Three Prescott-Russell organizations are receiving a combined $142,882 through Ontario’s Francophone Community Grants Program, part of a $3-million provincial investment supporting French-language communities across the province.
The funding was announced Friday, August 21, by Glengarry-Prescott-Russell MPP Stéphane Sarrazin on behalf of Ontario Minister of Francophone Affairs Natalia Kusendova-Bashta during an event at Valoris in Rockland.
The Francophone Community Grants Program is supporting 75 projects across Ontario this year, with initiatives focused on strengthening French-language services, promoting inclusion, creating employment opportunities and supporting economic and community development.
“This is a significant investment in our Francophone communities,” Sarrazin said. “Here, French is not merely a language we speak. It is a part of our history, our identity, and our daily lives.”
Three local organizations receive funding
Valoris is receiving $42,882 to provide practical training workshops for staff who support adults with intellectual disabilities. The project is designed to strengthen person-centred practices while promoting social inclusion and improving the quality of support provided to clients.
The Employment Services Centre of Prescott-Russell is receiving $50,000 for introductory artificial intelligence workshops aimed at job seekers who are disconnected from the labour market.
The workshops will focus on developing digital skills and improving employability, while also helping address labour shortages in the region.
Another $50,000 is going to Regroupement Autisme Prescott-Russell for its Programme 3, 2, 1, Action! initiative.
The program will support Francophone adults with autism through activities designed to encourage social inclusion, independence and greater participation in the community.
Record number of applications
According to the province, the 2026-2027 intake attracted a record 221 applications, the highest number since the Francophone Community Grants Program was established.
In total, 69 projects are being funded through the program’s Community and Culture stream, while another six projects are receiving support through the Economic Development stream.
Minister Kusendova-Bashta said the investment is intended to help organizations expand their reach and create new opportunities for Francophone communities.
“Our government is investing in the people, businesses, and organizations that are driving economic growth and strengthening Francophone communities across Ontario,” she said in a provincial release.
Since 2018, more than 260 organizations have received approximately $16 million through the program.
Ontario has also increased the program’s annual budget from $1 million to $3 million. The funding includes a $1-million federal contribution through the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Minority-Language Services.
Sarrazin said the successful projects were selected based on their potential community impact and their ability to expand French-language services, create economic opportunities and increase the visibility of Ontario’s Francophone community.
Applications for the 2027-2028 Francophone Community Grants Program are expected to open in early 2027.