Childhood literacy and nature-based recreation opportunities are a couple of the many worthy causes to receive support from the County of Prince Edward through the 2025 Municipal Community Grants Program.
“Community events and activities ignite spirit in residents and guests alike and make Prince Edward County the special place that it is,” says Mayor Steve Ferguson. “We are proud to support these initiatives through the Municipal Community Grants Program.”
The Municipal Community Grants Program aims to improve the well-being and quality of life of the community and its residents through financial assistance to non-profit, community-based organizations. This year, 30 organizations will receive cash grants, while an additional six groups will get in-kind support from the municipality.
The County Kids Read team received $7,000 to create Book Buddies, a new pilot project in collaboration with Prince Edward Collegiate Institute. Through one-on-one, weekly support from a trained tutor, this initiative will help dozens of struggling and/or reluctant young readers in our community gain both tangible literacy skills and a love for reading.
“The municipality’s support will play a pivotal role in helping us meet Prince Edward County children’s literacy learning needs, and creating a community where all children have equal access to the tools and opportunities they need to set a course for reading success,” says Anne Preston, Founder and Board Chair of County Kids Read.
Wellington Community Gardens received $1,000 from the grants program. The gardens, located at the west end of Wellington on the grounds of the water treatment plant, allow family, friends, and the community to come together and grow their own food in garden plots.
“Wellington Community Gardens is thrilled to have received a Municipal Community Grant, which will allow us to replenish our soil and repair the garden beds for 2025,” says Lynn Gillingham. “A big thank you from all the garden members!”
The grants program is funded by the municipality and administered by The County Foundation. Priority is given to projects that align with the strategies of the municipality and The County Foundation such as Council’s strategic plan and the 10-year community plan, Vital Signs, Community Safety and Well-being Plan, and Thrive PEC Community Economies Pilot Project.
“The Municipal Community Grants program plays a vital role in strengthening our community by supporting a diverse range of organizations — from health to recreation to heritage and the environment,” says Gillian Armstrong, Interim Executive Director of The County Foundation.
“This year marked an exciting new chapter for the program, introducing innovative changes such as operational funding and multi-year commitments. These enhancements are designed to offer more stability and flexibility for recipients, empowering local organizations to focus on what they do best: making our community a better place for everyone.”
Municipal staff worked alongside The County Foundation in 2024 to review the Municipal Community Grants Program and policy. Community organizations provided feedback on their experience with the previous program. Council approved the new policy in the fall last year. Visit The County Foundation website to learn more about the program changes.
Arts-mandated organizations are now funded through the PEC Arts Fund in partnership with The County Foundation. To learn about funding for arts organizations, visit The County Foundation website.
Visit the municipal website to learn more about the Municipal Community Grants Program.
The recipients of the 2025 Municipal Community Grants are:
Cash Stream
851 Squadron Royal Canadian Cadets Sponsoring Committee
$6,073 to support costs related to programs that foster leadership, citizenship and life skills helping County youth reach their highest potential.
99.3 County FM
$4,000 to support the community radio station in a project to create a more robust music production library.
Alternatives for Women
$4,500 to support an enhanced safety and well-being program for staff and clients involved in housing, counselling and education related to domestic violence.
Multi-year funding for 2025 and 2026.
Alzheimer’s Society of Hastings-Prince Edward
$5,000 to support ongoing costs related to providing programs and services for persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Community Development Council of Quinte
$5,000 to support the organization’s Good Baby Box program which helps families access nutritious foods.
Multi-year support for 2025 and 2026.
County Food Hub
$8,000 to support a cooking club for children and youth in grades 4-12 at the County Food Hub in Sophiasburgh.
County Kids Read
$7,000 to support the Book Buddies one-on-one literacy tutoring program at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute.
Food to Share
$10,000 support ongoing costs related to collecting locally grown produce, preparing and cooking meals that can be distributed through food banks and other community partners.
Gathering of Friends
$150 to support expenses related to historical re-enactments of Loyalist lifestyle at the Ameliasburgh Heritage Village.
Greater Than County Youth Collective
$10,000 to support costs related to youth representing, supporting and advocating for their needs in Prince Edward County, including events and hackathons.
Grow With Me Programs
$3,000 to expand a program for children focused on gardening, environmental stewardship and sustainable living.
Heal with Horses Therapeutic Centre
$5,000 support costs related to providing horse and small animal-related activities and programs that promote good physical and mental health and wellness.
Jasper Park Volunteers Group
$868 support for operational expenses related to community gardening at Jasper Parkette in Picton.
PEC Lions Club
$4,500 to support the PEC Lions Club Music in the Park program in Wellington
Multi-year funding for 2025 and 2026.
PEC Skating Club
$2,500 to support costs related to providing learn to skate programming in Prince Edward County.
PEC Sports Hall of Fame
$1,000 to support the 2025 induction ceremony for PEC Sports Hall of Fame nominees at the Wellington and District Community Centre.
Picton Town Hall Farmers’ Market
$5,000 to support costs related to offering a weekly farmers’ market on Sundays in Picton
Picton United Church Food Bank
$10,000 to support costs related to offering a food bank / emergency food program at the Picton United Church.
Multi-year funding for 2025 and 2026.
Prince Edward 4-H Dairy Club
$600 to support the 4-H Club participation in the 2025 Picton Fair.
Prince Edward Learning Centre (PEC Fresh)
$8,000 to support the PEC Fresh Good Food Market, a community market making fresh fruits and vegetables accessible for everyone at affordable prices.
Prince Edward Pickleball
$2,500 to support costs associated with pickleball programming in Prince Edward County.
Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory
$5,000 to support costs related to protecting birds and their habitats through research, advocacy and education.
Reaching for Rainbows
$10,000 to support costs related to providing programming to support vulnerable and at-risk girls age 6-9.
South Shore Joint Initiative (SSJI)
$4,000 to support the Wild Thing outdoor and natural heritage outdoor education program.
The Andrew
$3,000 to support the Solo Seniors Initiative to address the apprehensions, hopes and aspirations of seniors over 65 who live alone in Prince Edward County.
The Children’s Foundation
$7,500 to support the Playing for Keeps and Camps of Hope programs to subsidize sports and camp programs and removing barriers to participation.
Volunteer Information Hastings Prince Edward County
$4,000 to support a volunteer recruitment and referral program in Prince Edward County.
Multi-year funding for 2025 and 2026.
Wellington Community Association
$3,000 to support a Remembrance Day initiative in the village of Wellington
Wellington Community Gardens
$1,000 to support costs related to maintaining community gardens in the village of Wellington.
West Lake Community Association
$4525 to support a wetland protection initiative in West Lake.
In-Kind Stream
Department of Illumination
Up to $2,000 to support use of the Crystal Palace for the 13th annual Firelight Lantern Festival
Gather in the County
Up to $1,856.30 to support use of the Crystal Palace for the annual Gather in the County modern textile market and showcase.
Hospice Prince Edward
Up to $2,000 to support venue rental costs related to a fundraising dance to support hospice care in Prince Edward County.
Jasper Park Volunteer Group
Up to $2,000 to provide for municipal labour and materials to support the community gardening initiative at Jasper Parkette.
Miss Supertest Facebook Community Fan Page
Up to $254.25 to provide for the municipal costs associated with hanging the Miss Supertest commemorative banner across Picton Main Street.
PEC Skating Club
Up to $2,000 to support ice rental fees at Wellington and Picton arenas to make learn-to-skate programs more accessible.