Applications are open until June 25 for a new grant program in the City of Kawartha Lakes supporting community projects that address key social issues.
Administered by the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes with funding from the City of Kawartha Lakes, the Social Sustainability Fund (SSF) is a new community grant program supporting grassroots, community-based initiatives across the Kawartha Lakes.
The SSF will provide one-time grants of up to $10,000 to eligible non-profit organizations that are undertaking projects with a focus on pressing social challenges. These challenges can include poverty reduction, housing stability, food security and nutrition, mental health and addictions, fair labour practices, and inclusive community-building.
A total of $56,000 in grant money is available.
Carissa Ferguson-Paterson, grant and office administrator for the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, shared more details with kawarthaNOW around the birth of the SSF.
“The impetus for the fund was to provide one-time seed money to support programs or initiatives that address poverty-related issues in the City of Kawartha Lakes,” Ferguson-Paterson said. “Specifically, it aims to alleviate poverty, increase community participation or connection, and create sustainable opportunities to improve quality of life.”
Since 2007, the City of Kawartha Lakes had administered a Community Social Investment Fund to support community agencies with one-time seed money for programs or initiatives that addressed poverty-related issues within Kawartha Lakes.
In January, the municipality finalized a partnership agreement with the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes that includes three years of seed funding for the SSF “in support of a shift toward sustainable, community-led solutions,” according to a media release.
Ferguson-Paterson said the partnership with the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes allows the City of Kawartha Lakes to expand and sustain these efforts through the SSF, supporting both current and future community needs.
“The goal of the fund is to empower local non-profits and charitable organizations with flexible, responsive funding that allows them to meet emerging needs and drive lasting change,” she explained. “Our hope is that this investment becomes a catalyst for deeper community connections, stronger grassroots leadership, and long-term improvements to social infrastructure across the region.”
Applications will be accepted at www.kawarthafoundation.ca/social-sustainability-fund until Wednesday, June 25.
“The (SSF) is an opportunity to invest in the people and organizations driving meaningful change in our community,” shared Cheryl Faber, director of human services for the City of Kawartha Lakes, in a statement.
“Through this partnership with the Community Foundation, we’re supporting local leadership and building a stronger, more resilient Kawartha Lakes — now and for the future.”
