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Building Stronger Communities Through Funding, Partnerships, and Opportunity
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Kawartha Lakes Funders Forum on April 9, 2026.
The event brought together local businesses, non-profit and community organizations, Indigenous partners, funding agencies and economic development stakeholders to learn about available programs, strengthen connections and explore opportunities for future projects.
Attendees heard directly from municipal, provincial and federal funders about their programs, eligibility requirements, funding priorities and upcoming opportunities. The event also included practical guidance for preparing competitive funding applications and opportunities for attendees to connect one-on-one with participating organizations.
The information below provides an overview of the funding organizations, programs and resources featured at the 2026 Kawartha Lakes Funders Forum. Funding programs, eligibility requirements and intake periods may change. Organizations are encouraged to connect directly with the appropriate funder for the most current information.
While there are no future Funders Forums scheduled at this time, we hope to host this event again in the future.
Please check back for updates or subscribe to the Kawartha Lakes Economic Development newsletter to be notified about future Funders Forums, funding opportunities and other business events and programs.
About the Event
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
Meet representatives from municipal, provincial, and federal funding programs. Learn about eligibility, timelines, priorities, and available supports.
A structured presentation block where each funder provides a concise introduction to their programs, priorities, and upcoming opportunities.
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
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
8:30 am Registration
8:45 am Land Acknowledgement
8:50 am Opening Remarks – Mayor Doug Elmslie
8:55 am Facilitated Networking Session
9:15 am Keynote Presenter – Eric Smeaton, Executive Director, Kawartha Community Foundation
9:25 am Keynote Presenter – Kirsten Scott, Owner, Springboard Grants & Consulting
9:45 am Unlocking Opportunities Part I: Funding Programs
10:15 am Networking & Funder Exhibits
10:45 am Unlocking Opportunities Part II: Funding Programs
11:30 pm Networking & Funder Exhibits
12:30 pm Closing
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.
City of Kawartha Lakes – Economic Development
City of Kawartha Lakes – Parks and Recreation
Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre
Launch Kawartha
Muskoka-Kawartha Employment Services and VCCS Employment Services
United Way Haliburton Kawartha Lakes
Kawartha Community Foundation
PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise
Community Futures Eastern Ontario
Futurepreneur
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
Ontario Centre of Innovation
Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association
Ontario Trillium Foundation
Federal Economic Development Agency
Business Development Bank of Canada
Farm Credit Canada
Thank you to our sponsors for helping make this event possible.
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Contact Us
Kawartha Lakes
P.O. Box 9000, 26 Francis Street
Lindsay, ON, K9V 5R8
Telephone: 705-324-9411
Toll free at 1-888-822-2225
After-hours emergencies: 1-877-885-7337
