Community Foundation Grey Bruce (CFGB) has announced the recipients of its 2026 spring community grants program, awarding $215,275 to 52 charitable and community-based projects across Grey and Bruce counties.
The funded projects represent a wide range of community priorities, including arts and culture, environmental stewardship, youth engagement, mental wellness, accessibility, food security, reconciliation and community connection. Grants will support initiatives in communities across the region, from Tobermory and Lion’s Head to Kincardine, Lucknow, Dundalk, Meaford, Hanover and Owen Sound.
“It is quite a huge area from down in Ripley in one corner, up to Tobermory and then over to Town of The Blue Mountains and down to the top of Dufferin,” says Stuart Reid, executive director of Community Foundation Grey Bruce. “We are probably one of the largest geographic areas covered by a community foundation in Ontario, so we are very mindful of that.”
Interest in the program continued to grow in 2026, with CFGB receiving 75 applications requesting a combined $320,194.
“We have an anonymous panel of volunteers that come together to help us with the grant reviews,” Reid says. “So they read all the applications and do a deep dive into what the organization is asking for.”
Several themes emerged during this year’s grant review process, including increasing efforts to strengthen mental health supports, create welcoming and inclusive community spaces, promote environmental sustainability and foster meaningful connections between residents.
“Over the last couple of years we have seen a new emergence of interest in projects around community gardens, agriculture, clean water practices and things related to the natural environment,” Reid says.
Reid, who has a background working in arts and culture, added that he is thrilled when foundations bring together artists and create opportunities for cultural expression.
With another intake happening in September and other grants to be distributed during the summer, Reid said the foundation hopes to give away more than $1 million this year.