Community Grants and Support | Town of Huntsville

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Types of support
Application limits
Submit an application
Frequently asked questions

This program provides support for recreation and cultural experiences, special events, projects and programs that benefit the community. Fundraising events are generally only eligible for the promotional items funding stream.

View the Community Grants and Support Policy

Types of support

This is a financial contribution paid by the Town to the successful applicant to support a community event, project or program that has an overall net cost. This means that the costs to run the event exceed any revenues brought in through donations, sponsorships, ticket sales, entry fees, etc. Grant funding is not meant to subsidize fundraising events or activities.

This is a non-monetary contribution from the Town to the successful applicant to support community events or projects. An example includes free admission passes to Muskoka Heritage Place.

Eligible requests

Requests related to direct programs, services, projects, events or initiatives that create opportunities which enhance the quality of life and public benefit for Huntsville residents.
Requests that do not qualify for Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association (HMATA) funding.

Ineligible requests

The following requests will not be considered under this program:

Private events or events that support only one individual or family.
Funding to support a business or commercial activity unless the business is requesting funds for a specific event outside of their normal operations.
Events that could adversely impact the Town’s reputation.
Funding where the activity duplicates or conflicts with an existing program or activity that is already offered by the Town.
Ongoing operational funding.
Direct charitable donations to an organization.
Fundraising events where the revenue earned exceeds the costs of running the event.
Primarily serve the membership of purposes of any one organization.
Events, projects, or programs that have already received funding through the Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association (HMATA).

If the event, project, or program is tourism focused, connect with HMATA first, and review their funding process. If a request for HMATA funding is denied, the event, project, or program may be eligible for funding through this program.

Application limits

Funding is limited to the lesser of: 50% of the net costs of the event, project or program, or $1,500.
Events, projects or programs must have a net cost which means fundraising activities are not eligible for grant funding.
Applications related to recurring community events and community programs will be considered every 3 years.
Applications can be submitted retroactively, however, must relate to events, projects or programs occurring in the same calendar year.
If annual budgeted funding remains uncommitted on November 1 annually, timing limitations may be waived for the remainder of the year.

Applications can only be submitted for community events or projects.
Applications cannot be submitted for events or projects that have already occurred.

Submit an application

Before submitting an application, we encourage you to read the Community Grants and Support Policy and review the FAQ’s below.

Frequently asked questions

What events, projects, or programs received grant funding last year?

Events and projects that received grant funding in 2025 included:

Hope Arises – 7 grandfather flags, sewing machine and fabric
Corner Lighthouse – community food bank supplies
The Door – youth centre reconstruction
Port Sydney Hall – 100th anniversary celebration
Top 50 Pike Series - dock rental fees
Huntsville Community Band – summer and holiday concert room rentals
Harvest Muskoka Church – Summit Day Camp
Enliven Cancer – Cancer provider workshops
Christine’s Place – BRIDGE program, supplies for expectant mothers
Food4Kids Muskoka – supplies for kids’ food program
Community Living Huntsville – Kitchen conversations program equipment

I received funding through HMATA already for my event/project, am I eligible for grant support?

Events and/or projects directly related to tourism that already received funding through HMATA are not eligible for this program, unless there are still funds available after November 1 annually. If your request was declined by HMATA, you may still submit an application. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Economic Development Officer.

I am having a fundraiser that is open to the community and need silent auction items; can I apply through this program?

Absolutely, you can submit a promotional item application!

Will I get the full amount of my request?

It is not guaranteed that you will receive funding for the full requested amount. Applications are limited to the lesser of 50% of the event, project or programs net costs or $1,500. The program’s budget is also set annually and requests can only be approved until the program’s budget has been spent. A lesser amount than the request may be approved to allow other organizations in the community to benefit from the funding.

What criteria is used when evaluating the requests for funding?

The Community grants and support policy outlines the various objectives that the funds are to be used for. Objectives include but are not limited to: arts, culture, environment, heritage, recreation, social services and health, economic development and other program or service that provides a benefit to resident quality of life.

Is there a deadline for applying?

There is no set application deadline. While applications are generally reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, they will be awarded based on the overall benefit to the community. It is expected that the program will be popular for applications, therefore the funds may be used up earlier in the year. If, however, the budgeted funds are not fully committed by November 1 annually, applications may be submitted even if they do not meet the timing limitations identified above.