Grant Application Spring

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Organization:
Empower Simcoe Foundation

Charitable Registration Number:
896155629 RR 0001

Name of Fund being applied to:
Smart and Caring Communities Fund

Address:
39 Fraser Crt
Barrie, Ontario L4N 5J5

Contact Name:
Carolyn Harris

Title:
Respite Coordinator

Email:
charris@empowersimcoe.ca

Phone Number:
7057946553

Website:
https://empowersimcoe.ca

Amount Requested:
3000.00

About the organization:

Empower Simcoe has supported its community for over 70 years, delivering person-centred services accredited by the Council on Quality and Leadership since 2007. Founded in 1953 by parents seeking alternatives to institutional care for children with intellectual disabilities, the organization has grown into a multi-service provider with head offices in Barrie and Orillia. Today, Empower Simcoe operates Preschool Services, Community Living, and Regional Housing Support Services, offering both specialized and universal supports. Guided by legislation, quality assurance measures, and CQL standards, the agency emphasizes quality improvement so everyone can Be, Belong, and Thrive together, locally.

Proposed Project Start Date:
May 1, 2026

Proposed Project End Date:
December 31, 2026

Please briefly describe the project and how the funds will be used:

Empower Simcoe’s Respitality Program supports unpaid caregivers in Orillia by offering locally based respite experiences. Through overnight hotel stays, dining, wellness services, and community attractions, caregivers can rest and recharge close to home. The program also reinvests in local businesses, strengthening the economy while recognizing partners as community champions for caregiver well-being. Many caregivers provide over 30 unpaid hours weekly and face burnout, isolation, and financial stress. A $3,000 contribution would fund four overnight stays costing $2,000 and reinvest $1,000 in Orillia-based services chosen by caregivers. These supports help caregivers maintain health, resilience.

How many people will benefit from the project directly and indirectly within the geographic area covered by the CFOA:

In 2026, the project will directly support 6 additional unpaid caregivers in Orillia, benefiting 12 individuals through paired Respitality experiences. Indirectly, Orillia-based businesses will benefit as project funds are reinvested in local in‑kind donor partners, strengthening the local community and care economy.

Please list any partnerships and collaborations for this project:

Empower Simcoe’s Respitality program is solely funded by financial and in-kind donations and grants. Since 2022, we have successfully secured, in just 4 years, over 45 unique donors to support the Respitality Program. We proudly report that we have been successful in receiving repeat grants since 2022 from 4 grantors, and over 80% of in-kind donors are recurring donors. Our donor recruitment efforts have also increased community awareness regarding unpaid caregivers, their value and experiences. All of which, we know have a positive impact on unpaid caregivers.

Please describe any in kind contributions/volunteer labour connected to this project:

In‑kind contributions from local businesses are central to the success of the Respitality Program. Our inaugural donor, Fern Resort, has generously supported the program annually since its launch. Additional returning Orillia‑based donors include Fairfield Inn & Suites, the Orillia Opera House, and Casino Rama, among more than 45 unique partners. The project is further supported by a dedicated volunteer pool of 13 individuals who assist with delivering Respitality experience packages, coordinating caregiver-selected experiences, and gathering participant feedback to ensure high‑quality, meaningful service is provided.

How will success be evaluated?

Respitality’s success is measured through quantitative and qualitative indicators, including caregiver applications and participation, website engagement, and feedback from both caregivers and donors. Program impact is further assessed through surveys and focus groups evaluating caregiver resiliency, family relationships, and community connection. The program’s ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life for caregivers and their families by providing restorative support. Investment from the Community Foundation of Orillia enables program growth, addresses unmet caregiver needs, strengthens families, builds community connections, and supports the development of a strong volunteer network.

Grant Request Budget

Item:
Overnight Experiences, Local Activities – non overnight experiences

Description ( if applicable):
Gift Cards for Hotels/Resorts with meal, gift cards for dining, theatre, concerts, spas, recreation

$ Amount:
15,000.00, 22,500.00

Total Expenses:
37,500.00

Project Funding

Item:
in-kind donations, Grants

Description ( if applicable):
various businesses

$ Amount:
21,000.00, 13,500.00

Amount Requested from CFOA:
3,000.00

Total Income:
37,500.00

Budget Summary

Total Project Expenses:
37,500.00

Total Project Income:
37,500.00

Attachments

File Upload:
https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTQ0MXxmaWxlbmFtZTpGWS0yNC0yNS1FbXBvd2VyLVNpbWNvZS1BdWRpdGVkLUZpbmFuY2lhbC1TdGF0ZW1lbnRzLnBkZg==, https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTQ0MnxmaWxlbmFtZTpGWS0yNC0yNS1FbXBvd2VyLVNpbWNvZS1Gb3VuZGF0aW9uLUF1ZGl0ZWQtRmluYW5jaWFsLVN0YXRlbWVudHMucGRm, https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTQ0M3xmaWxlbmFtZToyMDI1LVJlc3BpdGFsaXR5LUluZm9ncmFwaGljLnBkZg==, https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTQ0NHxmaWxlbmFtZTpSZXNwaXRhbGl0eS1UZXN0aW1vbmlhbC1QYWdlcy0yMDI1LnBkZg==, https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTQ0NXxmaWxlbmFtZTpFbXBvd2VyLVNpbWNvZS0yMDI2LUJvYXJkLW9mLURpcmVjdG9ycy5kb2N4

Name:
Laurie Straughan

Title:
Supports and Services Manager

Signature:
Laurie Straughan

Date:
04/07/2026