$69,200 OTF Grant Helps WSO Prepare for Change and Build Resiliency

HOME / Noteworthy /

$69,200 OTF Grant Helps WSO Prepare for Change and Build Resiliency

Windsor, ON – In June 2021, the Windsor Symphony Society received a $69,200 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to help the Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO) rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. This grant has allowed WSO to develop new fundraising strategies and equip board members and employees with supports to implement new approaches, prepare for change, and build resiliency.

WSO musicians rehearse with Maestro Robert Franz.

“The Windsor Symphony Orchestra occupies a crucial place at the heart of Windsor’s cultural and artistic life,” said Lisa Gretzky MPP Windsor West. “This Resilient Communities Fund grant will allow the orchestra to emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever and was well-deserved.” 

With the support of this grant, the WSO engaged the services of Nordicity, a tier-one consulting firm specializing in research, philanthropic trends, successful fundraising strategies, digital tools, and organizational effectiveness. The project is in its final stages of completion and will provide the WSO with a 5-year Strategic Plan with clear goals, objectives, and action steps for years to come.

In addition to the strategic plan, this grant allowed the WSO to invest in additional PPE to ensure the health and safety of musicians during performances and rehearsals. These items are essential to the future success of the WSO.

“The impact of this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant cannot be underestimated,” said Sheila Wisdom, WSO Executive Director. “The pandemic has changed the way the WSO engages with its community and offers its programming. Without adapting, performing arts organizations would be left behind.”

The WSO is committed to connecting the people of Windsor and Essex County through the power and passion of music. If you wish to enquire about upcoming Spring concerts, the new digital concert series The Music. The Story. The Food., WSO news, and our education and community outreach programs, please visit the website at: www.windsorsymphony.com

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

Musicians Roman Kosarev and Andrew McIntosh during rehearsal.

Media Contact:
Monica Bunde
Manager, Marketing, Communications & Sales
Windsor Symphony Orchestra
519-973-1238 ext. 23
mbunde@windsorsymphony.com