Save the Date for the Kawartha Lakes Funders Forum

Kawartha Lakes – Organizations from Kawartha Lakes and surrounding areas are invited to attend the upcoming Kawartha Lakes Funders Forum to explore funding opportunities and connect directly with program representatives. 

Focused on supporting communities, Indigenous partners, non-profits, arts and culture organizations, economic development stakeholders, and local businesses, this free event provides a valuable opportunity to learn about funding programs available at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. 

Kawartha Lakes Funders Forum will be hosted by Kawartha Lakes Economic Development, in partnership with the Ontario Government.

Save the date!

Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 8:30am to 12:30pm  

Victoria Park Armoury, 210 Kent Street West, Lindsay 

The Forum will provide direct access to representatives from a range of funding organizations who will share details about their programs. During a structured “funder overview” session, each presenter will deliver a brief introduction to their respective programs and priorities. 

With funder representatives from: 

• Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
• Province of Ontario – including the 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 

The Forum will also feature two keynote presentations: 

• Eric Smeaton, Kawartha Lakes Community Foundation, presenting insights from the recently completed Vital Signs report
• Kirsten Scott, Springboard Grant Writing, speaking to best practices for strong and competitive funding applications

Following the presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to connect one-on-one with funders during a networking session to ask specific questions, explore eligibility criteria, discuss timelines, and gather tailored information about available supports. 

With an anticipated attendance of approximately 150 participants representing non-profit and community organizations, arts and culture groups, Indigenous partners, municipalities, economic development organizations, and businesses, the Forum is designed to strengthen local capacity and improve access to funding. 

Register online to reserve your spot! Learn more about the Funders Forum through Kawartha Lakes Economic Development website.