Funding Secured: $93,700
Program: Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Capital Grant
Project: New sports and recreation equipment for the Robert Hartley Sports Complex
Investing in Health and Community Well-Being
The Town of Hawkesbury has responded to a community need for improved recreation and wellness amenities.
With support from GrantMatch, Hawkesbury successfully secured a $93,700 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to purchase new equipment for the Robert Hartley Sports Complex. This transformative investment will enhance a well-used community asset by facilitating increased programming for residents of all ages, creating benefits for Hawkesbury’s 10,000+ residents.
A Competitive Program, A Winning Application
The Ontario Trillium Foundation is a highly competitive grant program in Ontario, funding only projects which demonstrate the strongest connection between community need and long-term benefit, making Hawkesbury’s win a memorable moment with a long-lasting impact.
The OTF program commits to supporting Ontario communities through strategic investments in municipalities, nonprofits, and organizations that foster growth and drive positive change. With hundreds of applicants from across the province competing for this funding, strong alignment with OTF priorities is critical for achieving funding success.
Hawkesbury partnered with GrantMatch to ensure its application was not only complete, but highly compelling. GrantMatch specialists highlighted how new recreation equipment would:
-
Encourage active lifestyles for children, youth, adults, and seniors.
-
Improve the accessibility and inclusivity of the sports complex.
-
Strengthen the social fabric of the community by creating a space where everyone can connect.
By strategically linking local needs with OTF’s focus areas, GrantMatch positioned Hawkesbury as a strong candidate in a crowded field of applicants.
Bringing Recreation to Life
The approved funding will allow Hawkesbury to purchase:
-
Spin bikes and aqua bikes for accessible, low-impact workouts.
-
A kid-friendly inflatable obstacle course to promote youth activity and fun.
-
A new climbing wall to create diverse and sensory-rich recreational opportunities.
These upgrades will turn the Robert Hartley Sports Complex into a dynamic, multi-use facility that better serves the Hawkesbury community.
Leadership and Community Support
MPP Stéphane Sarrazin underscored the importance of this funding win when hosting an open house at the Robert Hartley Sports Complex to formally announce Hawkesbury’s funding approval:
“This funding directly supports the well-being of our community and promotes a healthy lifestyle for current and future generations.”
— MPP Stéphane Sarrazin
The statement reflects how targeted investments in recreation go beyond brick-and-mortar facilities; they directly impact a community’s quality of life, health, and sense of belonging.
Why This Matters for Hawkesbury
With OTF funding, the Town of Hawkesbury is not only upgrading equipment; it’s investing in the future of its residents. The impact of this funding will:
-
Expand fitness and recreational programming options.
-
Encourage youth engagement in healthy, active pursuits.
-
Provide modernized facilities that attract new residents and families.
-
Strengthen the role of the Robert Hartley Sports Complex as a community anchor.
GrantMatch’s Role in Driving Results
For municipalities like Hawkesbury, the challenge isn’t just identifying funding opportunities; it’s standing out in highly competitive programs like OTF.
GrantMatch provided the expertise to match Hawkesbury’s community needs with OTF funding, refine project goals, align them with provincial priorities, and demonstrate the long-term community benefits that funders value most.
Partner With GrantMatch
The Town of Hawkesbury’s success with OTF serves as a model for other municipalities seeking to enhance recreation, health, and community vibrancy through strategic funding.
With the industry average funding application success rate at just 25%, achieving success in highly competitive programs like the OTF requires strategy, expertise, and a strong initiative. By partnering with GrantMatch, organizations increase their probability of securing funding, as evidenced by Hawkesbury’s latest exciting win.
👉 Ready to strengthen your community with grant funding? Contact Us Today
