Grant Application Spring

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Organization:
Orillia Public Library

Charitable Registration Number:
107803587 RR 0001

Name of Fund being applied to:
Smart and Caring Communities Fund, Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation Fund

Address:
36 Mississaga Street West
Orillia, ON L3V 3A6

Contact Name:
Eli McAlpine

Title:
Makerspace Librarian

Email:
emcalpine@orilliapubliclibrary.ca

Phone Number:
7053252556

Website:
https://orilliapubliclibrary.ca

Amount Requested:
2191.64

About the organization:

The mission of the Orillia Public Library (OPL) is to serve the public of Orillia and surrounding area, offering access to information, technologies and resources that enhance the lives of our community members. Our mission is to create opportunities for people to engage in learning, inspire imagination, exchange expertise, and cultivate possibilities. We value inclusivity and offer equal access to programs and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized.

Proposed Project Start Date:
July 1, 2026

Proposed Project End Date:
December 31, 2026

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

We are seeking funding to purchase five ChompSaws, a kid friendly STEM tool that imitates a table saw, for the Orillia Public Library Makerspace. We are experiencing more demand for Makerspace programs and services for children than we can accommodate with our current equipment. The addition of ChompSaws will help bridge this gap by providing our youngest STEM enthusiasts with enriching, hands on opportunities to bring their ideas from concept to creation. These tools will also be used during school visits and to support new programming centered on ChompSaws, with the goal of offering affordable, equitable, and educational recreational opportunities for our community.

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

The OPL serves over 35,000 Orillia residents, and 35,000 people through special agreements with the Township of Severn, Township of Oro-Medonte, and Chippewas of Rama First Nation. Between school visits, programs, and use in the Makerspace, ChompSaws will be accessed directly by over 1,000 users per year.

Please list any partnerships and collaborations for this project:

This project will be implemented and sustained entirely within the Orillia Public Library organization.

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

Orillia Public Library staff will provide in-kind support by developing and delivering educational and recreational programming, along with user guides to introduce the public to these tools. Staff training will ensure team members are well prepared to support users. OPL will cover ongoing maintenance costs and promote this new resource through print and digital channels, including social media (Facebook, Instagram), local media (e.g., Orillia Matters), posters, newsletters, and electronic bulletin boards.

How will success be evaluated?

The project will be deemed successfully established once staff are trained, user guides are publicly available, the ChompSaws are operational for booking, promotional materials are launched, and programs are being delivered sustainably.

Ongoing success will be evaluated using quantitative and qualitative measures, including tool usage, program attendance (including school visits), and participant feedback. Increased engagement of children and families in STEM activities and repeat participation will help demonstrate impact.

Grant Request Budget

Item:
ChompSaws

Description ( if applicable):
Set of five

$ Amount:
2191.64

Total Expenses:
2191.64

Project Funding

Item:
The Community Foundation of Orillia & Area Spring Grant

Description ( if applicable):

$ Amount:
2191.64

Amount Requested from CFOA:
2191.64

Total Income:
2194.64

Budget Summary

Total Project Expenses:
2191.64

Total Project Income:
2191.64

Attachments

File Upload:
https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTQzNHxmaWxlbmFtZTpDaG9tcHNhdy1RdW90ZS0yMDI2LnBkZg==, https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTQzNXxmaWxlbmFtZTpGaW5hbC1SZXZpZXctRmluYW5jaWFsLVN0YXRlbWVudHMtMjAyNC1PcmlsbGlhLVB1YmxpYy1MaWJyYXJ5LTEucGRm, https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTQzN3xmaWxlbmFtZTpNZW1iZXJzLW9mLXRoZS1PcmlsbGlhLVB1YmxpYy1MaWJyYXJ5LUJvYXJkLUFwcmlsLTE0LTIwMjYucGRm

Name:
Kelli Absalom

Title:
Director of Information Services

Signature:
Kelli Absalom

Date:
04/16/2026