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Community groups across Central Elgin are getting a boost this year, as Council has approved $25,000 in funding to support local initiatives.
The investment comes through the municipality’s Community Grant and Sponsorship Program, now in its second year, which provides financial and in-kind support to not-for-profit organizations working to strengthen community life.
New this year, the program was delivered in partnership with the Elgin-St. Thomas Community Foundation, helping streamline the application and evaluation process.
A total of 11 projects will benefit from the funding, including community events, youth programming, heritage initiatives, and beautification efforts.
Belmont Canada Day – $2,500
Funding will assist with the cost of fireworks, food, advertising, and entertainment at the annual Belmont Canada Day celebrations.
Belmont Historical Society – $2,500
Funding will support the installation of high-quality signs featuring written information and historic photos on buildings, trails, and in parks within Belmont. These signs provide learning opportunities to those using the facilities.
Belmont Santa Claus Parade – $1,500
Funding will support the annual Santa Claus Parade, a holiday tradition that brings the community together and draws visitors to Belmont.
Belmont Swans Club – $950
Support for the rental of the Belmont Community Centre for the group’s meetings and fundraising events.
Camp Quality Canada – $5,000
Funding will help send two Central Elgin children, diagnosed with cancer, to overnight summer camp located outside of Guelph.
Heritage Port Stanley – $1,800
To support the Heritage Walking Tour with brochures, signage, and oral history videos located on their website.
JA South Western Ontario Program – $1,250
Funding will be used to provide two classes within Central Elgin focused on financial health, work readiness, and entrepreneurship to youth across Southwestern Ontario.
Keeping Belmont Beautiful – Community Flower Basket – $3,000
Funding to support the purchase of hanging flower baskets and staff resources to install, water, and remove the baskets.
Kettle Creek Home & School Council – $1,500
Funding to support the Spring Family Dance for Kettle Creek students, families, senior student volunteers, former students completing volunteer hours, and community members. The event will take place May 8, 2026. The Spring Family Dance is an annual event that supports the school’s Outdoor Learning Area project.
Oneida Arrival Celebration Day – $2,500
Partnering with the Port Stanley Village Association, this celebration will re-enact the arrival of the Oneida Nation from New York State to Ontario with an anticipated 500 participants from Port Stanley, Oneida Nation, and surrounding areas.
STEAM Education Centre – $2,500
The STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) education program provides refurbished computers to local youth. The project will take 6 months to complete and the allotment for Central Elgin is 35 computers.
Municipal officials say demand for the program exceeded available funding this year, requiring a prioritization process based on community impact, inclusivity, and overall benefit to residents.
Residents are encouraged to follow the municipality’s website and social media channels for updates as the funded projects move forward.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
