Social Sustainability Fund (SSF)

2026 Intake Opening Soon

Social Sustainability Fund (SSF)

2026 Intake – Program Guidelines

City of Kawartha Lakes | Administered by the Kawartha Community Foundation

Program Overview

The Social Sustainability Fund (SSF) is a community investment program administered by the Kawartha Community Foundation to strengthen social well-being across the City of Kawartha Lakes.

The 2026 Spring Intake is informed by findings from the Community Vital Signs Report and reflects a more focused investment strategy responding to:

  • Rising food insecurity and affordability pressures

  • Increased demand for mental health and community-based supports

  • Social isolation and system navigation challenges

SSF invests in practical, people-centred initiatives that strengthen systems of care, improve access to essential supports, and build community resilience.

Grant Amounts

  • Typical grant range: $2,500 – $10,000 (max)

  • Partial funding may be awarded
    Funding requests should be proportionate to project scope and organizational capacity.

Funding Priorities

For the 2026 Spring Intake, funding will be limited to projects that align with one or more of the priority areas below.

  • Projects that:

    • Increase access to nutritious food

    • Improve food distribution and coordination

    • Address affordability barriers

    • Strengthen local food systems

    • Support vulnerable populations experiencing food insecurity

  • Projects that:

    • Improve access to community-based mental health supports

    • Reduce social isolation

    • Provide prevention, education, or early intervention initiatives

    • Support youth, seniors, and other vulnerable populations facing mental health challenges.

  • SSF will give additional consideration to collaborative initiatives where two or more eligible organizations work together to:

    • Improve coordination of services

    • Strengthen referral pathways

    • Reduce duplication

    • Address systemic gaps in food security or mental health

    Collaborative applications must clearly define roles and demonstrate shared outcomes.

Success Story: A Year of Impact – 2025 Social Sustainability Fund

2025 marked the inaugural launch of the Social Sustainability Fund (SSF)—a new community granting initiative supporting grassroots programs that promote well-being, equity, and belonging across the City of Kawartha Lakes. Seed funding from the City’s Human Services Department brought this vision to life.

In its first year, the SSF received 18 applications totaling $161,801.46, demonstrating strong demand for community-based solutions. With $56,120.92 awarded, nine projects were funded, advancing mental health supports, youth engagement, food security, newcomer integration, digital education, and child development across the municipality.

2025 SSF Recipients

  • Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes – $8,400
    Mobile workshops for isolated older adults focused on fall prevention, nutrition, and mental health.

  • John Howard Society of the Kawarthas – $8,000
    Nutritious snacks and meals at the Community Integrated Care Hub, connecting individuals to wraparound supports.

  • A Place Called Home – $8,101.46
    Weekend food program delivering high-protein meals to people living in Lindsay encampments.

  • Pinnguaq Foundation – $2,500
    Inclusive weekend STEAM programming supporting youth mental wellness and digital literacy.

  • New Canadians Centre Peterborough – $10,000
    Expansion of newcomer integration supports into Kawartha Lakes.

  • Coboconk & Area Food Bank – $5,000
    Food-prep space upgrades to increase northern CKL capacity.

  • Chimo Youth & Family Services – $6,000
    Youth engagement initiative including anti-bullying workshops and a teen wellness fair.

  • The Salvation Army Community and Family Services – $6,000
    Weekly “Hub & Grub” program offering hot meals, social connection, and referrals.

  • Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation – $2,119.46
    Support for vulnerable children to access extracurricular activities that build confidence and belonging.

The SSF’s first year laid a strong foundation for long-term impact, proving to be a vital tool in advancing responsive, community-led solutions—particularly for residents facing barriers due to income, identity, geography, or health.

With deep appreciation to the volunteer Assessment Committee for their thoughtful and equitable review, we look forward to expanding the Fund’s impact in 2026 and continuing to strengthen inclusion, resilience, and well-being across Kawartha Lakes

FUNDING FOCUS AREAS

  • Poverty & Housing Supports

    Access to Services in Rural or Underserved Areas

  • Food Security & Nutrition Supports

    ·       Food Security & Basic Needs

  • Mental Health & Wellness Supports

    What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.

  • Equity, Inclusion & Diversity Supports

    What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.

Fund Applications:

  • Restoration or enhancement of heritage buildings, monuments, and historically significant sites.

  • Accessibility upgrades to public spaces, parks, or community facilities, such as ramps, elevators, inclusive signage, or all-gender washrooms.

  • Park, sports, and recreation improvements, including new or renovated infrastructure that promotes community engagement, physical activity, and social inclusion.

  • Collaborative projects with municipal partners, charitable organizations, and community groups to identify and address infrastructure needs.

  • Fundraising and community engagement initiatives to sustain ongoing restoration and maintenance of shared community assets.