Seven non-profit organizations in the Kawartha Lakes are taking a “leap” forward with grants from Invest Kawartha’s new funding stream.
From the Bobcaygeon branch of the Royal Canadian Legion to the Lindsay Agricultural Society, the grants are distributed by Invest Kawartha through its newly developed LEAP program.
LEAP is an acronym that represents the mission and goals of the program: Locally based support for not-for-profit organizations (NFPs); Empowering projects through local and regional economic development; Access to capital, talent, resources and business advisory services; and Projects that are incremental, scalable, and results-driven.
Invest Kawartha said the funding targets contributing to the growth, resiliency, and vibrancy of the community in the Kawartha Lakes.
“LEAP has been designed to strengthen Kawartha Lakes and its surrounding communities,” said Vince Killen, executive director of Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) and CEO of Invest Kawartha, in a media release.
“The program supports strategic community projects, social innovation, and NFPs by building capacity to design and scale initiatives. These new projects are a great example of the impact programs like LEAP can have to nurture non-profits, amplify impact, and elevate our local community.”
In its inaugural year, LEAP has distributed more than $90,000 to seven projects:
- Bobcaygeon Royal Canadian Legion Branch 239 – A $12,709 grant will support improvements to the legion’s banquet hall. It targets increasing the community’s use of, and access to, the legion, and the creation of a new “Remembrance Wall.”
- Globus Theatre – A $20,000 grant will help fund new equipment and technology that aims to support sustainability and growth at the Bobcaygeon theatre company. The purchases include a new point of sale system and cloud-based customer relationship management software to support marketing and event management.
- Grove Theatre – A $20,000 grant will support the Fenelon Falls theatre company’s marketing and advertising costs, help it secure permanent signs, and fund regional marketing initiatives to increase attendance and brand awareness.
- Lindsay Agricultural Society – The agricultural society is using a $6,000 grant to support strategic planning development initiatives in the upcoming years.
- Lindsay Lawn Bowling Club – A $7,078 grant will support the purchase of a weatherproof sound system and public announcement system for its facility, with the goal of significantly improving communication during public events.
- Ottawa Huron Tract History Association – The association will use a $10,713 grant to design, develop and host a “Heritage Stories Festival” in Lindsay in August. It will include exhibits on historical buildings, local artist showcases, various writing and photo contests, and more.
- Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce – A $14,000 grant will help fund the purchase and support of five new GPS-enabled bicycles as part of the chamber’s ongoing bikeshare program, with the goal of contributing to the vibrancy of the community.
LEAP is designed to contribute to the growth, resiliency, and vibrancy of the community by providing NFPs with the funding for projects that support and promote community economic development in Kawartha Lakes, develop and deliver their strategic priorities locally, support the development of partnerships that build capacity to deliver services in the local community, and support the development of opportunities for a healthy, active lifestyle and contribute to a positive quality of life in the region.
Invest Kawartha noted the intake process for 2024 is now closed and it will reopen later in 2025.
Based out of Launch Kawartha in Lindsay, Invest Kawartha is described as an innovation-focused entrepreneurial and economic development ecosystem organization that provides funding, business advisory and support, and incubation and acceleration services to entrepreneurs. It is considered to be a key economic development and strategic partner to multiple NFPs and non-governmental organizations within the City of Kawartha Lakes and beyond.
Launch Kawartha is an innovation and entrepreneurship centre, which is centrally located in the heart of downtown Lindsay in the Scotiabank building. The 5,000-square-foot facility provides free services and fully furnished incubation workspaces for new entrepreneurs.
Anchored by Kawartha Lakes CFDC and Invest Kawartha, along with multiple strategic partners and entrepreneurs in residence, Launch Kawartha provides entrepreneurs with access multiple funding streams, innovative programming, expertise, guidance, mentorship, and professional services all in one location.
For more information about Invest Kawartha and LEAP, visit www.investkawartha.ca.
