Social Sustainability Fund backs nine local organizations

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: Representatives, from nine local organizations, recently gathered in Lindsay, to celebrate projects aimed at strengthening communities, improving access to resources, and addressing a range of social needs across the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Hosted by the Kawartha Community Foundation, on Wednesday, October 21st, the breakfast gathering, at Launch Kawartha, brought together representatives of the 2026 Social Sustainability Fund recipient organizations, for an opportunity to share their work, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Supported by the City of Kawartha Lakes, the Social Sustainability Fund provides assistance to organizations developing practical, community-led initiatives in response to local needs.

This year's funded projects span several areas of community well-being, including: food security, mental health, youth development, creative learning, and inclusive programming.

The nine organizations involved in this year's initiatives are Kawartha Lakes Makerspace, Kawartha-Haliburton Children's Foundation, New Canadians Centre, The Grove Theatre, BGC Kawarthas, Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kawartha Lakes-Haliburton, John Howard Society of the Kawarthas, and Kawartha Lakes Food Source.

Each organization is working to address different needs within the community, whether through: expanded access to essential resources, opportunities for young people, creative programming. or initiatives which help residents feel more connected and included.

Beyond celebrating the individual projects, the October 21st gathering provided an opportunity for organizations to connect with others working toward similar goals and consider how their efforts could complement one another.

The Kawartha Community Foundation acknowledged the City of Kawartha Lakes for its continued support of the fund, while also recognizing the staff, volunteers, and community partners whose efforts are helping bring the funded initiatives to life.

The foundation's Social Sustainability Fund reflects a collaborative approach to strengthening the community, supporting local organizations as they develop solutions which respond directly to the needs of residents.