Organization:
Orillia Museum of Art & History
Charitable Registration Number:
13723 0587 RR0001
Name of Fund being applied to:
Smart and Caring Communities Fund
Address:
30 Peter Street South
Orillia, Ontario L3V 5A9
Contact Name:
Vanessa Santala
Title:
Development Officer
Email:
development@orilliamuseum.org
Phone Number:
Website:
https://www.orilliamuseum.org
Amount Requested:
$5,113
About the organization:
The Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) is a vibrant cultural hub that connects people to art, history, and heritage through exhibitions, education, and community programming. Located in the historic Sir Sam Steele Building, OMAH presents diverse art and history exhibitions each year while offering workshops, camps, school programs, and public events for all ages. The museum is committed to accessibility, inclusion, and lifelong learning, engaging children, youth, adults, and seniors in creative and historical exploration. Through partnerships, volunteer involvement, and community outreach initiatives, OMAH fosters creativity, preserves local stories, and strengthens community connections.
Proposed Project Start Date:
June 2, 2026
Proposed Project End Date:
November 27, 2026
Please briefly describe the project and how the funds will be used:
The Curiosity Cart is a mobile, hands-on museum initiative designed to bring art, history, and heritage experiences directly into community spaces. Through interactive activities, artifact exploration, and creative making, the program invites participants of all ages to learn, create, and discover. By visiting schools, community centres, and public events, the Curiosity Cart removes barriers to accessing cultural programming and reaches individuals who may not typically visit the museum. The project encourages curiosity, creativity, and social connection while introducing participants to local stories and artistic practices.
How many people will benefit from the project directly and indirectly within the geographic area covered by the CFOA:
Approximately 1,200 people will benefit directly through hands-on Curiosity Cart activities delivered at community events, schools, and partner organizations across the region. An additional 3,000 people will benefit indirectly through family participation, community engagement, and awareness of accessible arts and heritage programs.
Please list any partnerships and collaborations for this project:
OMAH will work with community groups, and public events to coordinate programming, reach diverse audiences, and ensure equitable participation. Partners will support the initiative by assisting with referrals, providing venues, promoting events, and offering expertise to enrich programming.
OMAH staff will collaborate closely with partners to plan and deliver inclusive, interactive experiences, aligning activities with community needs and ensuring logistical coordination. Partners contribute knowledge of the populations served, assist in connecting with underserved groups, and provide input on program content and delivery methods.
Please describe any in kind contributions/volunteer labour connected to this project:
OMAH volunteers will contribute their time to plan, set up, and deliver Curiosity Cart activities, providing guidance, demonstrations, and facilitation of hands-on learning experiences. Local artists, educators, and historians will contribute expertise to design interactive programming. Materials for activities, such as art supplies, craft tools, and educational resources, will be partially sourced through in-kind donations from community supporters. These contributions maximize the program’s reach and impact, ensuring high-quality, engaging experiences while keeping participation accessible and free for all community members.
How will success be evaluated?
Success will be evaluated through a combination of quantitative and qualitative measures. Informal surveys will assess participants’ learning, confidence, curiosity, sense of inclusion, and interest in arts and heritage activities. Participation rates, repeat visits, program registrations, and membership inquiries will track ongoing engagement. Demographic data will help ensure the program reaches underserved and low-income participants. Qualitative feedback, including participant stories and partner observations, will provide insight into increased social connection, community belonging, and skill development. Together these measures will demonstrate the Curiosity Cart’s impact on accessibility.
Grant Request Budget
Item:
Archival Museum Cart, Folding Table, Lightweight folding chairs, Pop Up Tent, Collapsible display shelf/acrylic case, Lockable archival transport case, Replica archival artifacts, Laminated interpretive cards, Archival-safe art supplies starter kit, Activity sheets printing (archival themes), Clipboards & pencils, Branded table banner, Roll-up branded banner, Brochures & flyers (printing), Aprons/shirts for staff, First aid kit, Cash box / mobile payment device, Insurance
Description ( if applicable):
Custom, secure, 6 inch table, Two, 10’x10′ basic, 300 quantity
$ Amount:
3,000, 100, 80, 300, 150, 200, 240, 75, 150, 75, 30, 60, 150, 120, 50, 30, 75, 118
Total Expenses:
5003
Project Funding
Item:
Description ( if applicable):
$ Amount:
Amount Requested from CFOA:
$5,003
Total Income:
$5,003
Budget Summary
Total Project Expenses:
Total Project Income:
Attachments
File Upload:
https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTM1NXxmaWxlbmFtZTpPcmlsbGlhLU11c2V1bS1vZi1BcnQtYW5kLUhpc3RvcnktMjAyNC1GSU5BTC1GUy0yMDI1LTA2LTI0LTEtMS5wZGY=, https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTM1NnxmaWxlbmFtZTpEaXJlY3RvcnNfX1N0YWZmX0NvbnRhY3RfSW5mb3JtYXRpb24tT01BSF8yMDI2Lnhsc3gtU2hlZXQxLTEucGRm, https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTM1N3xmaWxlbmFtZTpMZXR0ZXItb2YtU3VwcG9ydF9DdXJpb3NpdHktQ2FydC0xLnBkZg==, https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTM1OHxmaWxlbmFtZTpUaGUtQ3VyaW9zaXR5LUNhcnQt4oCTLURldGFpbGVkLVByb2plY3QtUGxhbi0xLnBkZg==
Name:
Ninette Gyorody
Title:
Executive Director
Signature:
Ninette Gyorody
Date:
03/11/2026
Archival Museum Cart, Folding Table, Lightweight folding chairs, Pop Up Tent, Collapsible display shelf/acrylic case, Lockable archival transport case, Replica archival artifacts, Laminated interpretive cards, Archival-safe art supplies starter kit, Activity sheets printing (archival themes), Clipboards & pencils, Branded table banner, Roll-up branded banner, Brochures & flyers (printing), Aprons/shirts for staff, First aid kit, Cash box / mobile payment device, Insurance
Custom, secure, 6 inch table, Two, 10’x10′ basic, 300 quantity
3,000, 100, 80, 300, 150, 200, 240, 75, 150, 75, 30, 60, 150, 120, 50, 30, 75, 118
5003
Item:
Description ( if applicable):
$ Amount:
Amount Requested from CFOA:
$5,003
Total Income:
$5,003
Budget Summary
Total Project Expenses:
Total Project Income:
Attachments
File Upload:
https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTM1NXxmaWxlbmFtZTpPcmlsbGlhLU11c2V1bS1vZi1BcnQtYW5kLUhpc3RvcnktMjAyNC1GSU5BTC1GUy0yMDI1LTA2LTI0LTEtMS5wZGY=, https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTM1NnxmaWxlbmFtZTpEaXJlY3RvcnNfX1N0YWZmX0NvbnRhY3RfSW5mb3JtYXRpb24tT01BSF8yMDI2Lnhsc3gtU2hlZXQxLTEucGRm, https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTM1N3xmaWxlbmFtZTpMZXR0ZXItb2YtU3VwcG9ydF9DdXJpb3NpdHktQ2FydC0xLnBkZg==, https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTM1OHxmaWxlbmFtZTpUaGUtQ3VyaW9zaXR5LUNhcnQt4oCTLURldGFpbGVkLVByb2plY3QtUGxhbi0xLnBkZg==
Name:
Ninette Gyorody
Title:
Executive Director
Signature:
Ninette Gyorody
Date:
03/11/2026
https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTM1NXxmaWxlbmFtZTpPcmlsbGlhLU11c2V1bS1vZi1BcnQtYW5kLUhpc3RvcnktMjAyNC1GSU5BTC1GUy0yMDI1LTA2LTI0LTEtMS5wZGY=, https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTM1NnxmaWxlbmFtZTpEaXJlY3RvcnNfX1N0YWZmX0NvbnRhY3RfSW5mb3JtYXRpb24tT01BSF8yMDI2Lnhsc3gtU2hlZXQxLTEucGRm, https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTM1N3xmaWxlbmFtZTpMZXR0ZXItb2YtU3VwcG9ydF9DdXJpb3NpdHktQ2FydC0xLnBkZg==, https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTM1OHxmaWxlbmFtZTpUaGUtQ3VyaW9zaXR5LUNhcnQt4oCTLURldGFpbGVkLVByb2plY3QtUGxhbi0xLnBkZg==
Ninette Gyorody
Executive Director
Ninette Gyorody
03/11/2026