The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group has announced it is now accepting applications for community grants under its 2023 L.E.A.F. (Learning and Engagement Accelerator Fund) initiative.

This year, The Commonwell has raised its funding by $50,000 for a total of $350,000 to be awarded to community-led initiatives.

The program is intended to support local programs and infrastructure projects in Ontario. These include the smaller spaces and wide-open spaces of Eastern, Central and Western Ontario that are served by The Commonwell.

Grants can range between $10,000 and $50,000. Eligible projects must foster community learning and aim to build strong communities for the future generation.

“Learning is a key component to The Commonwell’s philosophy of philanthropy as that is what keeps communities strong and resilient,” said Tim Shauf, president and CEO of The Commonwell.

“We also feel that the whats, hows and wheres are best decided by the outstanding organizations and volunteers in our local communities.”

The following is the list of the towns eligible for the grant: Alexandria, Arnprior, Barrie, Belleville, Bracebridge, Brighton, Brockville, Calabogie, Carlton Place, Coburg, Collingwood, Cornwall, Goderich, Gravenhurst, Hawkesbury, Huntsville, Innisfill, Kemptville, Kingston, Kincardine, Lindsay, Listowell, Midland, Minden, Nappanee, Orangeville, Orillia, Ottawa, Owen Sound, Parry Sound, Pembroke, Perth, Peterborough, Prince Edward County, Renfrew, Smiths Falls, Stratford, Wasaga Beach and all of the other smaller places and wide-open spaces in between.