Ontario Investing $3 Million to Support Francophone Communities
September 8, 2025
The Francophone Community Grants Program is helping 71 organizations and companies bolster Francophone culture and the economy
NEWS
LONDON, ON – The Ontario government is investing $3 million to protect the province’s Francophone community by creating jobs and driving economic growth through the 2025-26 Francophone Community Grants Program (FCGP). Funding will help 71 organizations and businesses around the province strengthen the cultural and economic impact of Franco-Ontarians by expanding service offerings, improving employee training, increasing community outreach and expanding hiring.
“Our government understands the important role played by Francophone communities in Ontario,” said Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. “This funding for the projects of Parlons Science and Centre Communautaire Régional De London will support the cultural and economic vitality of the Francophonie, which will continue to help grow our community and local economy for years to come.”
Each year, FCGP projects are selected to improve access to French-language services in the province, support the recruitment and training of bilingual staff, and promote impactful cultural and economic initiatives.
This financial support from the FCGP recognizes the remarkable initiative of Parlons Science and Centre Communautaire Régional De London, which actively contributes to the promotion, development, and vitality of Ontario’s Francophonie.
The $47,673 project for Centre Communautaire Régional De London aims to create a competitive soccer team in French in London, supported by the training of a coach and French-speaking referees.
The $47,000 project for Parlons Sciences aims to develop literacy among young Francophones in Ontario and critical thinking through the appealing lens of STEM. The “STEM Storytime” program uses science to respond to children’s natural curiosity, encouraging their passion for reading and discovery.
The Francophone Community Grants Program is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, which includes supporting the economic, social, and cultural development of Francophone communities across the province.
QUICK FACTS
- The call for proposals in 2025–2026, launched last April, attracted a record-breaking 179 project submissions, demonstrating that this program meets real needs on the ground by supporting Franco-Ontarians’ contributions to the province’s economic and cultural development.
- The FCGP includes two funding streams. This year, 62 projects are supported under the Community and Culture stream, and 9 projects under the Economic Development stream.
- The federal government is providing a $1 contribution million to FCGP under the Canada–Ontario Agreement on Minority-Language Services.
- The launch date for 2026–2027 applications for FCGP will be announced in early 2026.
QUOTES
“Our government has a plan to make Ontario the most resilient and competitive economy in the G7, and we need a strong and vibrant Francophone community to achieve that. Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we will continue to invest in the Francophone Community Grants Program so we can celebrate Francophone culture and grow the economy for everyone.” – The Honourable Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophone Affairs.
“Francophone communities across the country must be strong for Canada to be strong. Through the Canada–Ontario Agreement, we are working with our provincial partners to build a future where French thrives—in Ontario and across Canada—and where the Francophonie is a driver of growth and a source of opportunity.” – The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
CONTACT
Email: steve.pinsonneault@pc.ola.org
Strathroy Office: 519-245-8696
Wallaceburg Office: 519-627-1015