Back to Search.jpg)
Central Elgin Council has approved funding for 11 local projects and initiatives through the 2026 Community Grant and Sponsorship Program, providing a total of $25,000 in support across the municipality.
The program, now in its second year, provides financial and in-kind support to community groups and not-for-profit organizations that strengthen community life in Central Elgin.
“This program continues to highlight the incredible work being done by organizations across our community,” said Mayor Andrew Sloan. “By supporting these initiatives, Council is investing in efforts that bring people together, foster inclusion, and enhance quality of life for residents in Central Elgin.”
2026 Community Grant and Sponsorship Recipients:
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.
Following the March 31 application deadline, all eligible submissions were reviewed and presented to Council for consideration on April 13. Funding decisions were based on contribution to the well-being of the community, program inclusivity to all residents, overall community impact, and available municipal resources. As demand exceeded the available budget, a prioritization process was required to distribute funding among eligible applicants.
Council thanks all applicants for their submissions and for the important work they do to support and strengthen the community.
New for 2026, the program was administered in partnership with the Elgin-St. Thomas Community Foundation, which supported the application and evaluation process through its grant management system. This collaboration helped streamline the application experience and improve overall program delivery.
Residents are encouraged to follow the Municipality’s website and social media channels for updates on the progress and impact of the funded projects.
Subscribe