$540,000 for Cultural Programs
The Ontario government is investing over $540,000 over three years in Les Compagnons des francs loisirs through the Ontario Trillium Foundation's Grow Grant stream to reinforce and enrich the development of French language culture, making Nipissing an even better place to live, work, and play.
“Our government is proud to support local non-profits like Les Compagnons to enhance the lives of people in Nipissing and play an important role in building a strong community and prosperous,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “Investments in our community's French-speaking sector provide opportunities to reinforce the development of French language artistic and cultural programming, and cultural events.”
“We are deeply grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Province of Ontario for their support as we work to rebuild and grow our services after the pandemic. These resources are essential to fulfill the full regional mandate of our organization. This funding not only enriches the lives of francophones living in a minority situation but also creates valuable opportunities for French learners to engage and practice their language skills in the Nipissing District. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag in 2025, we are excited to strengthen our commitment to the communities of Mattawa, Bonfield, East Ferris, and Nipissing West and enhance cultural connections across the region beyond the North Bay city limits.” – Arnaud Claude, Director, Les Compagnons.
OTF Grow grants help non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities, and small municipalities across the province expand the reach of programs and services that are already making a positive impact, helping even more people in more communities like Nipissing. Applicants can apply for funding of $100,000 to $600,000 over two or three years to expand, improve, or adapt an existing program or service.
“We’d also like to highlight that the 2025-2026 edition of the Francophone Community Grants Program is open for applications. We encourage our local French organizations and businesses to apply for funding before the deadline of May 26, 2025,” added Fedeli.
The Francophone Community Grants Program is part of the government's commitment to supporting Francophones communities across the province by strengthening their economic, social, and cultural vitality.