Muskoka Community Foundation
C#-440 Ecclestone Drive P1L 1Z6 Bracebridge, ON, Canada

We are excited to introduce one of the newest funds at the Muskoka Community Foundation: the Coco Bear Fund. In the 10 months prior to the creation of this fund, the Dubois family raised $20,000.00 through the sale of Coco Bear merchandise such as hats, t-shirts and hoodies. These funds were directed to MiND-AID in Muskoka. The Coco Bear Fund was started by Shari and Jean-Marc Dubois to honour their son Conrad who died after a lengthy struggle with addiction. In an effort ...to support other young people in Muskoka who are struggling with addiction and their mental health and wellness, the Coco Bear Fund will provide financial support to mental health and addiction programs in Muskoka. To learn more about how you can support vulnerable youth living in Muskoka, contact us at 705-646-1220. [Image description: Text reads, "Introducing the new Coco Bear Fund." with a colourful, hand-drawn illustration of Coco Bear by Conrad Dubois.]

All it takes is one thoughtful act to send ripples of kindness throughout a community. This is how Patricia’s Fund began. Patricia’s Fund was started in the fall of 2020 by a resident in South Muskoka who wanted to support children, youth and families in South Muskoka. Since the creation of this Fund, the Muskoka Community Foundation has worked with the donor to support Trillium Lakelands District School Board’s Feed All Four Fund, the Young Adult Centre in Gravenhurst and su...pported the Muskoka Chapter of the Dollywood Imagination Library. The generosity by this donor has made a difference in many lives throughout Muskoka. Patricia’s Fund provided struggling families with gift cards to purchase groceries. The Fund is supporting a new community hub where young adults can gain new skills and knowledge. And the Fund promotes literacy where children aged 5 and under receive a free book monthly. If you have a cause that is important to you, we would love to explore how to support your philanthropic goals. [Image description: A ripple on water. Text reads, "It only takes on act of kindness to start a ripple effect."]

As post-secondary tuition continues to rise, many young people face financial barriers to access education. The South and Central Almaguin Education Fund was created in 2017 to support high school students residing in the South and Central Almaguin region, who otherwise may not have the opportunity to attend a post-secondary education institution. This donor-advised fund provides successful applicants with grants up to $5000.00 to assist with school-related expenses in their ...first year of post-secondary education. Since 2017, the fund has provided $81,000.00 in grants to 22 first-year university and college students from the South and Central Almaguin region. One grant recipient noted that By receiving this award, I can focus on enjoying school and learning about subjects I’m passionate about instead of spending my brain power and energy wondering how I’m going to afford my studies. You’ve given me a little peace of mind which I’m grateful for. [Image description: Background image is a top-down view of students sitting on a bench while reading and using tablets and laptops. Text reads, "$81,000 granted to students in South and Central Almaguin."]

YAC Virtual Hang Out Tonight! We had some All-Star Delivery helpers yesterday as snack packages were delivered to those who signed up for our YAC Virtual Ha...ngout: Snacks & Trivia Night tonight! For those who have signed up, you should have received your Zoom Link via email on Wednesday. If not, please send us a message and we can get that out to you right away. If you didn't sign up, our YAC program is open to young people ages 12-29. You can visit our YAC page on our website for more information and how to sign-up for our Mailing List and future Virtual Hangouts. You can find everything here: https://bit.ly/3f7J4FK

Many of us can remember the school trips that left a lasting impression on us for years to come. Unfortunately, if you are a young person who does not have the financial means to participate in these activities, you miss out on incredible opportunities for personal growth and learning. The Youth Citizenship and Service Fund was created by an anonymous donor in 2009 to help young people whose financial situation prevents their participation in optional experiences organized by... their school or other approved organizations that take place outside of Muskoka. These funds are directed to enhancing citizenship or enable young people to join in service to others in their community, elsewhere in Canada or abroad. Examples include student exchanges, school trips to Ottawa, Quebec or other significant destinations. Since 2009, more than $140,000.00 in grants have been directed to schools across Muskoka to support students. The grants provide them with the opportunities to participate in school activities that include Grade 7 and 8 end of year school trips to Ottawa and Quebec as well as learning opportunities at the McMichael Art Gallery, Toronto Metro Zoo, Vimy Ridge and the Orillia Opera House. If you are interested in learning more about the Youth Citizenship and Service Fund, please contact us at [email protected]. [Image description: A group of young people stand with their hands linked. Text reads, "$140,000 invested in our youth."]

In November 2012, the Muskoka Community Foundation joined Community Foundations coast to coast in responding to Governor General David Johnston’s challenge to come together and build a smarter, more caring nation that holds promise for all. The Smart & Caring Muskoka Fund was born. This community fund is dedicated to responding to local priorities. Anyone can contribute to the Smart & Caring Muskoka Fund at any time. To date, the Fund has granted over $120,000.00 to Muskoka... organizations working to address a number of issues that include: Poverty Seniors Wellness Natural Environment and Built Heritage Belonging and Inclusion Mental Health and Wellness In early 2020 as a response to the impacts of COVID-19, the Smart & Caring Muskoka Fund granted $10,000.00 to support food banks operating across Muskoka.

YAC Virtual Hangout LAST DAY TO SIGN-UP! FREE SNACKS + TRIVIA + REAL PRIZES! Friday, May 21st @ 6PM Ages: 12 - 29... Trivia Categories will include: Top of the Music Charts, Marvel Cinematic Universe and Things Around Gravenhurst. The YAC Virtual Hangout will take place over Zoom. The Zoom link will be sent out a day or two in advance, and all snacks will be delivered the day before the event as well. Registration closes TODAY at 4PM. Sign-up now: https://forms.gle/qUxBQkevveXhw23Q6 Want to be kept in the loop about future YAC events? Sign-up to our YAC Mailing List here: http://eepurl.com/huOrHP

You might not be able to go on any trips but you can still continue your journey to mental wellness. At MiND-AID, we’re like a travel agent for your mental he...alth. Our Navigators can help you access mental health services and support you through the whole process. We know the ins and outs of the mental health care system and can help you get where you need to go to feel supported. Send us a message at [email protected] or call us at 1-844-646-3243.

In the serene beauty of Muskoka, environmental conservation is part of the fabric of our community. Many community members work to protect our ecosystems and wildlife for generations to come. At Muskoka Community Foundation, we are honoured to support this important work through the Stan Darling Environmental Education Fund. The Fund was established in memory of Stan Darling, MP for Parry Sound-Muskoka. Stan was an active environmentalist and was instrumental in establishing... the Acid Rain Treaty with the USA in 1991. Each year in June, grants are awarded to a student from each of the area’s six high schools who is pursuing a post-secondary education with a focus on environmental studies at a Canadian college or university. From 2009 to 2020, our Foundation has granted over $100,000 from the Fund to 68 students from the Districts of Parry Sound and Muskoka. Avery Moffat, former St. Dominic’s Catholic School student and 2020 recipient, shared her thoughts on receiving a Stan Darling Environmental Education Award: I wanted to thank you for awarding me with the Stan Darling Award through my high school graduation for St. Dominic’s last June. I am EXTREMELY grateful and your aid has helped with my year and education at the University of Guelph, which I am loving!

You know when you get that warm and fuzzy feeling because you feel the goodness that’s in this world? That’s how we’re feeling about this thoughtful donation ...from The Sparkle T Mental Health Initiative, a non-profit organization created to support mental health in Muskoka. The organization donated beautiful journals to MiND-AID. Some of the young people we are helping also find journaling to be a helpful part of their self-care. Thank you Sparkle T for all you are doing to support people’s mental health and wellness!

Transportation Program: UPDATE Please note the following important update to the G.A.P. No Charge Taxi Service: Gravenhurst Against Poverty is excited to... partner with BALA TAXI & TOURS for essential in-town trips on WEDNESDAYS and FRIDAYS. Please try to call one day in advance to book your taxi. Essential trips include: groceries, medical appointments, job interviews & laundry. To arrange a trip, please call 705-205-0868. Please inform the dispatcher that you are booking a trip using the G.A.P. program.

Did you know the Muskoka Community Foundation has 15 different funds to support the vitality, well-being, and health of Muskoka? Since 2007, our Foundation has worked with donors to help them meet their philanthropic goals. Our Foundation has granted over $1 million to charities across Muskoka and the surrounding area because of these partnerships and other granting opportunities provided through the Community Foundations of Canada. Last week we highlighted the Muskoka Youth... Mental Health and Wellness Fund and the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge Fund granting program. The Funds and its supporters make a meaningful impact on our community by supporting young people in Muskoka. Over the coming weeks, we will share more about our Funds at the Muskoka Community Foundation and the positive difference they are making in our community. Photo: A pie chart of the categories where funds are distributed through the Muskoka Community Foundation. - Children and Youth: 10% - Building Community Capacity: 6% - Sports and Recreation: 3% - Education: 12% - Health: 11% - Heritage (Natural and Built): 6% - Human Services: 35% - Scholarships: 17%