Francophone Community Grants Program will continue supporting the vitality of Ontario’s francophone organizations and businesses

(CORNWALL) — As the province begins its economic recovery, the government is launching the 2020-21 edition of the Francophone Community Grants Program to support Ontario’s francophone businesses and community organizations, as well as those that serve French-speaking Ontarians.

“Our government is committed to supporting Ontario’s Francophone community through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophone Affairs. “This year’s investment in the Francophone Community Grants Program will help Francophone organizations and businesses implement new projects and initiatives and contribute to our recovery.”

The Francophone Community Grants Program is a two-stream, application-based funding program. Funding provided under the Economic Development stream helps francophone entrepreneurs and businesses improve front-line services and better serve their French-speaking clients and partners. Under the Cultural and Community stream, the Program invests in local cultural and community initiatives, demonstrating the government’s ongoing commitment to protecting and promoting the French language and culture.

Last year, three local groups received a combined $61,877, to assist three projects: a French-language comedy festival, helping seniors stay connected socially, and provide professional development for general health and mental health workers.

“I am pleased that this funding is available to help local organizations provide services for Franco-Ontarians,” said Jim McDonell, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. “It is one of the many ways in which our government is supporting the growth and vitality of local communities and businesses.”

The Program supports projects which strengthen the capacity of organizations to provide products and services in French, promote the recruitment and training of bilingual staff, or provide opportunities to celebrate and foster understanding of Ontario’s Francophonie. This year, the Economic Development stream has been extended to include not-for-profit organizations, in addition to for-profit organizations.

“This is an important step in building the capacity of Francophone organizations across Ontario to support our communities and bring Ontario on the path to recovery,” added Minister Mulroney. “By investing in new projects, our government will leverage the economic strengths of Ontario’s Francophonie and help francophone organizations and businesses across the province face these unprecedented times.”