The Town of Antigonish is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026–2027 Community Grants program, awarding a total of $185,250 to support a wide range of local organizations, initiatives, and events that strengthen community life, promote inclusion, and enhance quality of life for residents. 

This year’s funding supports over 30 community groups and initiatives, spanning arts and culture, recreation, social services, tourism, and community development. 

The Community Grants program continues to play a vital role in helping local organizations deliver services and programming that benefit residents of all ages and backgrounds. Funded initiatives include: 

• Arts, culture, and events:
  • Antigonish Art Fair & Arts House ($20,500) to support Arts House operations and five art fairs.
  • Festival Antigonish ($17,500) for seasonal programming and summer camps.
  • Antigonish Culture Alive ($5,500) for the 15th annual Antigonight: Art After Dark festival.
  • St. Francis Xavier University Art Gallery ($4,000) for its 50th anniversary exhibition.
• Tourism and economic development:
  • Antigonish Tourism Association ($15,000) to support Jazz Fest and digital marketing initiatives.
  • Coastal Nova Scotia ($8,200) for regional tourism promotion and visitor services.
  • Antigonish Visitor Information Centre ($7,100) to host seasonal events and programming.
• Community health and social supports:
  • Antigonish Emergency Fuel Fund ($5,000) to assist residents with heating costs.
  • Antigonish Affordable Housing Society ($4,400) for infrastructure and maintenance needs.
  • Naomi Society ($4,000) for outreach programming.
  • L’Arche ($5,000) for summer camp programming.
• Recreation and inclusion:
  • Antigonish Challenger Baseball ($3,000) for adaptive equipment and expanded programming.
  • CACL Antigonish ($8,000) for adaptive recreation supports.
  • Positive Action for the Keppoch Society ($10,000) to provide transportation and outings for older adults.
  • Pickleball Antigonish Society ($1,500) to improve court safety and accessibility.
• Youth and education:
  • Antigonish Imagination Library ($7,200) to deliver free books to children.
  • Children’s Place Daycare ($11,000) to offset operational costs.
  • Antigonish Creative Dance Association ($4,000) for youth summer camps.

Funding also supports initiatives that celebrate diversity and foster community connections, including: 

• Antigonish Malayali Association ($500) for a multicultural event showcasing Kerala heritage.
• ACALA ($3,400) for community lecture series and inclusive learning opportunities.

Additional grants help maintain essential services, promote volunteerism, and enhance community infrastructure: 

• Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition ($5,000) for event operations and safety measures.
• Strait Area Ground Search and Rescue ($3,500) for emergency response support.
• Heritage Association of Antigonish ($1,250) for website improvements.
• Nova Spiritus Society ($3,000) for creative public poetry installations.

The Town’s Community Grants program reflects Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting local organizations that make Antigonish a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming place to live. 

For more information on the Community Grants program and a full list of recipients, please visit https://townofantigonish.ca/community-grants-funding.html. 

Quotes from Mayor Sean Cameron: 

“These grants represent an investment in the people and organizations that bring our community to life. We are proud to support initiatives that foster creativity, connection, and well-being across Antigonish.” 

“From arts and culture to recreation, social supports, and community events, these investments highlight the strength and diversity of our local organizations. Council is pleased to support initiatives that create opportunities for connection, celebrate our community, and ensure Antigonish remains a vibrant place for everyone.”