The Municipality of the County of Antigonish has awarded $455,496 in Community Partnership Grants to 45 community groups and organizations across the County for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. These annual grants are designed to encourage citizen involvement, support volunteer-led initiatives, and strengthen the fabric of local communities.
At a Special Committee of the Whole meeting held on May 6, 2025, County Councillors were presented with a summary of all applications, including funding requests and recommendations based on previous allocations and anticipated community impact. Each application was reviewed and discussed individually, with a focus on fair distribution and the value each project brings to residents.
“County Councillors recognize the vital role volunteer organizations play in our communities,” said Warden Nicholas MacInnis. “Antigonish is a large, rural county with many community centres, recreation groups, and organizations that are volunteer-run and rely on funding to keep their doors open. These centres often serve as important gathering spaces—rich in history and central to community life for people of all ages. The Community Partnership Grants program is one way we can support and sustain these spaces, and the dedicated volunteers behind them.”
The County offers two types of Community Partnership Grants that non-profit groups can apply for:
- Capital Grants, which support construction projects, renovations, or major repairs to community facilities.
- Operating Grants, which help with ongoing costs such as maintenance, programming, special events, and community initiatives.
This year’s grant recipients represent a diverse range of initiatives, from sports and recreation to arts, culture, and social programming. The County continues to invest in rural ballfields, which have seen a notable resurgence in youth participation. Four ballfield-related projects—Lower South River, Pomquet, St. Andrews, and Monastery—were awarded funding this year. These fields not only support organized sport and free play but also act as important gathering places that foster community pride.
The County also continues to support new and innovative initiatives. One such project, proposed by The Keppoch, will provide weekly outings for seniors from local long-term care facilities, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation, social connection, and improved wellbeing. This initiative aims to reduce isolation and support dignity and quality of life for some of the County’s most vulnerable residents.
Support for arts and culture remains a priority, with funding allocated to organizations such as Antigonish Culture Alive, Antigonish Art Fair, Arts Health Antigonish, ASAP, Festival Antigonish, and the Nova Spiritus Society. These investments provide local artists with opportunities to share their work while enriching the cultural experiences available to both residents and visitors.
The Community Partnership Grant program continues to demonstrate the County’s commitment to building vibrant, inclusive, and resilient communities across Antigonish. See all recipients of the County’s Community Partnership Grants here – 2025-26 Community Partnership Grants Summary