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Philanthropy

The Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS) is a not-for-profit organization that owns and operates the Grand River Raceway and The GrandWay Events Centre. Known for its philanthropic contributions to the community through scholarships, community mini-grants and major donations, GRAS is striving to bring agriculture, education, and community together.

AgScape- Connecting in a Virtual Education Environment

In September 2020, schools across Ontario entered a new virtual learning environment. Zoom, Google Meets and YouTube became spaces AgScape had to become versatile in as teachers had a surging demand for interactive and digital resources. Online became the new reality, a reality that AgScape embraced with help from The Grand River Agricultural Society’s (GRAS) philanthropic funding and our shared goals for supporting agriculture engagement and awareness across the province.

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Elora Skatepark

Thanks to the $1,500 GRAS grant, we were able to plant 80mm caliper Pyrmidal Oak trees at the Skatepark in Elora and they look fantastic! Up until these trees were planted the space was looking forgotten and sad unless community members were there, but now the space looks like it is alive and thriving.

Often when projects like this are built, it is the landscaping that cements the project into place giving it a sense of community and thoughtful placement. It is with this that your funding money for this makes this area a success.

View the Community Report

Community Report

For more great stories featuring community recipients of GRAS philanthropic funding visit our community report.

View the Community Report

Looking for support?

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Sponsorship Partners

GRAS is proud to have multi year funding arrangements with the following organizations

Our Initiatives

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Rapid Response for Business Development

The Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS) launched the Rapid Response to Business Development (RRBD) Initiative to support their commitment to impact investing by creating long-term sustainability and fueling innovation in the Agriculture and Environmental sectors. The GRAS RRBD Initiative will provide up to $10,000 to support Ontario-based, agriculture, agri-food and agri-products businesses, as they work with established business connections to advance market opportunities and secure sales for their innovative products, processes or technologies.

All applications will be screened for the eligibility of the applicant and application evaluation criteria. Applicants will be notified of the funding decision within three business days and successful applicants will enter into a funding agreement. All expenses must be incurred between April 5, 2022 and March 31, 2023. Funding will be provided on a reimbursement basis, whereby the business incurs all expenses and submits the required claim form and documentation after they incur the expenses. Eligible expenses (see below) will be reimbursed at a 100% funding level.

Dates & Timelines:

Applications are open from April 5, 2022 and will remain open until all funds are allocated

How to apply:

The application intake will open on April 5, 2022, and remain open until all funds are allocated. Canlead Solutions will be administering the GRAS RRBD Initiative. Application information is included in the link below, application forms can be requested by emailing info@canleadsolutions.ca

 

Application Form
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GRAS Scholarship Program

The Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS) established this scholarship program to provide financial assistance to students within our community who are entering or enrolled in a college diploma or university degree, in agriculture and/or environment-related programs.

University and college-accredited programs are eligible and 12 x $2,500 scholarships are available.

Dates & Timelines:

Applications must be received by July 1st. Decisions will be completed by August 15th.

How to apply:

Please complete the online form with all the necessary information required.  Please read all guidelines and processes carefully to ensure you meet our application criteria. If you have any questions or issues, please email Dorothy Key to dkey@grandriverag.com.

Application Form
Apply now

GRAS in kind requests

Are you a community group or not for profit or charity? Apply to the GRAS philanthropic committee to use one of the many great spaces on site. Are you looking for an event in the 6 acre in field? Or perhaps need the parking lot… Do you want to host a gala at The GrandWay? Or perhaps have a market in the barn?

Reach out to let us know more.

Dates & Timelines:

Always open

How to apply:

Please complete the online form with all the necessary information required.  Please read all guidelines and processes carefully to ensure you meet our application criteria. If you have any questions or issues, please email Dorothy Key to Dkey@Grandriverag.com.

Application Form
Applications closed

GRAS Funding

The GRAS Philanthropic Committee provides funding to non-profit community groups and initiatives that support agriculture, environmental conservation, and activities that promote improvements in the quality of rural life.

Applications closed

Community Mini Grants

Do you have a project that will benefit our local community? Need financial support for it? Since 2017, GRAS has awarded over $42,000 to over 47 recipients to help bring their projects to life.

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