Grant Application Spring

« Back to all entries

Organization:
Alzheimer Society

Charitable Registration Number:
11921 2116 RR0001

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

Address:
20 Anne Street South, Unit 3,
Barrie, Yes L4M 5R4

Contact Name:
Jaime Grant

Title:
Community Development Manager

Email:
jgrant@alzheimersociety.ca

Phone Number:
2498773526

Website:
https://alzheimer.ca/simcoecounty/en

Amount Requested:
3,500

About the organization:

The Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County has been a trusted advocate and resource for families affected by dementia for many years. Committed to enhancing quality of life, the Society provides education, counselling, support groups, and care navigation for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. Through community programs and events, they raise awareness, reduce stigma, and foster connection among families, volunteers, and local services. Their dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure that no one faces dementia alone, offering both practical tools and emotional support. The Society’s long-standing presence reflects a deep commitment to our community’s well-being.

Proposed Project Start Date:
June 1, 2026

Proposed Project End Date:
December 21, 2026

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

The Caregiver Break Bags project supports unpaid caregivers of individuals living with dementia in the Orillia area. Each bag provides comfort, encouragement, and practical tools for respite:

Comfort item for the caregiver (e.g., tea, cozy socks)
Simple self-care item to promote rest and well-being
Activity for the person living with dementia to encourage engagement
Handwritten note of support and a local services resource sheet

Funds will cover: item purchase, packaging, printing, and distribution of 100 bags.

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

The project will directly benefit 100 caregivers in the Orillia area by providing Caregiver Break Bags. Indirectly, it will support the 100+ individuals living with dementia they care for, while raising awareness of local services, fostering community connection, and promoting caregiver well-being across the broader Orillia region.

Please list any partnerships and collaborations for this project:

This project will be delivered in collaboration with dedicated community volunteers who have long supported the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County. These volunteers will assemble the Caregiver Break Bags and assist with distribution. Bags will also be partially distributed at free Caregiver Social Cafés, run by the same volunteer team, providing a trusted, welcoming environment for caregivers to receive support and connect with local services. The volunteer network’s experience ensures meaningful engagement, while fostering community connections and sustainability. Letters of support from volunteer coordinators will be provided to demonstrate commitment and partnership for the project.

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

This project relies heavily on volunteer support from our experienced community team. Volunteers will dedicate time to assemble 100 Caregiver Break Bags, including packing items, writing encouragement notes, and preparing resource sheets. They will also assist with distribution at Social Cafés and community events. In-kind contributions include donated supplies, such as packaging materials and some comfort or activity items, as well as use of Society facilities for assembly. This volunteer and in-kind support significantly reduces project costs, enhances sustainability, and ensures that the bags are prepared and delivered with care and personal attention to every caregiver.

How will success be evaluated?

Project success will be evaluated through both quantitative and qualitative measures. We will track the distribution of 100 Caregiver Break Bags and collect basic feedback from recipients via a short, voluntary survey or informal conversations at Social Cafés. Key indicators include caregiver satisfaction, perceived usefulness of items, and awareness of local support services. Volunteers will also provide feedback on the process. Success will be demonstrated by enhanced caregiver well-being, increased engagement with community resources, and positive comments on the impact of the bags, ensuring the project meets its goal of providing meaningful respite and support.

Grant Request Budget

Item:
Comfort item, Self-care item, Activity for person with dementia, Handwritten note, Printed resource sheet, Packaging

Description ( if applicable):
Cozy socks, tea, or small blanket/throw or other wellness item, Lotion, journal, or other self-care item, Puzzle, fidget item, coloring/activity, Materials for encouragement cards, Local services and supports information, Tote bag or gift bag

$ Amount:
$800, $1,000, $1,000, $100, $100, $500

Total Expenses:
$3,500

Project Funding

Item:
Funding by ASSC FOR -Facility rental, Funding By ASSC – Staff coordination, In-kind donations (bags) Donated in kind

Description ( if applicable):
Rental space for caregiver programs, Social Cafés, and distribution, Planning, volunteer coordination, oversight of assembly and distribution, Donated items to support Caregiver Break Bags (comfort/self-care/activity items)

$ Amount:
$600, $500, $800.00

Amount Requested from CFOA:
$3,500

Total Income:
$4,600

Budget Summary

Total Project Expenses:
$4,600

Total Project Income:
$4,600

Attachments

File Upload:
https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTQwNHxmaWxlbmFtZTpCb2FyZC1NZW1iZXItTGlzdGluZy1BU1NDLTIwMjUuZG9jeA==, https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTQwNXxmaWxlbmFtZTpBbHpoZWltZXItU29jaWV0eS1TaW1jb2UtRmluYW5jaWFsLVN0YXRlbWVudHMtTWFyMjAyNS1zaWduZWQucGRm

Name:
Ann-Marie Kungl

Title:
CEO for the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County

Signature:

Date:
04/09/2026