Francophone businesses and community organizations serving French-speaking Ontarians are now able to apply for up to $50,000 in funding.
The Ontario government has earmarked $1 million for the 2020-21 Francophone Community Grants Program, which supports projects serving the Franco-Ontarian community.
"Our government is committed to supporting Ontario's Francophone community through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond," Minister of Francophone Affairs Caroline Mulroney said in a news release.
"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."
Funding will be provided through two streams and several changes have been made to the program this year.
In addition to francophone entrepreneurs and registered businesses, not-for-profit organizations are now eligible to apply under the Economic Development stream.
This stream is aimed to help businesses improve their frontline services and better serve French-speaking clients and partners. As part of this year's requirements, the minimum annual revenue has been lowered to $50,000 from $100,000. The minimum number of full-time employees has also been reduced to one instead of three, according to the news release.
Funding under the Community and Culture Stream is available for non-profit organizations and goes to support community projects promoting the French culture and language. The minimum operating budget required under this stream is now $10,000, reduced from $50,000.
Applicants under both streams can apply for up to $50,000.
Applications are open until Aug. 5 and must be submitted through the Transfer Payment Ontario portal. Projects must also take place between Oct. 15, 2020, and March 31, 2021.
– TimminsToday.com
