SUBMITTED
Mississippi Mills will distribute over $40,000 to community groups and organizations in 2024 through the Municipal Grants program.
Council approved the 2024 allotments during their February 6 meeting in the amount of $42,550. In the 2024 budget, Council increased funding for the annual grant program by $8,137.70 (26%) over 2023.
“Community organizations and volunteer groups contribute in such a significant way to the quality of life and well-being of our community,” stated Mayor Christa Lowry. “In recognition of the essential role they play and financial struggles many groups are facing, Council was pleased to increase the funding for this year’s program. These grants also align with Council’s Strategic Priority – Welcoming and Inclusive, Active and Healthy Community.”
“It’s inspiring to see our community champions leverage these small grants into events and projects that have such a lasting impact on our community,” she added. “The value their contributions provide to Mississippi Mills is immeasurable.”
The successful 2024 grant recipients include:
• A Meal for All – $3,000 to continue offering free community breakfast events.
• Almonte Fair – $5,000 for cost of operating the fair and fairground maintenance.
• Almonte in Concert – $3,000 toward costs of operating concert series.
• Mississippi Mills Bicycle Month – $2,100 for development of new trail/route and promotional materials.
• Black History Month – $3,750 for awareness events and activities.
• Almonte Celtfest – $3,500 toward festival costs.
• Almonte Fish and Game Club – $2,500 for the maintenance of Blakeney Park.
• Almonte Legion Pipe Band – $1,500 for training and equipment.
• Almonte Readers & Writers Inc. – $3,700 toward events promoting literary arts.
• Mississippi Lakes Association – $750 for association activities.
• Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust – $1,500 to assist with operation of Festival of the Wild Child.
• Neighbourhood Tomato Community Gardens – $1,200 for improvements and maintenance to community gardens.
• North Lanark Highland Games – $3,500 toward festival costs.
• Pakenham Frost Festival – $2,000 toward festival costs.
• Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival – $3,500 toward festival costs.
• YESTERYEAR, The Vintage Variety Show – $2,000 to create new event.
“While the requests exceeded the budgeted funds, the staff worked hard to ensure that the available funding was allocated fairly, in accordance with the grant guidelines in order to make the best possible impact,” said Tiffany MacLaren, Manager of Community & Economic Development. “These grants greatly enrich our community and allow groups and organizations to offer events and projects that support Mississippi Mills in the areas of arts and culture, recreation, environment and sustainability, and health and well being.” Applications for the 2025 intake of the Mississippi Mills Municipal Grants program will open this fall.
