Funding Initiatives for Para Sport in Durham Region Launched

Efforts to enhance para sport opportunities and participation in Durham Region will receive funding as part of the legacy from the Durham Region 2023 Ontario Parasport Games. The Regional Municipality of Durham has partnered with the Durham Community Foundation (DCF) to establish two funds aimed at supporting diverse para sport and recreation opportunities in local communities.

• Durham Region Para Sport & Recreation Opportunities Fund: This fund will provide $25,000 to eligible applicants.
• Durham Region Para Sport & Recreation Legacy Fund: This is an $85,000 permanent endowment fund, which will be invested by DCF. The interest earned will be granted annually starting in June 2025.

Organizations can apply for a maximum grant of $3,000 per year. Eligible applicants include charitable organizations that are developing new programs, enhancing existing programs, hosting events, or acquiring equipment and infrastructure for para sport and recreation opportunities that benefit residents of Durham Region. Non-profit sport and recreation organizations are encouraged to collaborate with local charitable organizations on grant applications.

Applications for the Durham Region Para Sport & Recreation Opportunities Fund will be accepted online from September 9 to October 7, 2024. Recipients of the first year of funding will be notified by DCF in November, with funds distributed in December 2024.

Lori Talling and Don Terry have been appointed as Co-Chairs of the funds’ Donor Committee. They previously served as General Manager and Co-Chair of the 2019 and 2023 Ontario Parasport Games hosted by Durham Region. The Donor Committee will also include members from the parasport community.

For more information on the two funds and the application process, visit Durham Community Foundation.