Kawartha Lakes Funders Forum

Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026

Time: 8:30am – 12:30pm

Location: Victoria Park Armoury, 210 Kent Street West, Lindsay

Cost: Free to attend

Who Should Attend

This event is designed for organizations seeking funding, partnership, or program support, including:

• Communities and grassroots groups

• Indigenous partners

• Non-profits and charities

• Arts and culture organizations

• Local businesses

• Economic development stakeholders

• Municipal and regional partners

What to Expect

Direct Access to Funders

Meet representatives from municipal, provincial, and federal funding programs. Learn about eligibility, timelines, priorities, and available supports.

Funder Overview Session

A structured presentation block where each funder provides a concise introduction to their programs, priorities, and upcoming opportunities.

Keynote Presentations

• Eric Smeaton, Kawartha Lakes Community Foundation Insights from the newly released Vital Signs report

• Kirsten Scott, Springboard Grant Writing Best practices for preparing strong, competitive funding applications

Networking and One-on-One Conversations

Following presentations, attendees can speak directly with funders to ask questions, explore eligibility, and gather tailored guidance.

Confirmed and Invited Funders

• Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

• Ministry of Rural Affairs

• Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming

• Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility

• Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

• Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

• City of Kawartha Lakes

• Community Futures Eastern Ontario

• Launch Kawartha

• Ontario Centre of Innovation

• Additional regional and sector partners

Why Attend

With an anticipated 150 participants from across the region, the Funders Forum is designed to:

• Strengthen local capacity

• Improve access to funding

• Support community and economic development

• Build relationships between organizations and funders

• Equip attendees with practical tools to prepare competitive applications