Recognizing outstanding people and ideas with awards, grants and funding.
The Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund Program supports innovative and leading environmental initiatives. It provides financial support for projects in Markham that promote environmental responsibility, enhance the protection of natural resources and supports the vision for a greenMarkham.
The purpose of the program is to provide demonstrable, widespread, and lasting environmental benefits to the Markham community through:
Applications for projects/events to be delivered between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 (the 2020-2021 Funding Cycle) were open as of Monday, September 23, 2019 and are now closed (as of Thursday, November 14, 2019, 4:00pm).
The approval process from application deadline to the decision is between 3 to 5 months. If a grant is successful, an organization will be advised that a grant is offered. Payment of the grant is made after the grant conditions have been accepted/fulfilled.
Applications for projects/events to be delivered between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 (the 2020-2021 Funding Cycle) were open as of Monday, September 23, 2019 and are now closed (as of Thursday, November 14, 2019, 4:00pm).
A Project Outcome/Financial report is required for all projects, following completion. Depending upon the amount of the grant, the following additional financial information must be provided.
Grant Threshold
Reporting Requirement
1.
$5,000 or less
Income statement and balance sheet of the organization prepared by the organization and signed by the Board.
2.
$5,001 - $10,000
Compilation Engagement prepared by a Licensed Public Accountant outside the organization. One document that contains financial statements for the 2 separate fiscal years (the most recent fiscal year and the previous year).
3.
$10,001 & over
Audit Engagement prepared by a Licensed Public Accountant outside the organization. One document that contains financial statements for the 2 separate fiscal years (the most recent fiscal year and the previous year).
Outcome reporting templates by category (only to be used by organizations who already successfully received funding and whose event/project is now complete):
This is an annual grant for project-specific grants to non-profit community organizations for arts, culture, sports and seniors’ programs. Applicants are strongly encouraged to cost-share, or seek assistance from other funding sources.
2. What is the amount of the Fund?
Total Celebrate Markham Fund for 2020-2021 is $370,000.
3. What types of grants are available?
There are 4 different grant categories with specific fund amounts and different funding/eligibility criteria. Each has its own application form available online.
Cultural Events and Programs* (max. grant per recipient is $5,000);
Major Community Festivals (max. grant per recipient is $10,000);
Sports Events (max. grant per recipient is $10,000); for International/World level sports events: up to $20,000;
Seniors’ Clubs (max. grant per recipient is $3,000).
* Up to 50% of the Cultural Events and Programs category allocation is available to new organizations that have not received funding from the Celebrate Markham Fund in the past three (3) years for events, activities and programs that promote the objectives of the City of Markham’s Culture Plan, as determined through the Application assessment process.
4. Who is eligible for a Celebrate Markham grant?
The fund is intended for not-for-profit organizations based and/or operated in the City of Markham. Not-for-profit organizations operate without financial gain for its members or directors. Eligibility requirements are contained in the “General Criteria for All Fund Categories” in the Grant Program Guidelines posted on the Celebrate Markham webpage. Individuals and “for profit” organizations are not eligible for funding through this program.
5. When are applications being accepted?
Applications for projects/events to be delivered between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 (the 2020-2021 Funding Cycle) were open as of Monday, September 23, 2019 and are now closed (as of Thursday, November 14, 2019, 4:00pm).
The approval process from application deadline to the decision is between 3 to 5 months. If a grant is successful, an organization will be advised that a grant is offered. Payment of the grant is made after the grant conditions have been accepted/fulfilled.
7. Will you be penalized if you miss the deadline?
Yes. Applications are required to be submitted by the deadline date and time, as specified; otherwise they will not be accepted. Deadlines are applied to all applicants to ensure a fair process.
8. What if the organization has a project that falls under more than one category?
Applicants will have to select the category that best fits their proposal.
9. Our project does not fall under any of the fund categories. Can I still apply?
No. To be considered, all applications must align with the Celebrate Markham Grant Program.
10. How many applications can an organization submit?
You may apply for multiple grants for different projects in different funding categories. However, a separate application is required for each request. Each application is assessed on its own merit, independent of other applications submitted by the same applicant. Only one grant will be awarded per organization per funding cycle.
11. Which faith based organizations can apply?
Faith-based organizations that are registered charities, or incorporated nonprofits, are eligible to receive City of Markham grants for the delivery of programs or services that serve the broader community in which they are located and that are not religious activities.
12. What does a workplan include?
This plan should clearly identify implementation steps, show that the scale of the project is realistic, provide a schedule for completion, identify monitoring and evaluation data and show that there are attainable targets to be accomplished.
13. Is there a description of the grant review process I can see?
A full description of the grant approval process is included in the Grant Program Guidelines which are posted on the Celebrate Markham webpage.
14. How long does the review process for Celebrate Markham applications take?
The application review process from application deadline to the decision is approximately 5 months. If the application is successful, an organization will be advised that a grant is offered. Payment of the grant by the City is made after the grant conditions have been accepted/fulfilled and 2 months prior to the project start, as stated on the application form. Please note that proof of insurance and articles of incorporation/letters patent, or equivalent documentation confirming that an organization is a non-profit, will be required prior to release of funding.
15. How does Markham evaluate Celebrate Markham applications?
An Interdepartmental Staff Review Committee will review all applications against all assessment criteria. Your application is reviewed for eligibility, completeness, and how well your project fits with your chosen category. Key considerations include:
Organization readiness;
Project merit;
Community benefits and impacts that result from your project;
That you have a clear plan to achieve results;
There is sound financial management of the project; and,
You have other sources of revenue than just the City of Markham.
Applicants must ensure they meet the criteria, and be clear and precise when answering the questions in the application.
16. Will grant recipients be identified on the Celebrate Markham webpage?
Grant recipient’s names, their project and the amount of their grant will be posted on the webpage on an annual basis following grant awards. An email will be sent to fund recipients following approval, advising of the grant award and identifying any additional information/conditions to be met prior to cheque issuance.
17. Is there an appeal process for applications that are declined?
There is no appeal process. All decisions of Council respecting Celebrate Markham applications are final.
18. What are the reporting requirements?
A Project Outcome/Financial report is required for all projects, following completion. Depending upon the amount of the grant, the following additional financial information must be provided.
Grant Threshold
Reporting Requirement
1.
$5,000 or less
Income statement and balance sheet of the organization prepared by the organization and signed by the Board.
2.
$5,001 - $10,000
Compilation Engagement prepared by a Licensed Public Accountant outside the organization. One document that contains financial statements for the 2 separate fiscal years (the most recent fiscal year and the previous year).
3.
$10,001 & over
Audit Engagement prepared by a Licensed Public Accountant outside the organization. One document that contains financial statements for the 2 separate fiscal years (the most recent fiscal year and the previous year).
19. What if I have additional questions or comments?
Markham's Design Excellence Awards recognize projects that show:
Style;
Design;
Form;
Function
A community is the sum of its parts. The City of Markham rewards architects and developers who go beyond the ordinary. We love to recognize buildings that we can all share, admire, and enjoy.
For more information about these awards, please contact:
The Heritage Markham Awards of Excellence is a program initiated in 2000, Heritage Markham's 25th Anniversary year. The committee decided to give awards to celebrate the best heritage works completed in the community over the previous 25 years. Since then, Heritage Markham has been holding an annual awards ceremony to recognize & celebrate excellence in heritage conservation by honouring some of the best heritage works in the community which were completed in the past year.
In 2002 there were fourteen Heritage Markham Award of Excellence winners. In selecting the award winners Heritage Markham Committee considered all of the works that it had reviewed over the past year, and identified those projects which were considered the best in terms of design, implementation and were a good example for other projects which may arise in the future.
The ceremony took place in the historic Cedar Grove Schoolhouse Community Centre, one of Markham's first ever designated heritage sites. Winners included such diverse areas as additions to heritage buildings, restoration of heritage buildings, new construction in heritage areas, a book on local heritage, and the Markham Village Farmers Market for the positive impact that that project had on the Markham Village Heritage Conservation District. See some of the winners below.
George Duncan - York County Mouldings Book
Haldenby-Jones Family of 60 Drawbridge Road
Roger Matthews of Charles Mattews Ltd.
Roger Matthews of Charles Mattews Ltd.
Unionville Bandstand Recipients
Vivian Risi of 161 Main Street, Unionville
For more information about these awards please contact Michael Seaman, Senior Planner, Heritage & Conservation at 905.477.7000 extension 7955 or Regan Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning at 905.477.7000 extension 2080.
Markham has a long and strong history of volunteerism. Each year, the Mayor rewards a nominee over 60 years of age. This senior will have made a unique and outstanding contribution to the Markham Community.
Do you know a senior who’s made an outstanding contribution to the Markham community? Help us show your appreciation! Nominate him or her for this prestigious award.
To qualify, the nominee must be:
A Markham resident who has lived here for at least 7 years; and
At least 60 years of age (as of January 1, 2019).
How to Apply
Download a 2020 nomination form [PDF] or pick one up at any Markham Seniors Centre and Clubs, major community centre, library or at the Markham Civic Centre.
Nomination Deadline
Friday, September 4, 2020 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) See nomination form for details on how to submit completed forms.
More Information
Contact Laura Gold at 905.477.7000 extension 4930 or lgold@markham.ca.
Awards Presentation
22nd Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards (2020) — Thursday, October 1, 2020 Markham Civic Centre, Council Chamber 101 Town Centre Boulevard Markham, Ontario, L3R 9W3
Previous Winners
21st Annual Mayor’s Seniors’ Hall of Fame Awards (2019) – Thursday, October 3, 2019
The City of Markham celebrated new inductees and nominees to the Mayor’s Seniors’ Hall of Fame at the 21st annual awards presentation on October 3 at the Markham Civic Centre. Some of Markham’s most dedicated volunteers were recognized for their years of service, passion and leadership to make Markham a more vibrant place to live.
The 2019 Mayor’s Seniors’ Hall of Fame Award went to retired track and field athlete and pharmacist, Bill Crothers. In 1963, Bill was named the Lou Marsh Trophy winner as Canada’s top athlete. He also represented Canada in the 1964 Olympics, the 1962 and 1966 British Commonwealth Games, and the 1967 Pan Am Games.
In addition to his participation on several boards within the community including Flato Markham Theatre, Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation, Friends of the Markham Museum, and more, Bill is well-recognized for his work in the community and has been honoured by having Bill Crothers Secondary School named after him in 2008.
Two individuals received this year’s Meritorious Awards – Paul Sayal and Eric Tappenden.
Paul is a business owner and philanthropist who has been a resident of Markham for 45 years. He formed Sayal Charitable Foundation 25 years ago as a philanthropic arm of his business, Sayal Electronics. To this day, the foundation supports various charities across the community. Paul also volunteers for the Markham Stouffville Hospital, the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Markham Food Bank.
Eric has been an active volunteer in the community since 2003. He continues to serve on the Board of Governors at Markham Stouffville Hospital and since 2011, he has been a co-chair of the York Regional Police Advisory Committee and Police Appreciation Committee.
Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to Pam Birrell, Branch Duncan, Pat Howell and Jim Sandiford for their work within the community.
Flowers were also presented to 99 year-old Branch Duncan along with a spontaneous rendition of “Happy Birthday” sung by everyone at the event. Branch will celebrate her 100th birthday on December 6, 2019.
Mayor’s Seniors’ Hall of Fame nominees include: K.S. Ananthan, Andy Cheung, Michael Clare, James Dawes, Virendar Dewan, Donato Fantini, Pravin Gandhi, Carol Janson, John Janson, Shafic Kara, Tian An Liang, Junjin Ma, Peter Miasek, Elizabeth Price, Arul Rajasingam, Leslie Rodrigues, Donald Peter Ross, Don Tom, Shiam Tripathi, and Su Tao Zhang.
The ceremony followed a flag raising by the Community & Home Assistance to Seniors (CHATS) to recognize National Seniors Day on October 1, 2019. Event photos are available at markham.ca/photos.
20th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards (2018) — Monday, October 1, 2018
Ken Ng received this year's Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Award. Bill Dawson and Judi McIntyre received Meritorious Awards and Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Satya Arora, Ruxuan Tan and Elaine Vollett.
Flato Markham Theatre 171 Town Centre Boulevard Markham, Ontario, L3R 8G5
19th Annual Mayor's Senoirs Hall of Fame Awards (2017)
Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Markham's seniors committee recognized the winners of the 2017 Mayor's Hall of Fame Awards.
The 19th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards were celebrated at the Markham Civic Centre at a very special ceremony on October 2, 2017. John Buie received this year's Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Award for his service and volunteering throughout the city. Ross Bowser and Rob Hyland received Meritorious Awards, and Certificate of Appreciation were presented to Vijay Ghai, Lorna Rogers and Helen Walter.
18th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards (2016)
Khalid Usman received this year's Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Award for his service and leadership in his community. Khalid has been an active member of Markham's Race Relations Committee for years. He was the driving force behind the "Many Faces of Markham" project that promotes mutual respect and rapport between communities. He has also served as the Chairman of York Region's Peace Tree initiative. Khalid has also made significant contributions to the international community. He was one of the founding directors of the Canadian Federation of Intercultural friendship (CFIF).
17th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards (2015)
John Webster received the 2015 Hall of Fame Award. Following in the footsteps of his ancestors, John has been active in many charitable and not-for-profit causes in Markham. As the Official Town Crier, John represents the City in competitions around the world. A member of the Optimist Club of Markham, John has volunteered with many community organizations and events over the years. He is also a chartered member of the renowned Markham Concert Band. He also chaired both the Golden and Diamond Jubilee Committees.
Anne Nicholson and Ardy Reid received Meritorious Awards. Certificates of Appreciation were given to to Javid Khan, Al Wallis, and Dorothy Reesor.
16th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards (2014)
Betty Bell received this year’s Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Award for her tireless work in the community. Betty devoted hours to raising funds for the Breast Health Centre at Markham-Stouffville Hospital and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. She has also been an active volunteer with the Celebration of Hope, the Raffle of Hope, the Culinary Classic Golf Tournament and many other charitable community events. In addition, Betty received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal Award in 2012.
The Meritorious Award recipients were Robert Stiver and Mary Lou Busato. Certificates of Appreciation were given to Jean-Anne Dodge, Ashok Joshi, Carol Smith, and Elaine Wilton.
15th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards (2013)
This year’s recipient was Peter Mason. Carol Wong and Angela Morris received the Meritorious Award. Certificates of Appreciation are given to Barbara Taverner, Bruce Brown, and Louise Mills.
The Markham ACRA Award was started in 1985. Every two years, it’s given to someone who has made a unique and outstanding contribution to Markham.
