2026 Grant Application announcement!
The Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby is pleased to announce that $10,000 has been granted to local organization projects through our Community Grant Program.
We received 11 very worthy applications, each demonstrating strong community impact, volunteer commitment, and meaningful contributions to the Lac du Bonnet area. Following a thorough review based on our grant criteria—including community need, project impact, collaboration, and long-term benefit—we are pleased to support nine of the applicants this year.
These projects will directly benefit residents and strengthen local services, facilities, and community programming across the region. We are proud to support organizations that continue to build, strengthen, and enhance our community through innovation, volunteerism, and dedication to local needs.
Thank you to all applicants for your time, effort, and commitment to Lac du Bonnet. Together, we are building something stronger.
2026 GRANT RECIPIENTS OF $10,000
Hot Water Tank Replacement Project at Lac du Bonnet Arena Receives Support
The Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby is pleased to contribute $1,000 toward the Hot Water Tank Replacement Project at the Lac du Bonnet Arena —an essential upgrade that helps ensure the facility continues to operate effectively for the community.
A replacement hot water tank was required after the existing unit unexpectedly failed after only a few years of service. A new custom-built tank has since been ordered and delivered, with installation targeted for June to ensure the arena is fully prepared for the 2026/27 season.
Hot water is a critical component of arena operations. It supports far more than comfort—it is essential for proper ice maintenance. Without it, players and officials would be left without adequate shower facilities, and the ice resurfacing system would be impacted, resulting in reduced ice quality and potential safety concerns.
We are proud to support this important project and help ensure the arena remains a safe, reliable, and welcoming space for all users.
2026 Grant RECIPIENT: Preserving Local Heritage ~ Support for St. Anthony Ukrainian Church Restoration
We are pleased to announce that the Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby has granted $2,000 to support the Lac du Bonnet & District Historical Society's 'St. Anthony Ukrainian Church Roof Preservation Project'. The Lac du Bonnet District Museum is run by the Lac du Bonnet and District Historical Society Inc.
Formerly the St. Anthony Petchersky Ukrainian Catholic Church (1937), this important restoration is part of a nine-phase preservation plan led by the Lac du Bonnet & District Historical Society in partnership with the RM of Lac du Bonnet.
Since 2024, the project has made major progress, including the church’s relocation to Halliday Park and the completion of a new foundation. Upcoming work focuses on Phase 4 – roof preservation, which includes shingle replacement, fascia and wood repairs, flashing, and restoration of the entry structure. This phase is critical to protecting the building and ensuring its long-term preservation as a cultural and historical landmark.
We are proud to support this project, which will help preserve heritage, strengthen community connections, and enhance the visitor experience in Lac du Bonnet.
Nurturing the Spirit of Giving: Support for the Kids Snowflake Bazaar
The Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby is pleased to support the Kids Snowflake Bazaar with a $250 grant toward their Batteries & Packing Tape Initiative.
The Kids Snowflake Bazaar is dedicated to nurturing the spirit of giving by providing a safe, fun, and inclusive shopping experience where children can independently manage their funds and choose thoughtful gifts for their loved ones. It is a cherished community event that empowers kids, builds confidence, and celebrates generosity.
Each year, the Bazaar transforms into a magical “kids’ mall,” filled with affordable gift items, friendly volunteers, and a joyful atmosphere where children proudly select and wrap presents for family and friends. Beyond the shopping experience, it also helps foster financial literacy, independence, and community connection.
This funding will help support essential event supplies that keep the experience running smoothly and enhance the overall presentation of the Bazaar.
We are proud to support this meaningful initiative that strengthens community spirit, uplifts children and youth across the region, and helps create lasting traditions of giving.
Enhancing School Community Through “Pathways to Community” Project
The Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby is pleased to commit a $1,800 grant to the Lac du Bonnet Senior School Parent Advisory Council in support of their Pathways to Community: Not Just a Hall project.
This initiative will help purchase mobile cafeteria tables with attached benches, creating a dedicated, comfortable space for students to eat, socialize, and collaborate during the school day. With many students bused in from surrounding areas and no formal cafeteria space, this project will significantly improve the daily school experience.
The tables will also support group learning, school activities, and improved supervision during lunch hours, helping create a safer, more organized, and more inclusive environment for students.
We are proud to support a project that strengthens student well-being, fosters connection, and enhances everyday school life in our community.
Strengthening Community Safety Through AED Access at the River Room
The Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby is pleased to commit a $1,000 grant to the Bird River Fire Department in support of their AED for River Room Project.
The Bird River Fire & Rescue Service is dedicated to providing the best possible outcome during fire and rescue emergencies, while also serving as a vital hub for community activity. The “River Room,” attached to the fire hall, is widely used for training, emergency coordination, community meetings, elections, and local events—hosting an estimated 1,000 people annually.
This project will place an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in the River Room, ensuring life-saving equipment is readily available during public use. With the community located 25 minutes or more from the nearest hospital—and emergency response times often varying—having immediate access to an AED can make a critical difference in a cardiac emergency.
The AED will be mounted in the River Room and made accessible during community events, with the Fire Department committed to ongoing maintenance and training support.
We are proud to support this important initiative that strengthens community safety, improves emergency preparedness, and helps protect lives in the Bird River area.
Raising Inclusion in the Garden Project Receives Community Support
The Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby is proud to support the Lac du Bonnet Community Garden with a $1,000 grant toward their Raising Inclusion in the Garden project.
The Community Garden plays an important role in promoting food security, wellness, and inclusivity by providing a shared space where residents can grow fresh produce and connect with others. This project will fund the addition of raised garden beds, helping make gardening more accessible for seniors, individuals with mobility challenges, and those without the resources or space to grow their own food.
Raised beds reduce the need for bending and kneeling, creating a safer and more comfortable experience while opening the door for broader participation. As interest in the garden continues to grow, these additions will help expand access, encourage community involvement, and create more opportunities for learning, connection, and collaboration.
We are proud to support an initiative that strengthens inclusion, promotes healthy living, and builds a more connected and resilient community.
Enhancing Accessibility at the Outdoor Education Centre
The Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby is proud to support the Lac du Bonnet Wildlife Association with a $750 grant toward their 2026 Accessible Picnic Tables Project at the Outdoor Education Centre (OEC).
The OEC is a unique, multi-purpose facility that provides youth, students, and outdoor enthusiasts with hands-on opportunities to learn about conservation, outdoor skills, and safe shooting sports. It also serves as a valuable community space that promotes education, recreation, and environmental stewardship.
This project will fund the installation of two accessible picnic tables, creating a welcoming and inclusive space for visitors, students, and families to gather, learn, and connect. These additions will enhance comfort, accessibility, and the overall experience at the site.
We are proud to support an initiative that promotes outdoor education, community connection, and accessibility, while helping position the Outdoor Education Centre as a leading destination for conservation and recreation in our region.
Supporting Student Success with Centennial School Library Improvements
The Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby is proud to support Centennial School with a $700 grant toward their Enhancing Library Efficiency Project.
This initiative will help provide tools and resources to improve the organization, accessibility, and overall functionality of the school library, making it easier for students and staff to find, use, and enjoy library materials. A well-organized and welcoming library plays an important role in supporting literacy, encouraging independent learning, and fostering student engagement.
By creating a more accessible and user-friendly space, this project will help build confidence, responsibility, and a stronger connection to reading—while ensuring all students have equitable access to the resources they need to succeed.
We also greatly appreciate Centennial School’s continued support of the Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby through the use of iPads for registration on Derby Day. Their partnership and community involvement help contribute to the success of our event each year.
We are proud to support an initiative that strengthens learning environments and helps students thrive both academically and personally.
Supporting Eastman SnoPals with Critical Groomer Maintenance
The Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby is proud to support the Eastman SnoPals with a $1,500 grant toward their Snow Groomer Repair Project.
Eastman SnoPals is a volunteer-run snowmobile club dedicated to maintaining over 325 km of safe, high-quality trails throughout the Lac du Bonnet, Pinawa, Whitemouth, Elma, and Agassiz Forest areas. Their work ensures local riders and visitors can safely enjoy well-groomed trails all winter long.
This funding will assist with critical repairs to their grooming equipment, including the replacement of worn traction cleats on their 2020 groomer. These components naturally wear over time and can impact steering, traction, and overall grooming performance. By stocking replacement cleats in advance, the club will be able to complete repairs quickly and reduce equipment downtime—keeping trails maintained without interruption.
We are also very grateful for the ongoing support of the Eastman SnoPals. They provide drag equipment to help establish the fishing grid prior to the Derby, and provide us with several volunteers for security on Derby day—both of which are key contributions to the safety and success of the event.
We are proud to support the Eastman SnoPals and the dedicated volunteers who help make our region a premier snowmobiling destination each winter season.
18 YEARS OF GRANT FUNDINg
2026 - $10,000.00
2025 - $10,000.00
2024 - $10,000.00
2023 - $10,000.00
2022 - $5,000.00
2020 - $6,000.00
2019 - $7,200.00
2018 - $6,000.00
2017 - $10,000.00
$145,344.00!
〰️
$145,344.00! 〰️
OF FUNDING INJECTED INTO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH COMMUNITY GRANTS SINCE 2008
2016 - $7,000.00
2015 - $12,050.00
2014 - $8,000.00
2013 - $5,565.25
2012 - $8,250.00
2011 - $5,035.00
2010 - $8,244.00
2009 - $10,000.00
2008 - $7,000.00