Funding awarded to local organizations and businesses to grow their positive impact through social enterprise

$470,400.00 in funding to eight organizations in the Central Ontario region as part of the Government of Canada’s Investment Readiness Program (IRP).

This $50 million renewed investment supports social purpose organizations, such as social enterprises, non-profits, charities and co-operatives, as they strengthen Canada’s social finance market while supporting their communities. 

The Central Ontario region received a high volume of applications for the highly competitive program.  This funding has supported projects including:

$71,500 to fund Fourth Pig Worker Co-op – Baysville, ON
$17,290 to fund Prince Edward Learning Centre – Picton, ON
$75,000 to fund Community Builders Construction – Minesing, ON
$75,000 to fund Pinecrest Housing (formerly LoveSong Housing) – Bloomfield, ON
$47,060 to fund Muskoka Community Land Trust – Baysville, ON
$69,900 to fund Muskoka North Good Food Co-operative, Inc. – Huntsville, ON
$74,650 to fund Redwood Park Communities – Barrie, ON
$40,000 to fund Darkspark – Demorestville, ON

“The Investment Readiness Program has been a catalyst for communities across the country, and we are delighted to be sharing the program’s results today. From coast to coast to coast, social purpose organizations are showcasing bold leadership and rethinking how revenue generation can work alongside increasing community impact. We continue to be inspired by the creativity and solutions that strengthen the resilience of the charitable sector while taking on tough social challenges. We are deeply appreciative of our network of community foundations, the Foundation for Black Communities, and the Government of Canada for their continued collaboration and care.”
Andrea Dicks, President of Community Foundations of Canada, a national partner in the Investment Readiness Program

The Investment Readiness Program was open to a diverse range of organizations and businesses, including charities, non-profits, co-ops and social enterprises. The program provided $10,000 to $75,000 to create, manage, and expand social enterprises in order to get ready to accept investment.

“There are so many inspiring community leaders looking to make a difference in new and innovative ways, We are looking forward to seeing the IRP help these recipients grow their impact even more.”  
Dominique Jones, Executive Director, The County Foundation

The Investment Readiness Program will help social enterprises across Canada grow, and build their capacity to accept investors, and participate in Canada’s growing social finance market. 

“There are so many inspiring community leaders looking to make a difference in new and innovative ways, We are looking forward to seeing the IRP help these recipients grow their impact even more.” Dominique Jones, Executive Director, The County Foundation

“There are so many inspiring community leaders looking to make a difference in new and innovative ways, We are looking forward to seeing the IRP help these recipients grow their impact even more.”  
Dominique Jones, Executive Director, The County Foundation