The County Foundation - Prince Edward County - News , UncategorizedThe County Foundation - Prince Edward County - News , Uncategorizedhttps://www.thecountyfoundation.ca/news-and-events/UncategorizedThu, 11 Jun 2026 17:04:16 -0400http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[2026 Municipal Community Grants Announcement]]>https://www.thecountyfoundation.ca/news-and-events/post/2026-municipal-community-grants-announcementThe County of Prince Edward is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Municipal Community Grants Program, supporting local organizations that ]]>

Community grants helping Prince Edward County thrive

The County of Prince Edward is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Municipal Community Grants Program, supporting local organizations that strengthen community well-being, enhance quality of life, and build capacity across the community.

"Prince Edward County is blessed to have so many community-minded organizations and the hundreds of staff and volunteers who work incredibly hard to enrich our community through a variety of activities and initiatives," Mayor Steve Ferguson says. "Investing in these organizations through the Municipal Community Grants Program has an impact on the lives of many throughout Prince Edward County."

The Municipal Community Grants Program aims to improve the well-being and quality of life of the community and its residents through financial assistance to non-profit, community-based organizations. This year, a total of 27 local organizations will receive support through a combination of cash and in-kind grants. The funding will bolster a diverse range of initiatives focused on culture, heritage, recreation, environment, and health and human services. 

 

The grants program is funded by the municipality and administered by The County Foundation. Priority is given to projects that align with the strategies of the municipality and The County Foundation such as Council's strategic plan and the 10-year community plan, Vital Signs, Community Safety and Well-being Plan, and Thrive PEC Community Economies Pilot Project. 

“These grants reflect the incredible dedication of local organizations working to meet community needs,” says Dominique Jones, Executive Director of The County Foundation. “They are a meaningful investment in the wellbeing of our community — supporting programs that foster connection, inclusion, and quality of life for residents. By funding both new and ongoing initiatives, the municipality is making a smart, lasting investment in a more vibrant, resilient Prince Edward County.”

Arts-mandated organizations are now funded through the PEC Arts Fund in partnership with The County Foundation. Learn more about the 2026 PEC Arts Fund recipients. To learn about funding for arts organizations, visit The County Foundation website. 

 

There will be a second call for in-kind grants from September 1 to October 2, 2026 for activities taking place from November 1, 2026 until May 31, 2027.

 

Visit the municipal website to learn more about the Municipal Community Grants Program and to see the full list of 2026 grant recipients.

The recipients of the 2026 Municipal Community Grants are:

Cash Stream

  • Ameliasburgh Garden Club — $1,042.31
    Supporting workshops and community garden programming. 

  • County Kids Read — $5,000
    Operational support to deliver literacy initiatives including Book Buddies, Early Literacy Action Team, and free book distribution programs. 

  • Food to Share — $15,000
    Preparing and distributing healthy meals for over 200 residents through volunteer efforts and community partnerships.

  • Greater Than Youth Collective — $10,423.14
    Staffing support for youth-focused initiatives including addressing mental health, food security, and substance use awareness.

  • Grow With Me — $3,126.94
    Nature-based programming for participants of all ages. 

  • HPE Learning Foundation — $15,000
    Supporting food programs for students through Food for Learning, Student Emergency Fund, and Sharing Cupboards.

  • PEC Skating Club — $4,500
    Enhancing Learn to Skate programming and administrative capacity. 

  • PEC Sports Hall of Fame — $1,177.81
    Supporting the induction ceremony and installation of new panels. 

  • Prince Edward Learning Centre — $10,423.14
    Delivering Getting Ahead poverty reduction programming and community plan implementation for Macaulay Village.

  • Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory — $3,648.10
    Supporting conservation initiatives, youth engagement, and the Spring Birding Festival. 

  • Reaching for Rainbows — $15,000
    Expanding playroom programming through additional staffing.

  • South Shore Joint Initiative — $7,850
    Delivering “Wild Thing,” a biodiversity and environmental education program. 

  • St. Vincent de Paul Committee — $4,000
    Providing food vouchers and essential household supports. 

  • Terror at Macaulay — $2,196.07
    Supporting seasonal community events including Scarecrow Festival. 

  • The Children’s Foundation — $10,000
    Removing financial barriers to participation in recreation, arts, and camps for Prince Edward County families through Playing for Keeps and Camps of Hope. 

  • Wellington Community Association — $3,126.94
    Installation of Remembrance Day memorial banners. 

  • Wellington Community Gardens — $1,000
    Garden bed improvements and composting activities.

  • West Lake Community Association — $1,042.31
    Hosting environmental symposium and educational presentations. 

Multi-Year - Cash Stream

  • Alternatives for Women — $4,500
    Enhanced safety and well-being program for staff and clients involved in housing, counselling and education related to domestic violence.  

  • Community Development Council of Quinte — $7,500
    Good Baby Box program which helps families access nutritious foods.  

  • PEC Lions Club — $4,500 
    Free Music in the Park programming in Wellington.  

  • Picton United Church Food Bank — $15,000
    Operational support for costs related to offering a food bank / emergency food program at the Picton United Church.  

  • Volunteer Information Hastings Prince Edward County — $4,000 
    Volunteer recruitment and referral program. 

In-Kind Stream

  • Department of Illumination — $2,000
    Crystal Palace rental for the Firelight Festival. 

  • Grow With Me — $1,695
    Sophiasburgh Town Hall rental for nature camps.

  • Hospice Prince Edward — $1,582
    Facility rentals for Lehigh Arena & Macaulay House for fundraising events.

  • Jasper Park Volunteer Group — $1,305.10
    Municipal support for community-stewarded gardens in a public park. 

  • PEC Skating Club — $2,000
    Ice rentals for Learn to Skate programming. 

  • PEC Quilters Guild — $2,000
    Facility rental of Wellington District Community Centre. 

  • Prince Edward Learning Centre — $2,000
    Ice rental for the annual County Cup fundraiser. 

2026 Adjudication Committees

To assist with making its grant decisions, The County Foundation assembles an adjudication committee which is made up of volunteers from across Prince Edward County, who are knowledgeable on local issues and activities, with diverse backgrounds and areas of interest. The committee completes a thorough review of all of the applications and then participates in an adjudication meeting where they reach a collective decision on funding recommendations

Cash Grants Adjudication Committee
Jennifer Armstrong, Wellington 
David Moisey, Sophiasburgh 
Ben Cowan, Milford 
Bill Edmunds, North Marysburg 
Sarah Moffat, Bloomfield 
Teri McNair, Picton  
Bob Waldon, Ameliasburgh  

In-Kind Grants Adjudication Committee
Mark Rose
Whitney Shantz
Teri McNair
Gwen Benjamin

Conflicts of Interest – Adjudicators may not score, vote, or speak to applications that they have declared a conflict for. Bob Waldon declared a conflict for South Shore Joint Initiative and the Wellington Community Association. Jennifer Armstrong declared a conflict for Greater Than Youth Collective and the Wellington Community Association. Sarah Moffat declared a conflict for the Prince Edward Learning Centre, Greater Than Youth Collective, and The Children’s Foundation. Lastly, for the in-kind grants, Whitney Shantz declared a conflict for Grow with Me.  

We extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the members of the 2026 Adjudication Committees for their time, expertise, and thoughtful dedication to the grant review process.

]]>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:08:46 -0400<![CDATA[2026 PEC Arts Fund Announcement]]>https://www.thecountyfoundation.ca/news-and-events/post/2026-pec-arts-fund-announcement

PEC Arts Fund Celebrates Local Creativity

Twelve organizations across several different disciplines will receive support through the 2026 PEC Arts Fund.

"Arts and culture bring people together, provide opportunities for creativity and self-expression, and create experiences that connect us across generations," Mayor Steve Ferguson says. "The arts have a significant economic impact, playing an important role in attracting visitors to Prince Edward County while also being enjoyed by our residents."

Now in its second year, the PEC Arts Fund supports local arts organizations providing programs and services in Prince Edward County.

 

The PEC Arts Fund is supported by a contribution of up to $50,000 from the municipality, which is funded by the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) and collected from visitors who stay in roofed accommodations.

 

The County Foundation contributed $25k in seed funding to establish the fund, and welcomes external donations, enabling local businesses and individuals to provide meaningful support for the arts in our community.

“A strong arts sector creates a stronger community. Investment in the PEC Arts Fund helps sustain the vibrant arts and culture that make Prince Edward County unique, while energizing our local economy, supporting livelihoods, and enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors alike," says Dominique Jones, Executive Director of The County Foundation.

Grant Recipients

  • Alchemy Artists Residency — $3,200
    Provide two bursaries to County artists to participate in the artist-run residency program. 
  • BIGLAKE Arts — $2,700
    Operational support for artist fees and year-round concert programming. 
  • County Stage Company - $4,966.67
    Operational support for 2026 repertory theatre season. 
  • Driftwood Theatre — $4,466.67
    Support for playwriting and theatre workshops for youth, and artist community engagement events including public readings and professional development opportunities. 
  • Outta the Blue Productions — $3,028
    Bring Blue Rodeo's music to the stage through a jukebox musical production celebrating the iconic Canadian band. 
  • PEC Jazz Festival — $4,966.67
    Support for the 2026 Jazz Festival and expanded music education for youth. 

Multi-Year Grant Recipients

  • Baxter Arts Centre – $4,672
    Increased outreach efforts, including expanded communications and engagement with low-income families in the County. 
  • Department of Illumination – $10,000
    Support for ongoing operations including festivals, workshops, and other artistic events. 
  • Music at Port Milford – $4,000
    Operational support to strengthen sustainability across its music education programs, concert series, and free community performances.
  • Prince Edward County Arts Council – $10,000
    Support core operations of the County’s arts service organization, enabling continued service to the local arts sector. 
  • Quintissimo – $5,000
    Support operational growth, including expanded staffing, a new ukulele program, and increased student enrolment in its after-school music program. 
  • Regent Theatre – $10,000 
    Support general operations to help with expanding audience growth and programming at the historic Main Street Picton venue. 

Investing in Local Arts

By supporting arts and culture organizations, the municipality and The County Foundation are investing in the people, stories, and experiences that make Prince Edward County such a special place to live, work, and visit.

 

Make a lasting impact by becoming a monthly donor to the PEC Arts Fund. Your ongoing gift —whether $25, $50, or $100 per month — helps ensure consistent support for local arts organizations that make Prince Edward County a more vibrant, creative, and welcoming community.

For more information about the PEC Arts Fund and how to support, please visit www.thecountyfoundation.ca/grants-funds/pec-arts-fund. 

2026 Adjudication Committees

To assist with evaluation and grant decisions for the PEC Arts Fund, The County Foundation assembles an adjudication committee of volunteers from Prince Edward County. These individuals bring valuable knowledge of the arts sector and the local arts community, possess direct or highly relevant experience in the arts, and offer diverse perspectives across various fine and applied art forms.

Adjudication Committee
Thomas Harrison (Actor/Writer)
Delane Cooper (Artist/Jewellery Designer)
JC Sulzenko (Literary Arts)
Dawn Ayer (Visual Artist) 
Sam Hirst (Musician/Arts Educator)

Conflicts of Interest – Adjudicators may not score, vote, or speak to applications that they have declared a conflict for. Thomas Harrison declared a conflict for Outta the Blue Productions, Sam Hirst for County Stage Company, and Delane Cooper for BIGLAKE Arts. 

We extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the members of the 2026 Adjudication Committees for their time, expertise, and thoughtful dedication to the grant review process.

]]>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:08:21 -0400<![CDATA[2025 Annual Review]]>https://www.thecountyfoundation.ca/news-and-events/post/2025-annual-reviewLike many communities, we have felt the pressures of rising costs, changing needs, and uncertainty about what lies ahead. And yet, time and again, thi ]]>

2025 Annual Review

Like many communities, we have felt the pressures of rising costs, changing needs, and uncertainty about what lies ahead. And yet, time and again, this community has shown up for one another - with creativity, compassion, and a deep commitment to care.


It was a year shaped by both continuity and change - a reminder that strong communities are built not only through resources, but through relationships, leadership, and a shared commitment to understanding and responding to local needs. As we look back, we are proud of the milestones reached and deeply grateful for the collective effort that made them possible.


Highlights from the report include:

  • Surpassed a major milestone of $11.5 million in grants facilitated since inception, reflecting deep donor trust and lasting community impact.
  • Stewardship of over $10 million in assets, demonstrating strong confidence in The County Foundation’s ability to manage resources responsibly and respond to evolving needs.
  • Advanced community insight and collaboration through the Vital Signs focus report on Social Infrastructure and the launch of a live Community Well-being Data Dashboard, improving access to data and supporting collective impact.


Read 2025 Annual Review

Read past editions of our Annual Review & Financial Statements

]]>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:37:05 -0400<![CDATA[Announcing 2025 Vital Impact Fund Recipients]]>https://www.thecountyfoundation.ca/news-and-events/post/Announcing-the-2025-Vital-Impact-Fund-RecipientsSee the full list of recipients below and learn more about the activities they'll be carrying out in 2026! The County Foundation is pleased to announce ]]>

Announcing the 2025 Vital Impact Fund Recipients

See the full list of recipients below and learn more about the activities they'll be carrying out in 2026!

The County Foundation is pleased to announce this year’s Vital Impact Fund grant recipients. More than $180,000 in Vital Impact Fund grants will support five local intiatives, with funded activities rolling out over the next year. 


The Vital Impact Fund was established by The County Foundation as our new signature fund that unites the work of our Vital Signs data with our grants to better serve the needs of Prince Edward County. Vital Signs® data is an ongoing consolidated snapshot of the trends and most vital community well-being issues in Prince Edward County. 


This year’s grant recipients reflect a clear and powerful theme: investing in people, programs, and ideas that support an evolving community. 

“The Vital Impact Fund responds directly to the trends, challenges, and opportunities highlighted by the local data in Vital Signs. The grants this year prioritized initiatives that strengthen families, support children and youth, and help members of our community feel connected, supported, and empowered. Funding like this supports inclusive communities with an aim to benefit all generations, and to respond to change and population shifts,” -Dominique Jones, Executive Director of The County Foundation   

"The Department of Illumination is thrilled and incredibly grateful to the County Foundation for their support of our program Art Kitchen 2.0 through their Vital Fund granting stream. Art Kitchen 2.0 is a reimagining of the Art Kitchen program we have been offering in The Macaulay Village Park over the past three years. Thanks to the Vital Impact Fund’s support, our expanded program will now run year round, and through partnerships with The County, The Macaulay Village Neighbourhood Group, PELC, TheROC, County Kids Read, and Victoria Taylor Landscape Architect, the program will offer a holistic range of services and activities rooted in a community-centred approach to serving the needs of this important Prince Edward County neighbourhood.” -Hri Neil, Project Coordinator, Department of Illumination.

“We’re proud to be working together on the Child Care Pilot Program, a partnership that reflects our shared commitment to strengthening childcare availability in Prince Edward County. This funding enables the municipality and Reaching for Rainbows to build on each other’s strengths and explore initiatives that respond to the needs of local families. With support from the Vital Impact Fund, we're able to take innovative steps towards improving the childcare system in the County and we’re excited about the positive impact this collaboration will have on children, caregivers and the community as a whole." -Emily Cowan, Director of Community Services, Programs and Initiatives for the County of Prince Edward, and Beth Lafay, Executive Director of Reaching for Rainbows. 

2025 Grant Recipients

The Vital Impact Fund is adjudicated by The County Foundation’s Grants & Vital Signs Committees. 


Five initiatives were selected to receive a total of $180,117 of funding for 2025. Below is a breakdown of the recipients, as well as a summary of their plans for the funding. We thank everyone who applied to the second year of this program, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of their work over the next year.

 Funded Organization/Initiative  Vital Signs Alignment – Summary 
 *Does not reflect the breadth of the application and the alignment to Vital Signs
 
Alternatives for Women’s Caring Dads Program that aims to educate fathers who are at risk of causing harm to their children and their mothers. 
 In 2024, there were 222 domestic violence incidents reported in Prince Edward County. Domestic violence is one of the main policing challenges in PEC. 
 

A collaborative project focused on addressing the County's urgent childcare needs spearheaded by the County. Includes: 

  1. Offering students transportation between Loyalist College and the HUB for hands-on learning opportunities; 

  1. In partnership with Reaching for Rainbows, offering co-working / child-minding space for limited times during the week; 

  1. Explore evening and weekend care through partnerships with Reaching for Rainbows or other not-for-profit organizations providing recreational programming. 

 Vital Signs 2025: “When families lack nearby childcare, it strains their ability to balance work, education, and caregiving – directly impacting well-being ... The waiting list [for the HUB Child & Family Centre] has grown from 155 in 2021 to 350, reflecting growth in the age 0–9 population.” 

The Department of Illumination’s Art Kitchen 2.0. Expanding the DOI’s free drop-in arts programming and providing access to additional services and resources for the historically underserved Macaulay Village community. Through collaboration with several partners, services will include mental health, nutritional and financial supports, as well as mentorship in advocacy and community-building.


 
The 2025 Vital Signs report focused on the importance of social infrastructure in communities. “Social isolation and loneliness are increasingly being recognized as a priority public health problem and policy issue across all age groups.” 
 Youth Inclusion Program (YIP) offered through theROC Youth Services. Youth program focused on conflict resolution, positive leadership, social-emotional learning, substance misuse and truancy prevention leading to increased high school graduation and youth success.  
The 2023 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) reports that 38% of students rate their mental health as fair or poor, 37% 
experience elevated stress, and 51% report moderate-to-serious psychological distress, doubling over the past decade (CAMH, 2024). 
 Operational support for Reaching for Rainbows to support growth and sustainability as an organization filling programming gaps for children, youth and girls helping to solve many of the challenges PEC faces such as lack of childcare options and spaces.  
From Vital Signs databank: “People who are living in poverty are more likely to face health-related setbacks; to have difficulty accessing transportation, finding and keeping a job; to find themselves in the criminal justice system; and to need various social supports and assistance. Also, children who grow up in poverty are more likely to remain in poverty as they age.” (Canada Without Poverty) 

Supporting the Vital Impact Fund

How to Give 

If you are passionate about supporting organizations that address the most urgent community well-being needs in PEC as highlighted by Vital Signs data, consider giving in the following ways: 
  • Donate using a credit card through Canada Helps. Select "Vital Impact Fund" from the drop down menu. 
  • We can accept Interac e-Transfers sent to info@thecountyfoundation.ca. Indicate "Vital Impact Fund" in the notes section. 
  • Make cheques payable to The County Foundation, and use the memo line to specify the Vital Impact Fund.
    Cheques can be mailed to: 

More Information

]]>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:34:47 -0500<![CDATA[Giving Tuesday 2025]]>https://www.thecountyfoundation.ca/news-and-events/post/Giving-Tuesday-2025The County Foundation is the local community foundation for Prince Edward County. We can help you support the organizations and causes that you care a ]]>

Giving Tuesday 2025

The County Foundation is the local community foundation for Prince Edward County. We can help you support the organizations and causes that you care about the most by helping your giving go further.







A word from TCF Board Chair Braydon Scully on the power of community-focused giving:

As we approach the upcoming holiday season and the noise inherent in the mass consumerism that marks this time of year, I like to reflect on community, on family and on how I can give back to my community of friends and fellow county residents.  I consider myself very fortunate to have found this wonderful place to call home and for everything and everyone that goes along with that.

The County Foundation has been part of my life now for coming up on 5 years, with my final year of service ahead, ending in December of 2026.  The County Foundation has played an integral role in helping me to both understand the community better and to learn more about the County, its residents and some of the issues we face.


We have fantastic opportunities here in Prince Edward County and many exciting things to get involved with as a volunteer, a participant or as a financial supporter. That is where I am asking you today, on Giving Tuesday, to consider how you can support your community.  Whether with a financial gift to a favourite local organization or charity, a one-time donation to our Vital Impact Fund or perhaps a consideration to leave a legacy donation to have your impact felt for many years to come. No amount is too small to have an impact, as it is our collective focus that continues to drive this community forward.


Our Vital Signs 2025 Focus report was recently released and highlights some key areas of learning.  With a focus on connection, the report discusses the importance of creating and celebrating spaces to connect in the community. It also highlights some of the barriers to connection that we face such as social isolation, housing instability, lower civic engagement and centralization of services.  It also celebrates some of the ways we are, as a community, maintaining those connections with the rise of new public markets, outdoor theatre, accessible community gatherings, local news outlets and radio and with volunteerism.

The County Foundation crossed the milestone of stewarding grants totaling more than $10 million dollars in the local community this year and the impact of those have been remarkable.  With your donation we can continue this into the future to help the County face the issues of both today and tomorrow. 


With Thanks,

Braydon Scully

Board Chair, The County Foundation

If you are interested in supporting our work, consider making an end-of-year donation to one of our funds or community initiatives, such as:

PEC’s Vital Signs: Your support provide resources for research & reports, community engagement, and expanding community awareness.

The Vital Impact Fund: Addressing the most urgent needs in PEC as highlighted by Vital Signs data.

The PEC Arts Fund: Support a pathway to establishing more sustainable funding for all arts organizations.

And our other established funds!

While we have highlighted our above funds, we also have a list of existing funds that can also be supported. Your generosity helps strengthen initiatives that are already assisting our community and expanding access to vital resources.

Make a Donation Today

TCF Granting Highlights

Over 1 million in grants facilitated in 2025 (so far!).

Over $600,000 granted through our Donor Advised Funds so far in 2025 including a recent grant of $100,000 to the HUB Child & Family Centre in support of the expansion of childcare services in the County.

Over 2.8 million in grants facilitated in 2024.

Learn More

The County Foundation is one of 208 Community Foundations in Canada. Since it was founded in 2008, The County Foundation has facilitated granting of over $10 million in Prince Edward County. 

  • About The County Foundation
  • About our Grants and Funds
  • About PEC's Vital Signs
  • Why give through The County Foundation?
    • ]]>    Tue, 02 Dec 2025 08:25:00 -0500    <![CDATA[Announcing the 2025 Vital Signs Report]]>https://www.thecountyfoundation.ca/news-and-events/post/announcing-the-2025-vital-signs-reportThe 2025 Vital Signs report — Social Infrastructure: Access, Connections and Gaps — is now published. ]]>

    Announcing the 2025 Vital Signs Report

    The 2025 Vital Signs report — Social Infrastructure: Access, Connections and Gaps — is now published.

    Read the 2025 Report

    Released on October 8, the 2025 Vital Signs® Focus Report explores how social infrastructure – public spaces, services, and facilities that support community life – shapes connection, inclusion, and well-being in Prince Edward County.

    The report builds on the theme of Inclusion and Belonging, first introduced in 2021 during the pandemic, when residents were experiencing both heightened isolation and accelerated community change. Using maps and local data, it highlights where social infrastructure is strong, where gaps exist, and how these patterns affect access to services, opportunities for connection, and overall community life.

    Vital Signs® is Canada’s largest community-driven data program, led by local community foundations and coordinated by Community Foundations of Canada. It uses local insights to measure community vitality and encourage actions that improve quality of life. Released nationwide in the first week of October, the reports aim to spark conversation and inspire change.

    The County Foundation will be hosting a webinar on the 2025 Vital Signs report on November 6th

    Date: Thursday, November 6th 

    Time: 1 pm to 2 pm 

    Registration is required: Click to register today.

    Webinar Topics

    Highlights from the 2025 Vital Signs Report

    How mapping reveals local strengths and gaps

    A guided tour of the new Community Well-being Dashboard

    Prince Edward County’s version of Vital Signs® is led by The County Foundation in coordination with Community Foundations of Canada, offering a consolidated snapshot of key community trends and issues.

    For those looking to make a difference, The County Foundation’s Vital Impact Fund uses Vital Signs data to address the most pressing needs in our community. 

    Learn More

  • Prince Edward County's Vital Signs
  • The Vital Impact Fund
  • Why give through The County Foundation?
  • Contribute to an existing Fund
    • ]]>    Wed, 08 Oct 2025 11:00:34 -0400    <![CDATA[The County Foundation Celebrates Over $10 Million in Grants Facilitated ]]>https://www.thecountyfoundation.ca/news-and-events/post/10-Million-in-Grants-FacilitatedThe County Foundation is proud to announce that we have hit a major milestone in our history and have officially facilitated more than $10 million in ]]>

    Here For Good: 
    ​The County Foundation Celebrates Over $10 Million in Grants Facilitated 

    The County Foundation is proud to announce that we have hit a major milestone in our history and have officially facilitated more than $10 million in grants since 2008, directly supporting the people, places, and projects that shape Prince Edward County. 

    This milestone is more than just a number as it reflects years of trust, collaboration, and meaningful progress. The County Foundation has become a trusted steward of charitable giving. We work with donors through donor-advised funds, scholarships, bequests, and grant programs to empower individuals to invest in the causes they care about most. 


    Our founding Board members led by example, personally contributing to establish our very first fund. This generous act laid the groundwork for our continued growth and expanding impact in the community. 


    We celebrate this achievement alongside the generous members of our community who partner with us to create lasting impact by establishing a charitable fund with us or by contributing to an existing fund. One notable example is the Huff Family Fund, which was established in 2017 and grants $250k annually to local organizations and the Huff Family through The County Foundation provided a $2 million gift to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation. 

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    The County Foundation works closely with our local municipality, administering several key grant programs on its behalf to support critical community initiatives that enhance our resident’s quality of life. This includes the Municipal Community Grants & PEC Arts Fund, Municipal Financial Relief Grants, and the Municipal Agricultural Grants.  

    Looking ahead, The County Foundation remains committed to building a community where all can belong and thrive. This moment is not only a reflection of The County Foundation’s impact, but a powerful reminder of what is possible thanks to the generosity of many. 

    Granting Highlights

    Over 1 million in grants facilitated in 2025 (so far!)

    Over $600,000 granted through our Donor Advised Funds so far in 2025 including a recent grant of $100,000 to the HUB Child & Family Centre in support of the expansion of childcare services in the County.

    Over 2.8 million in grants facilitated in 2024.

    Learn More

    The County Foundation is one of 208 Community Foundations in Canada. Since it was founded in 2008, The County Foundation has facilitated granting of over $10 million in Prince Edward County. 


    For those looking to make a difference, The County Foundation’s Vital Impact Fund uses Vital Signs data to address the most pressing needs in our community. 

  • Why give through The County Foundation?
    • ]]>    Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:08:35 -0400    <![CDATA[Closed for Labour Day!]]>https://www.thecountyfoundation.ca/news-and-events/post/Closed-for-Labour-DayThe TCF office will re-open on  Tuesday, September 2nd. ]]>

    Closed for Labour Day!

    The TCF office will re-open on Tuesday, September 2nd.


    Please be advised that The County Foundation offices will be closed for Labour Day starting Friday, August 29th,  with staff returning to work on Tuesday, September 2nd. 

    If you need to drop off an application, please slip it under our office door and we will contact you to confirm receipt when we return. You can also send a message to info@thecountyfoundation.ca or leave us a voicemail at 613-519-4470.⁠ 

    Happy Labour Day! We look forward to connecting once we are back. 

    Warm Regards,

    The County Foundation Team


    ]]>    Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:39:10 -0400    <![CDATA[2025 Built Heritage Fund Grant Recipients]]>https://www.thecountyfoundation.ca/news-and-events/post/2025-built-heritage-fund-grant-recipientsThe County Foundation is pleased to announce the 2025 Built Heritage Fund grant recipients. The grant is to aid the preservation, protection, or restoration of a heritage structure within the geographic area of Prince Edward County.]]>

    The County Foundation is pleased to announce the 2025 Built Heritage Fund grant recipients, who gathered for photos at the Al Purdy-A-Frame on August 5, 2025. 


    The Built Heritage Fund was established after the Methodist Episcopal Church, a 135-year-old historical landmark on Picton’s Main Street, was demolished in 2010, which made a group of concerned citizens realize that without intervention many of these buildings could be lost to us – and future generations. 


    The purpose of the Built Heritage grants is to offer a specified amount of interim funding which will aid the preservation, protection, or restoration of a heritage structure within the geographic area of Prince Edward County deemed historically or culturally significant to the community. The Built Heritage Fund is supported by proceeds from the annual County Christmas House Tour. This July, the Built Heritage Fund also received a generous donation of $1,500 from the Prince Edward County branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO PEC).
    Pictured: Marilyn Lauer & Marilyn Kennedy (Christmas House Tour Committee), Sarah Dearing (Al Purdy A-Frame Association), Barbara Sweet & Liz Zylstra (PEC Public Library), Gabriele Cole (Baxter Arts Centre), and Gillian Armstrong (The County Foundation) gathered at the iconic Al Purdy A-frame in Ameliasburgh.

    2025 Grant Recipients:

    • Al Purdy A-frame Association: Received $4,500 for the Al Purdy A-frame Foundation Project: Phase II  
    • Baxter Arts Centre: Received $5,000 for the Don Baxter Memorial Building Roof Replacement   
    • PEC Library Bloomfield Branch: Received $4,500 for window restoration

    “Four hundred people, from near and far, enjoyed the Prince Edward County Christmas House Tour a few months ago. The proceeds from ticket sales for the Tour went into the Built Heritage Fund (as they do each year) and by means of the BHF grants, a little bit of County history is maintained and preserved each year: this year, the Al Purdy A-frame, the Baxter Arts Centre and the PEC Public Library’s Bloomfield branch.  We, the organizers of the Tour, thank the ticket-purchasers, the home-owners, the volunteers, the sponsors, and the County Foundation for making it happen!” 
    ​-Peter Jepson, one of the organizers of the Christmas in the County House Tour 


    “We are thrilled to celebrate the 2025 recipients of the Built Heritage Fund, which was founded by a group of committed residents determined to explore innovative approaches to preserving our heritage buildings. The fund is supported by proceeds from the County Christmas House Tour currently, but there is great potential to expand it by involving other County events. We welcome anyone with a passion for heritage to reach out or to support the Built Heritage Fund.” -Gillian Armstrong, Interim Executive Director of The County Foundation 


    Congratulations to each of this year's grant recipients!  

    More Information

    Learn more about the Built Heritage Fund
    If you have a distinctive County home, and would like to participate     or volunteer, please contact the Christmas House Tour Committee at : countyhousetour@gmail.com.

    Support the Built Heritage Fund

    Supports the care of heritage buildings within Prince Edward County and ensures that historic structures in the County are protected. To donate you can do so online through CanadaHelps by selecting the “Prince Edward County Built Heritage Fund” from the dropdown menu. by selecting the “Prince Edward County Built Heritage Fund” from the dropdown menu. 


    If you prefer sending a cheque then you can mail your donation to: The County Foundation, Suite 107-35 Bridge Street, Picton, ON, K0K 2T0. The cheque must be addressed to "The County Foundation" and list "Built Heritage Fund" in the memo so we know where you would like your donation directed.  

    ]]>    Thu, 07 Aug 2025 12:11:57 -0400    <![CDATA[Vital Impact Fund 2025 - Updates]]>https://www.thecountyfoundation.ca/news-and-events/post/vital-impact-fund-2025

    Vital Impact Fund 2025: Rising Impact

    Last year, The County Foundation launched its new signature fund – The Vital Impact Fund, which brings together the work of our Vital Signs data and our grants to better serve the needs of the Prince Edward County community.

    For 2025 , we are excited to announce some changes that will make it bigger and better. We are looking for impactful ideas, so we have decided to increase the maximum grant size to $60,000. This will be the largest grants we offer through our public calls for applications.

    We want ideas that have clear and actionable steps, use Vital Signs data to guide decisions, and show how collaboration will amplify the effectiveness of the work. 

    About The Vital Impact Fund

    What We're Looking For

    Initiatives that can create a tangible, measurable impact in the short to medium term.

    Actionable results that can be tracked and assessed. A solid plan for data collection and analysis is essential.

    Collaboration is often the key to meaningful change. How are you pooling resources, knowledge, and networks? 

    2025 Program Details

    For 2025, the Vital Impact Fund will once again be accepting applications for projects related to ALL of the key issues of Vital Signs including Community, Economy, Education, Environment, Food Security, Health, Housing, Safety, and Transportation. 

    For 2025:
     Total Funding Available: $180k
     Max Grant Size: $60k  

    Grants from the Vital Impact Fund can be applied toward project/program or operational costs (including salaries, equipment purchases, etc).  

     

    Organizations are limited to submitting 1 application for funding, unless they are part of a collaborative project which must be approved by The County Foundation in advance of submitting. The collaborative project must also be distinct from any individual application ensuring applications are clearly defined. 


    Organizations that have never received funding from The County Foundation are only eligible to apply for up to $10,000.

    Eligible

    ·Must be a Qualified Donee as defined by the Income Tax Act

    ·Must provide benefit to Prince Edward County residents

    Must meet TCF’s General Granting Conditions

    Must demonstrate how they will generate positive impact in Vital Signs area/s

    Ineligible

    Projects/programs/services that are already supported by The County Foundation’s public grant programs (including the Municipal Community Grants and the Huff Family Fund)

    Funding for fundraising activities for sustaining support

    Funding solely for research or development

    Funding to cover deficits or retire debts

    Funding for sectarian, religious, or political purposes
     *Places of worship can apply for support through the Vital Impact Fund for non-denominational and inclusive projects.

    Support the Vital Impact Fund

    • Donate using a credit card through Canada Helps. Select "Vital Impact Fund" from the drop down menu. 
    • We can accept Interac e-Transfers sent to info@thecountyfoundation.ca. Indicate "Vital Impact Fund" in the notes section. 
    • Make cheques payable to The County Foundation, and use the memo line to specify the Vital Impact Fund.
      Cheques can be mailed to: The County Foundation, Suite 107 – 35 Bridge Street, Picton, ON  K0K 2T0.

    ]]>    Mon, 14 Jul 2025 09:52:00 -0400