Sarnia Community Foundation awards $29,250 to six local organizations at inaugural spring grants celebration

From food banks to robotics labs, the Sarnia Community Foundation’s first spring grants event directed nearly $30,000 to organizations working on some of Lambton County’s most pressing challenges.

Six local organizations walked away with a share of $29,250 after the Sarnia Community Foundation held its inaugural Spring Grants celebration at the Lochiel Kiwanis Centre.

Community leaders, fund holders, volunteers, and residents gathered May 28, 2026, for the event, which recognized grants across three priority areas: food insecurity, STEM youth programming, and environmental stewardship.

SCF Board Chair Jessica Martin addressed the room and the range of work being supported.

"Thank you for the passion, dedication, and leadership you bring to your work every day. Whether you are addressing food insecurity, supporting children and youth, advancing environmental stewardship, or creating opportunities in STEM education, your efforts make a meaningful difference in the lives of those you serve," Martin said. "We are grateful to our donors and fund holders whose generosity makes these granting events possible. Their commitment, combined with your dedication, creates lasting impact across our region."

The 2026 spring grant recipients are:

• North Lambton CHC, Rural Circles Community Garden: $5,000 from the Giving Tuesday Campaign
• County of Lambton Social Services Division, Community Garden: $5,500 from the Giving Tuesday/Donor Advised fund
• Mastermind Youth Foundation, STEM and Robotics expansion: $10,000 from the Borouge International fund
• Harmony for Youth, Pilot Program Community Garden: $2,050 from the Environmental Fund
• St. Paul's Petrolia Community Fridge (Petrolia): $4,200 from the SCF Community Fund
• St. Clair Child and Youth, Community Outreach: $2,500 from a Donor Advised fund

The Sarnia Community Foundation was established in 1983 and works with donors to build and manage endowment funds for a broad range of community needs across Sarnia and Lambton County. The foundation has supported more than 150 local organizations and has returned millions of dollars to the community through grants, scholarships, and leadership programs.