Whitby is inviting local community and non-profit organizations that help make the Town vibrant and inclusive to apply to the Mayor’s Community Development Fund (MCDF). 

The application deadline for the Mayor and Council’s Golf Tournament and Mayor’s Gala Lead Grant (up to $25,000) is March 31, 2025. Additional community grants of up to $5,000 are available through the Mayor's Community Development Fund and can be applied for throughout the year and are awarded monthly. The Performing Arts Community Development Fund (PACDF) stream is now closed as the funds have been fully allocated.

Last year, the Town provided over $235,000 to 57 community organizations.

The 2024 Lead Grant recipients include:

• $15,000 to Alzheimer Society of Durham Region to support its social and recreation program for individuals living with dementia.
• $20,000 to Durham Children’s Aid Foundation to help provide opportunities for youth at risk of, or previously entrenched in human trafficking.
• $20,000 to Wounded Warriors Canada for trauma informed workplace training for Whitby's First Responders.
• $25,000 to Lakeridge Health Foundation to support the fundraising for Lakeridge Health’s new Hospital in Whitby.
• $20,000 to Whitby Professional Firefighters Association towards the Whitby fallen firefighter memorial.

For a full listing of the 2024 grant recipients, please visit whitby.ca/communityfunds.

MCDF collects its funding through two events: the Mayor's Gala and the Mayor & Council’s Golf Tournament. A total of 50 percent of event proceeds are awarded to lead grants, and the balance is awarded in smaller community grants.

Applications are reviewed by a council-appointed citizens committee. High-priority is given to community-focused applicants that have a strong local presence, respond to community needs, and promote inclusion and civic engagement.

For more information or to apply, visit whitby.ca/communityfunds.

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Whitby’s not-for-profit organizations play a huge role in making our town an amazing place to live. The Mayor’s Community Development Fund helps ensure they can continue to provide services, programs, and events that benefit our residents and strengthen our community. In 2024, this included supporting Lakeridge Health Foundation, Melly's Place, Victim Services of Durham, and Feed the Need in Durham. I encourage all eligible groups to apply and take advantage of this funding opportunity.

-       Elizabeth Roy, Mayor, Town of Whitby

 

Thanks to the generous support from the Whitby Mayor’s Fund, the Alzheimer Society of Durham Region was able to expand The Social, our half-day social and recreation program for individuals living with dementia. This co-designed program provides participants with the opportunity to stay active and engaged in their community while offering essential respite for their care partners. With this grant, we have doubled the program’s capacity, significantly reducing the growing waitlist for one of our most in-demand programs. We are deeply grateful to the Whitby Mayor’s Fund for their commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals living with dementia and their families in our community.

-       Gillian Barrie, CEO, Alzheimer Society of Durham Region

 

Thanks to the support from the Mayor’s Community Development Fund, the St Mark’s United Church’s Food to Go and Benevolence programs had a very successful 2024. We were fortunate to be able to provide over 100 lunches every week to vulnerable people in our community who appreciated a good meal and a place to socialize. Our benevolence program helps the growing number of needy people in our community by providing them with gift cards to local stores making it easy for them to purchase those items that they most need. We are grateful to the fund for allowing us to keep our programs going throughout the year to help those in our community in some small way that we feel makes a difference in their lives.

-       Anne Summers and Rob Smith, St Mark’s United Church

 

With this funding, we’ve been able to provide life-changing opportunities for youth at risk of, or previously entrenched in human trafficking offering safety and the tools to rebuild their futures. This support has helped fund education bursaries, camp experiences for healing and connection, safe transportation, and access to technology like cell phones for security and independence. The Mayor’s Community Development Fund made the gift of dignity, empowerment, and second chances. Because of this generosity, these youth are stepping into new opportunities, breaking free from cycles of exploitation, and reclaiming their futures with confidence. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

 - Julie Van Hartingsveldt, Executive Director, Durham Children’s Aid Foundation

For media inquiries, please contact:

Erin Mikaluk, Manager, Communications and Creative Services, Town of Whitby
Phone: 289.314.6913
Email: mikaluke@whitby.ca