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.

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.