Cultural Development Grant

Important: Refer to the program guidelines for full details on eligibility criteria, reporting and program requirements.

Funding available

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Applicants can request up to $5,000 for operational costs associated with a special project.  Receipts and the final report are required to disburse the funds.

Should the funding ask of eligible organizations exceed the program budget, funds will be distributed to organizations on a proportional basis.

Program goals

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The City of Kawartha Lakes (City) acknowledges the efforts of cultural not-for-profits, such as museums, historical societies, performance and artistic organizations in the community. The City wishes to provide financial assistance to support the valuable work completed to preserve, present, and inspire residents and visitors through the varied cultural offerings found in the city. This funding program is built on the three themes of the Cultural Master Plan; provide financial support, is equitable, and performance based.

Eligible organizations include those that undertake initiatives that address the strategic priorities within the City of Kawartha Lakes Strategic Plan, Cultural Master Plan, or associated plans and policies.

This program will support eligible organizations with the costs to develop new opportunities to grow, enhance or augment their current programming. The program will also help to solidify partnerships with cultural not-for-profit organizations for the betterment of the cultural and economic vibrancy of the municipality; supporting their contribution to the community while ensuring the organizations retain their independence.

This funding is available to cultural not-for-profit organization that are looking to offer new cultural supports and services for public programing in Kawartha Lakes.

Program timelines

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Milestone	Date
Application	January 15, 2026
Interim Report	September 15, 2026
Final Report	January 30, 2027

Application process

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Application forms and intake timelines are available on the City of Kawartha Lakes website. Organizations are limited to one funding request per calendar year.

• Applications must be submitted on or before the application deadline. Late applications will not be  considered.
• Must demonstrate alignment with the City of Kawartha Lakes Strategic Plan, Cultural Master Plan or    related municipal priorities.
• Clearly demonstrate the organizations mandate and initiatives, as an Arts, Culture and/or Heritage organization providing a valuable cultural resource or service to the municipality and its residents.  Cultural resources are activities that enhance the community through the area of artistic, historical and/or theatrical achievement.
• Provide required documentation including:
  • Previous year audited or approved financial statements (profit & loss statements are acceptable if audited financial statements are unavailable)
  • Current year organization budget

Program administration

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The Kawartha Lakes Economic Development Division administers the Cultural Development Grant as per the Economic Development Fund Policy.

An internal review committee reviews applications and are approved by the Director of Development Services.  Successful applicants are announced through a news release and posted on the municipal website.