Kawartha Lakes Funders Forum

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.

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

Eric Smeaton, Executive Director, Kawartha Community Foundation

Eric Smeaton became Executive Director of the Kawartha Community Foundation in March 2026. A former City Councillor and educator, he brings extensive experience in community leadership and is committed to strengthening the nonprofit sector, encouraging philanthropy, and improving quality of life across the community.

Eric will present Vital Signs, a powerful, data-driven snapshot of our community’s strengths and challenges. Eric will share key insights from the report and encourage understanding of how fundholders can play a key role in targeting vulnerable sectors of the community.

Kirsten Scott, Owner, Springboard Grants & Consulting and Project Coordinator, Lighthouse Cabinetry

Kirsten Scott founded Springboard Grants and Consulting in February 2023 to address the shortage of local grant writers and consultants in Kawartha Lakes and the surrounding region. As a proud resident of the community, Kirsten is dedicated to helping local businesses thrive by connecting them with the resources and support they need to bring their goals to life.

Kirsten’s presentation will focus on the evolving funding landscape and share strategies for developing strong, competitive funding applications. Kirsten will also offer her insights on municipal, provincial, and federal responses to the tariffs impacting Kawartha Lakes.

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

• Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative

Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade 

• Regional Development Program

Ministry of Rural Affairs

• Rural Ontario Development Fund
  • Community Development
  • Business Development

Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility

• Seniors Community Grant
• Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone

Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming

• Experience Ontario

Ontario Centre of Innovation

• Critical Industrial Technologies

Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association

• Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP)
• Ontario's On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)
• Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL)
• Species at Risk Farm Inventive Program (SARFIP)

Ontario Trillium Foundation

• Community Investments
  • Seed Grant
  • Capital Grant
  • Capital Grant

Federal Economic Development Agency

• Business Development Fund

Business Development Bank of Canada

• Small Business Financing and Advisory

Farm Credit Canada

• Financing for Agriculture, Agri-Business, Agri-Food and Food & Beverage