging task of scoring the applications and coming to a consensus on which would be funded,” said Michele Fisher, Executive Director. “We are grateful for their dedication – it’s not an easy job when all of the charities do such good work.”
Doug Schaefer photo: Dufferin Community Foundation’s Steve Wood and Michele Fisher presented a cheque to NVCA Board members Jonathan Scott, Patricia Clark, Gail Little and staff member Kyra Howes.
