Kawartha Lakes announces 2026 intake for Economic Development Funds

Kawartha Lakes – If you’re part of a local non-profit, three funding programs are now open that could help support the great work you do in our community.

The Economic Development Fund provides funding to not-for-profit organizations operating in Kawartha Lakes providing economic development and cultural programming.

New this year, the municipality is launching a cultural project-based funding program:

• Cultural Development Fund: Provides funding to cultural not-for-profits that offer cultural support and services for public programing in Kawartha Lakes. This new program replaces the previous Community Partnership and Development Fund Culture Fund.

Kawartha Lakes is excited to reopen applications for two operational funding programs in 2025 to support local not-for-profit organizations:

• Local Economic Development Support Grant: Supports operational costs for not-for-profits working on local community economic development initiatives.
• Cultural Facilities Operational Support Grant: Provides funding to cultural not-for-profits that operate a facility, such as museums, galleries, and performance venues, to help sustain their operations.

Eligible organizations can apply for up to 25% of their fixed costs, to a maximum of $20,000. The funds will support the operational costs within the calendar year of 2026. Projects should align with strategic plans such as the Kawartha Lakes Strategic Plan, Economic Development Strategy and Cultural Master Plan.

Applications open November 21, 2025, and close January 15, 2026. For more details and to apply, visit:

• Local Economic Development Support Grant
• Cultural Facilities Operational Support Grant
• Cultural Development Grant

About the Fund

The Economic Development Fund is for Not-For-Profit organizations operating within the City of Kawartha Lakes for the benefit of the residents and visitors of the City in the focus areas of local economic development and culture.

The Fund provides funding for organizations to advance the strategic priorities of the City as detailed in the Kawartha Lakes Strategic Plan, Kawartha Lakes Cultural Master Plan, Kawartha Lakes Economic Development Strategy, and other associated plans or policies.

These funding programs reflect Kawartha Lakes’ commitment to strengthening the local, creative economy and cultural sector.