Rae Announces Funding to Support Tax Clinic & Financial Literacy Workshops

July 21, 2025

[Stratford, ON] – Today, Matthew Rae, Member of Provincial Parliament for Perth-Wellington announced that the Ontario government provided the Local Community Food Centre with $60,900 in funding through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) Seed Grant stream.

“The Tax Smart, Thrive More program at the Local Community Food Centre is a great resource for our community,” said Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington. “The program helps teach smart money management and offers free tax returns, the first step to empower individuals in our community to find success and confidence with their personal finances.”

This funding will allow the Local Community Food Centre to establish a volunteer tax clinic and financial literacy program that will help many throughout the community.

“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like the Local Community Food Centre deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure it remains at the heart of the community for decades to come.”

Offered through the Local Community Food Centre, Tax Smart, Thrive More is designed for individuals and families with modest incomes. The program provides friendly, non-judgmental tax filing support and accessible workshops on topics like budgeting, fraud awareness, and government benefits.

In addition to free tax services, the program offers tailored financial literacy workshops that provide practical education and learning opportunities. By helping people better understand their finances and access the benefits they’re entitled to, the program empowers the community to make informed financial decisions and improve long-term well-being.

Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment.

Visit otf.ca to learn more.