$84,500 OTF Grant from the Province Supports “Everyone Belongs Pilot” in Grey-Bruce Communities

May 12, 2026

Owen Sound, ON – On Friday, local MPP Paul Vickers met with representatives from the Welcoming Communities Grey Bruce (WCGB) at the Harmony Centre to hear about what’s happening as the result of the group receiving an $84,500 Seed grant in November from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).  The year-long grant is being used to support the Everyone Belongs Pilot initiative, a project designed to strengthen inclusion, connection, and advancing belonging across Grey-Bruce by creating opportunities for residents of all backgrounds to come together.

“I’m proud to recognize the important resources that Welcoming Communities Grey Bruce is providing, through the Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant and their Everyone Belongs Initiative.” Said Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers “Their work in building strong community foundations continues to make a positive and lasting impact on so many citizens.”

Thanks to receiving an OTF Seed grant, which helps non-profit groups to pilot new initiatives, Everyone Belongs is creating welcoming spaces through storytelling, cultural exchange, and community dialogue. Funds from the grant are being used to help with some staffing, honoraria and administrative costs, in addition to creating promotional materials, purchasing program supplies and assisting with some travel costs. Rooted in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) principles, the project aims to reduce social isolation and foster stronger community connections. Programming over the next year will include year around I Belong in Grey Bruce Pledge Campaign, cultural activities, and engagement opportunities across the region.

“Everyone Belongs creates meaningful opportunities for people to connect, share their stories, and build a stronger sense of belonging,” said Manpreet Kaur Sangha, Chair of WCGB. “We are grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for supporting WCGB to create more inclusive and welcoming spaces where everyone belongs.”

Welcoming Communities Grey Bruce is a collaborative network that has been advancing inclusion since 2005 by supporting newcomers and long-term residents and engaging communities through partnerships, research, programs, and advocacy across the region.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.