2026 Social Sustainability Fund Projects Strengthen Community Well Being
The Kawartha Community Foundation is investing $67,500 in 14 community-led projects through the 2026 Social Sustainability Fund. From nutritious meals and rural youth programming to creative learning and support during times of crisis, these initiatives will help residents across Kawartha Lakes access opportunities, build connections and feel a stronger sense of belonging.
Seeded by the City of Kawartha Lakes and administered by the Kawartha Community Foundation, the Social Sustainability Fund invests in community-led responses to local needs. This year’s priorities focus on food security and basic needs, mental health and community well-being, and collaboration.
Improving food access and community connection
Fenelon Falls Salvation Army — Hub and Grub
Grant: $4,600
Free, nutritious weekly community meals will help address food insecurity while offering a welcoming place to connect and reduce social isolation.
United Way Haliburton Kawartha Lakes — Food Security Farm Outdoor Classroom Upgrade
Grant: $6,213.87
A covered outdoor classroom and workspace will strengthen food education, community programming and volunteer engagement at the farm.
Edwin Binney Community Garden
Kawartha Lakes Food Source — Feeding our Communities Through Improved Access to Information
Grant: $8,000
A redesigned website and accessible central online resource will make it easier for residents to find local food bank services.
Creating opportunities for children and youth
John Howard Society of the Kawarthas — Rural Youth Connections Initiative
Grant: $10,000
Mental health, mentoring, recreation and life-skills programming will reach youth in underserved rural communities, helping strengthen resilience and belonging.
The Grove Theatre — Arts Connection After School
Grant: $8,852.19
An inclusive theatre program for children and youth ages 6–18 in Fenelon Falls and surrounding rural communities will build confidence, creativity, social skills and teamwork. Weekly sessions with professional arts educators will run from January to June 2027 and culminate in a public performance.
Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation — Child Development Program
Grant: $2,500
Funding will help children and youth overcome financial barriers to extracurricular activities that support confidence, connection and well-being.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kawartha Lakes Haliburton — Girls Supporting Girls
Grant: $7,000
School-based mentorship will help girls build confidence, resilience and supportive connections.
BGC Kawarthas — Youth Voices Initiative
Grant: $2,500
Research, youth engagement and programming will strengthen youth wellness and improve connections to community supports.
Pinnguaq Foundation — STEAM Discovery Days
Grant: $2,500
Free, hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics programming will give children and youth opportunities to learn, build confidence and connect.
Friends of Ecological and Environmental Learning — Kawartha Lakes Children’s Water Festival
Grant: $2,500
Support for transportation and coordination will help children and youth access hands-on water stewardship and environmental education.
Scott Young Public School Parent Council — Play, Engage, Belong
Grant: $500
Funding will contribute toward installing new play equipment at Scott Young Public School, building on more than $50,000 already secured through community fundraising.
Supporting safety and inclusion
Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes — Safe Together Kawartha
Grant: $10,000
Temporary emergency pet care will support individuals and families experiencing crisis or housing instability. The pilot will help reduce barriers to accessing essential services while keeping pets safe and preserving the human-animal bond.
New Canadians Centre — Building Capacity to Support Newcomers to Canada in the City of Kawartha Lakes
Grant: $1,500
Training will strengthen local capacity to provide informed, safe and inclusive services for newcomers and their families.
The Dragon Flies Breast Cancer Survivor Group — Health and Wellness for Survivors of Breast Cancer
Grant: $833.94
Updated program information and physical wellness activities will help breast cancer survivors access opportunities for well-being, social connection and community participation.
Community investment in action
These projects reflect the many ways local organizations respond to community needs. A shared meal, a trusted mentor, an accessible service or a welcoming activity can provide an important starting point for greater stability and connection.
We thank the City of Kawartha Lakes for its seed investment, the review committee for its time and expertise, and every funded organization for its commitment to the people of Kawartha Lakes. We look forward to sharing project updates as this work unfolds.