Local charities providing social and human services that address issues such as poverty and social exclusion can apply for up to $25,000 in funding through the United Way Peterborough & District.
The United Way announced on Tuesday (September 9) that it has launched a new three-year funding opportunity through its Agency Capacity Fund, where eligible organizations can apply for $25,000 per year over three years, totalling $75,000 in support.
The Agency Capacity Fund is the United Way’s largest reinvestment of donor contributions to date. This new fund supports registered human and social service charities across the city and county of Peterborough that are enhancing capacity to deliver inclusive programs and services.
Funding priority will be given to agencies that provide essential services such as basic needs, life skills development, and community support programs.
The United Way is able to provide this funding because of the support it receives from its donors, who are integral in helping the United Way help charities doing important work in the community, the organization told kawarthaNOW.
“The best way we can support our community is by investing in its resilience,” United Way Peterborough & District CEO Jim Russell said. “That starts with raising funds and demonstrating the local impact of every donation.”
“Our goal is to support charitable organizations tackling poverty and social exclusion, helping build a more inclusive and responsive Peterborough,” Russell added. “The more we raise, the more we can invest in lasting change — creating a community that meets the needs of everyone across the city and county.”
The Agency Capacity Fund is one funding stream of the United Way’s Community Impact Investment Model, which is based on the six investment principles of Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion (READI) and focuses on moving people from poverty to possibility and supporting strong and health communities.
As well as the Agency Capacity Fund, which is intended to provide organizations with flexible and stable operational funding, the other three funding streams are the Priority Issues Fund, Neighbourhood Fund, and Research & Social Planning Initiatives.
Eligible charitable organizations can learn more about Community Impact Investment Model and apply for the Agency Capacity Fund at www.uwpeterborough.ca/funding/. The application period is open until Wednesday, October 15.
Successful applicants will be notified by December 31, with $25,000 in funding provided in each of three years from April 2026 to March 2029 for a total of $75,000. The funding can be used for operating costs, program delivery, and project-specific expenses.
All applicants for the Agency Capacity Fund must attend one of two virtual sessions to learn about the funding opportunity, eligibility, and how to apply, with the first session from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23 and the second session from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1. To register for a session, email impact@uwpeterborough.ca.
