““Thanks to the generosity of our donors, this fall we are able to support a high number of children and youth programs in our community that address a wide range of interests and needs.”

Kingston (December 1st, 2014) –The Community Foundation for Kingston & Area (CFKA) is pleased to announce that the Fall 2014 grants round will see grants totaling more than $107,000 awarded to thirty community organizations in Kingston and Area. Grants are made through its Community Grants Program, which is comprised of more than forty funds, reflecting both community need and individual donor preferences.

Linda Lysne, who chairs the Grants Committee, notes that, “thanks to the generosity of our donors, this fall we are able to support a high number of children and youth programs in our community that address a wide range of interests and needs including: clothing provision, a spelling bee, a robot building competition, a new playground, summer camp experience, educational mentoring, special needs support, after school programs and more.”

What: The Community Foundation for Kingston & Area Fall Grants Ceremony
When: Thursday, December 11th, 4-6 p.m.
Where: Kingston Community Health Centre, 263 Weller Ave.

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About the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area

The Community Foundation for Kingston & Area is an independent, local charitable organization founded in 1995. We strengthen our community by connecting charitable giving to community needs.  The Foundation encourages individuals and organizations to establish and help grow permanent endowments, which allows us to invest in our community in perpetuity.

Funds are invested and income earned is used to provide charitable grants. To date, the Foundation has distributed more than $8 million dollars.

For more information call 613.546.9696, visit www.cfka.org, or connect with us through Facebook or Twitter @CFKingstonArea.

Media Contact:

Linda Lysne, Grants Committee Chair
Community Foundation for Kingston & Area
lindaleeslysne@gmail.com
613-389-9550

Fall 2014 Grants:

Kingston Community Health Centres, Natural Play Area: $10,000
From Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation Fund, David Middleton North Kingston Development Fund and the Tragically Hip Community Fund

The location of Better Beginnings for Kingston Children in our new facility has access to a large parcel of outdoor space from the programming rooms.  We are planning on developing this area as a natural play area for our clients.  On average we have 130 adults and 160 children attending our programs each week.  The demographic of this group are families with children under the age of 5 who live primarily on income under $20,000.  With a grant from CFKA we will create a natural outdoor space that can be accessed year round.  The following link will illustrate the greening playground concept: http://ontarioecoschools.org/program_guides/downloads/SGG.pdf.  This space will allow for our clients to experience nature and the outdoors and possibly gardens which we can integrate with our dietician and provide cooking groups and eating experiences that include fresh vegetables.

Kingston Canadian Film Festival, Youth Shorts Program: $3,500
From the Edward Ratcliffe Fund, The Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation and the Marion and John Dunn Fund.

During the 15th annual Kingston Canadian Film Festival- Feb.26-Mar.1, 2015- a 90 minute prime-time screening will be devoted to 10-12 short films produced by youth aged 17 and under.  There will be an open “call for submissions” with a professional jury choosing the films to screen at the festival.  Notes and feedback will be provided for all submissions.  A cash reward and mentorship program will be offered to the winner of “Best Youth Short”.  The initiative will have a tremendous impact on our local filmmaking community as it encourages and celebrates youth filmmaking in an exciting festival atmosphere, with significant press and media.  The project will show Kingston is an area for film and that opportunities exist for aspiring filmmakers.  We expect a significant increase in youth film production within Kingston due to the initiative.  CFKA funds will be used for venue/equipment rentals, promotion, project management and a program award.

Hospice Kingston, Music Therapy in Hospice Palliative Care: $2,500
From the Assante Financial Management Fenlon Division Fund, the Michael Potter Memorial Fund and the Community Fund

To hire a Music Therapist who will facilitate:
9 x 1 hour group music therapy sessions every 6 weeks with the Client Day Program.
plus to facilitate in the community 52 x 1 hour sessions with clients in their homes
Music applied in a therapeutic context has the ability to enhance the bio-psycho-social needs of our clients and we anticipate we will integrate music therapy to approx. 70 of our clients.
Music therapy will enhance the Client and Visiting programs.
Funds received will be used to pay the Music Therapist and to purchase any necessary supplies needed to facilitate the program.

Southern Frontenac Community Services Corporation, Food Bank Expansion: $1,800
From the Dr. Samuel Robinson Foundation

There has been a tremendous surge in demand for SFCSC’s Food Bank in recent years.  Over 762 households came to our food bank last year for support- up to 80% in the last 2 years.  An average of 63 households a month depends on SFCSC’s food bank; over 115 users are adults and over 70 are children.  For 2014, the outlook is a further 10%+ projected growth.  To accommodate the growth, SFCFC must re-organize it’s food bank and requires purchase of 2 new stainless steel shelves, 2 stainless steel tables to handle and divide up produce from the SFCSC garden and greenhouse on food grade surfaces as well as the removal of carpeting and replacing it with vinyl flooring in the new food packing and distribution area.

Northern Frontenac Community Services Corporation, First You Plant the Seed: $4,750
From the Tragically Hip Community Fund and the Community Fund

NFCS currently provides Aboriginal programming to preschoolers.  Due to this program’s success, we are ready to expand the program into the second phase.  The purpose of this project is to provide inclusive opportunities for Aboriginal/ Non Aboriginal children ages 4-10 years to recognize/ maintain pride and appreciation in First Nations culture.  The impact will be an increase in children’s sense of belonging and self-worth through programs that celebrate the unique characteristics of our community.  There will be monthly Aboriginal story-telling circles in four local public schools for JK/SK students.  For the older youth, ages 6-10 years, A Cultural Connection Club weekly.  Special events for the community will include a Strawberry Moon Festival and Great Outdoor Adventure.  The inclusion of local elders will provide guidance and support for events.

Easter Seals Ontario, Send a Kid to Camp: $5,000
From the Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation and an Anonymous Fund

Children with physical disabilities often find themselves in social isolation and with limited social and physical outlets and are not presented with the same access to social programs as their peers.  Attending camp provides an opportunity for them to establish their independence, explore their physical abilities through recreational and creative challenges and develop and nurture friendships.  Most mainstream camps are not built or staffed to accommodate children with special needs, making them off limits.  All children, whether physically disabled or not, benefit from camping and recreational activities and deserve the opportunity to be kids.
Funds will be used to allow kids with physical disabilities to just be kids by sending them to Camp Merrywood- a fully subsidized, fully accessible camp for children with physical disabilities.

Queen’s Kaleidoscope, Queen’s Kaleidoscope Carnival: $2,500
From the Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation

The CFKA funds will be used for the Kaleidoscope carnival which is a highlight of the year for many of the children in our program.  Our “little buddies” are nominated to participate in our program for a variety of reasons.  Many of them struggle academically, have trouble fitting in with their peers and/or have a difficult home life.  Throughout the year, the Queen’s “Big Buddies” visit their “Little Buddies” once a week for an hour to provide one-on-one academic and social support.  Our year-end carnival is an opportunity to allow children who have faced struggles to have fun and enjoy spending some time with their big buddy as well as thank our big buddies for all their hard work over the previous year.

Kingston Interval House, Food and Files Risk Management: $3,900
From the Woodbury Enterprises WE Care Youth Fund, the Russell and Susan Park Memorial Fund and the William Cherry Fund

We are an emergency shelter and 2nd stage housing provider to the City of Kingston.  Currently, our file storage consists of cardboard boxes and our shelter kitchen has a residential, failing refrigerator.  We have 250 residents per year come through our shelter, each one having a file with critical, confidential information documented.  Many of our residents use our emergency shelter numerous times and we maintain their files for retrieval when needed.  This past year has seen several major plumbing issues in our old limestone building and our file storage has been severely compromised.  Our residents are fed 3 meals and 3 snacks a day from our shelter kitchen.  We typically see over 2,000 meals and over 2,000 snacks served on a monthly basis.  The residential refrigerator has not lasted one year and needs to be replaced with a commercial refrigerator.  The grant would be used towards the purchase of 4 lateral filing cabinets and a commercial refrigerator.

The Salvation Army Community and Family Services, Christmas Hamper Database: $6,000
From the Russell and Susan Park Memorial Fund and the Larry Gibson Community Fund

Each year the Salvation Army Kingston Community and Family Services provides oversight to the distribution of Christmas Food Hampers to over 3,000 households.  Additionally, over $2,500 children up to age 12 will receive new toys and youth between 13 and 16 will receive a $25.00 gift card.  Working with 50 local agencies, the family details need to be collected and entered into a central database.  The Salvation Army then reviews and collates the information to be used during the hamper pick-up and delivery as well as providing pertinent information to sponsors of families.

Winter Warmth Program, Winter Warmth Fall 2014 Spring 2015: $5,000
From the Dr. Samuel Robinson Foundation

Winter Warmth raises money to purchase clothing and footwear for children identified by social and youth workers from local schools in Kingston and the surrounding area.  With many of these children living below the poverty line there is not adequate funds for shelter or food, let alone clothing.  We spend as much money on socks, underwear, jeans, shirts and shoes as we do on coats and boots.  We make it possible for kids to participate in co-op programs to achieve high school credits (work boots, clothing, etc.) and sports (running shoes, shorts).  Many rural high school students are not able to obtain employment with no public transportation and few remote employers.  This means they are not able to help with their own clothing/footwear needs.  We have been told the program helps them to stay in school, not quit because of what they don’t have.  All CFKA funds will be used to purchase clothing and footwear.  The only overhead with Winter Warmth is bank charges.

KCHC Pathways to Education, Go F.A.R.: $4,280.58
From the Community Fund

Facilitator of Alumni Relations (F.A.R.) would lead this pilot project and:
-Spend 1 day per week at St. Lawrence College meeting with P2E alumni offering support around academics, social and emotional needs and life skills (conflict resolution, time management, etc.) and making referrals to relevant SLC services
-Support P2E alumni at other institutions via social media
-Guide alumni to create a student-led committee that will provide ongoing support in future years
-Support P2E Dual Credit high school students
This will prevent drop-outs in the first year of post-secondary and foster ongoing support as alumni re-engage as volunteers & mentors, allowing them to give back to the community.

Kingston Community Health Centres Rising Artists Program, Rising Artists- Dance and Drumming: $5,000
From the Alcan Endowment Fund and the Community Fund

The Rising Artists program, launched in July of 2014 with hip hop dance and bucket drumming classes.  The plan is to expand the program to include visual arts and healthy cooking!  This first arts program of its kind will remain free to children in grades 4 through 6 in the Rideau Heights neighbourhood, be offered on Sunday afternoons for 40 weeks at KCHC, and be taught by professional artists and Loving Spoonful’s chef.  Research has shown that quality arts programs improve children’s academic outcomes, build self-esteem and teach cooperation, that physical activity and healthy eating help improve health outcomes and that healthy eating habits developed early extend into adult life.  CFKA funds will be used for human resource costs.

Queen’s Good Times Diner, Good Times Diner Soup Kitchen: $1,000
From the Dr. Samuel Robinson Foundation

Good Times Diner is a student-run organization created with the intent to provide an immensely vital service: to serve and provide free and nutritious meals to low-income members of the Kingston community.  The soup kitchen serves balanced meals to 30-60 patrons twice a week, 50 weeks a year.  Provided funding would be used for the purchase of food and other expenses associated with the operation of the soup kitchen (such as cooking utensils and cleaning supplies).  Good Times Diner has a huge impact on the quality of life not only for our patrons, but also through our student volunteers through opportunities for skill development, networking and new experiences.

Code the Change Queen’s Chapter, Code Jam: $1,500
From the Assante Financial Management Fenlon Division Fund

Funds will be used to run Code Jam 2015, a 12 hour event where Queen’s student’s work in groups to develop computer programs for local non-profit organizations who need support with either mobile applications or web development.  We do not charge a fee for students or non-profits therefor your funds would help with the cost of operations (venue, meals, prizes, etc.).  We expect 80 students and 10 non-profit organizations to participate.  Funds will also be used for advertising and preparatory programming workshops in the fall semester.  This event will allow students to improve their technical programming skills and make a positive contribution to the Kingston community.

Sustainable Kingston, Target-Based Sustainability Program: $5,000
From the Ruth and Stu Barton Environmental Fund and the Community Fund

Sustainable Kingston is working to launch a Target-based Sustainability Program for businesses in our community.  Based on the proven approach, developed by Sustainable Waterloo Region (SWR), the program will help businesses set and achieve sustainability goals, with a particular focus on reducing carbon emissions.  The CFKA funds will be used to licence a greenhouse gas accounting software that will allow local businesses to assess their carbon footprint.  Sustainability CoLab has leveraged economies of scale and partnered to get this particular software at a significantly discounted licence fee- $5000 compared to $25,000 without partnership.

Limestone Learning Foundation, FIRST Robotics Team 2809, K-Botics: $2,500
From the Bill and Gladys Kelly Community Fund, the Kingston Youth Science and Technology Fund and the Marion and John Dunn Fund.

The mission of K-Botics is to build a FIRST Robotics Competition robot through partnership between high school, post-secondary education, and industry and community volunteers.  We inspire students to pursue careers in, and to promote, science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  Our core values are reflected in the diversity of the team.  Above all, we support our team to take innovative risks, respect each other, give back to the community, compete enthusiastically and conduct themselves in a professional and gracious manner.  With a growing number of students, it is important for us to run a comprehensive pre-season that engages and empowers new students to actively participate in the team.  This funding will cover 50% of the registration fees for our first regional competition.

The Canadian Mental Health Association Kingston Branch, Enhancing Youth Social Skills: Let’s Talk Sex: $3,426
From the Sunnyside Children’s Fund

Our agency will partner with the Kingston Chapter of Autism Ontario to facilitate groups for youth with ASD to support the youth through the developmental stages of transitioning into puberty.  Trained staff and volunteers will use a psycho-educational approach combined with cognitive behavioral strategies to encourage interactive skills.  Issues addressed in sexual behaviour includes self-image, emotions, values, attitudes, beliefs, behaviours and relationships.  Through shared group experiences, the youth with ASD will be encouraged in establishing of a sexual identity, taking responsibility for self, and learning what is appropriate and inappropriate sexual behaviour.  A guide will be developed for future groups and used as a tool for parents and caregivers.  Funds for this initiative will support program materials, supplies, and a paid volunteer coordinator for three hours per week to train other volunteers, supervise and coordinate services.

CFRC Radio/ Radio Queen’s University, Homelessness Marathon: $1,700
From the Alcan Endowment Fund

The Homelessness Radio Marathon is an annual event broadcasting live from the street for one full night each February, coast to coast to coast via campus and community radio stations, to raise awareness about homelessness in Canadian communities.  From 2003-2013, CKUT in Montreal hosted the broadcast, with contributions from dozens of community stations across the country.  In 2014, CJSR in Edmonton took on coordination of this nationwide live broadcast.  In 2015, CFRC in Kingston takes the reins, working with partners in our community to highlight the impacts of homelessness here and making links with other communities experiencing homelessness in Canada.

Frontenac Stewardship Foundation, Frontenac Stewardship Seminar and Workshop Series: $5,000
From the Ruth and Stu Barton Environmental Fund and the Cyril and Evelyn Wharrie Fund

The FSF is proposing to host a series of 4 evening seminars (3 wetland seminars and 1 grassland seminar) and 2 day-long workshops (one dealing with Permaculture, one dealing with Invasive Species).  The intent of this educational program is to raise the level of awareness of local residents of the natural wonders in their own neighbourhoods and the threats to those natural areas, or realistic eco-friendly alternatives to traditional land uses.  CFKA funds will be used to cover expenses including hall rentals, speaker and related expenses, subsidize lunches (for the 2 day-long events), advertising and project related administrative costs.

Independent Living Centre Kingston, The Registered Disability Savings Plan and You: $6,096
From The Cyril and Evelyn Wharrie Fund and The Larry Gibson Community Fund

Independent Living Centre Kingston (ILCK) will provide one to one support to individuals with disabilities and their families to successfully obtain a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP).  The RDSP is a savings plan that is intended to help individuals, parents, and others, save for the long-term financial security of a person who has a disability.  However, the application process can be difficult, lengthy and confusing for many individuals.  ILCK is requesting financial support to hire a program facilitator to support and provide one on one education to 100 individuals through the process in applying for a RDSP.  The program facilitator will work 5 hours per week working directly with individuals and will accommodate their disability related needs as it relates to their RDSP application, including attending meetings at banks with them.  A work plan and project outline will be created and a final evaluation of the project will be completed to assist in seeking sustainable funding.

KCHC, Dare to Stand Out: Kingston Youth Diversity Conference: $3,110.00
From the Sunnyside Children’s Fund

The conference is a full day of engaging workshops, speakers, activities and resources designed specifically to develop youth leadership skills and to deal with and to address issues of homophobia, transphobia, exclusion, discrimination and any kind of intersectorial violence.  Youth will be empowered by giving them the tools and skills they need to raise awareness about all kinds of discrimination and to promote diversity.  Funds will be used to buy materials for workshops, transportation for facilitators and participants, honorarium for Immigrants Services Kingston and Area (ISKA) youth who will be in charge of planning and organizing the conference, snacks, lunch, t-shirts for organizers, swag bags, sound system, printing.

Cycle Kingston, Safe Cycling for Kingston’s New Immigrants: $3,450
From The Eddie Bak Memorial Fund, The Gordon Barr Ltd. Fund and The Community Fund

Cycle Kingston will offer safe cycling workshops and clinics to new immigrants to Kingston during the summer of 2015.  Funding will be used for additional summer student hours to develop, promote, and deliver specialized sessions, which also acts to extend the period of employment for summer students, resulting in a better job experience for them ($2000).  Session options will include lecture style presentations and on-road cycle training.  The funding will also be used to cover four months of liability insurance ($400) and promotional costs related directly to this program ($600).  Cycle Kingston will partner with new immigrant serving organizations as well as post-secondary institutions to extend its reach and add efficacy to the initiative.

Autism Ontario, Arts on the Spectrum: $4,000
From the McArthur Connidis Arts Fund and the Community Fund

-Partnership of Autism Ontario Kingston and accomplished Artist/Educators offering 18 week, free fine arts exploration to children, youth and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
-Project designed and facilitated by visual artists, published poets, dancers, musicians, and songwriters.
-Promote awareness of ASD and individuals who have it.
-Explore the arts to achieve greater well-being, and enhance the creative strengths of participant’s social interaction and inclusion
-Enhance opportunities for creative expression, to improve confidence, communication, artistic and social skills.
-Initiate long-term outreach in the community, including public art exhibits and performances.

Able Sail Kingston, Adapting Sonar for integration into the learn to sail program: $4,000
From the Assante Financial Management Fenlon Division Fund and the Community Fund

Able Sail Kingston (ASK) recently received a donation of Paralympic-class Sonar sailboat.  Unlike our current Martin 16 boats, which accommodate only one sailor and an instructor, this boat will hold several people, making it possible to sail in groups of people, and with people who do not want to learn to sail themselves but only to be able to enjoy the water experience.  The boat has not yet been adapted for sailors with mobility disabilities, and the CFKA funds will be used to purchase custom seating: a “lazy susan” seat for the forward section that allows a crew member to adjust the lines and transfer back and forth; a transfer bench and overhead bar in the aft section that allows the skipper to helm and to transfer from side to side; seats, cushions, and seat belts to be installed along the side of the boat for non-crew passengers.  Those with very severe disabilities, who sailed using a “sip and puff” system in the Martin 16, will be able to sail without electronics.

Spelling Bee of Canada Kingston Chapter, Outreach for Kingston Spelling Bee: $2,900
From the Alcan Endowment Fund, The John and Marion Dunn Fund and the Kingston Whig Standard Literacy Endowment Fund

-We hope to increase the number of participants in the Kingston Region Spelling Bee and attract up to 60 local youth to compete in one of three age categories: Primary, Junior and Intermediate.  Given the size of the population in the Kingston Region and the rate of participation in other chapters, we believe this goal is achievable with advertising.
-Literacy skills of all participants will improve and spellers will hone their confidence in public speaking.  The top spellers in each category will proceed to the Provincial Championship in Toronto.
-The CFKA funds will be used to cover the cost of advertising, printing and mailing a flyer to 110 local schools, providing free subsidies to families for whom the registration fee poses a challenge, and purchasing gifts for guest speakers who make opening remarks.

Alzheimer Society of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington, Drop In Centre: $2,000
From the Dr. Samuel Robinson Foundation

This program will provide a three hour respite service once a week.  Our goal is to provide respite for the care partner and a creative and socially engaging opportunity for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in a safe and supportive environment.  The Drop In Centre will be facilitated by an Education & Support Coordinator as well as volunteers.  This program will provide meaningful recreational activities that reflect the interests of participants.  The recreational activities will include physical, intellectual, social, spiritual, creative, humour and vocational activities.  CFKA funds will be used to pay for staffing one day a week to run the program, as well as program supplies.

Kingston and Area Seed System Initiative (KASSI), Building Capacity for a Regional Seed System: $3,500
From the Neil Currie Davis Memorial Fund, The Frank and Sarah Good Memorial Fund and the Community Fund

This project will enhance KASSI’s ability to : raise sufficient funds to further its goals, train two educators in seed saving techniques, grow out and document seed collection in 2015, and increase board efficiency.  This will enable KASSI to distribute seed to the community and continue working towards the creation of a Kingston Seed Bank.
1. Fund raising: 50 hours at $11 per hour obtaining sponsorships/grants $550
Lego model of Seed Bank used as fund raiser ($1 per block) $300
Plant Starts for sale spring 2015 (soil/containers) $200
2. Seed collection: Grow outs at Lakeside Community Garden $500
Document history of varieties in collection $1236
3. Training: seed savers exchange (2 trainers, 3 day workshop) $1000
4. Board development $500

Kingston Revved Up, Kingston Revved Up: $2,300
From the Larry Gibson Community Fund, the McNevin Family Fund and the Community Fund

Revved Up Circuit is a weekly strength and aerobic exercise program for adults with developmental disabilities.  Currently, many potential clients face transportation and accommodation barriers and are unable to attend Revved Up Circuit.  In order to overcome these barriers, we are proposing to expand Revved Up Circuit by introducing a satellite program at one of our partner’s locations, Ongwanada Resource Centre.  This expansion would involve a group-based exercise class combined with educational sessions to promote whole body health, and increase physical activity in daily life.  CFKA funds would be used to cover operational costs such as transportation and salary for a program coordinator.

Kingston Open Chess Group, 2015 Kingston Open Chess Tournament: $1060
From the Alcan Endowment Fund

As part of the Eastern Ontario Chess Association’s circuit of 10 events, the Kingston stop will take place at St. Matthew’s Church Auditorium Fri-Sun, Feb 6-8, 2015 with 5 matches.  It will attract novice and veteran players from Greater Kingston and afar.  There will be spin-off benefits in the hotel and restaurant sectors and outreach groups like The Kingston, Queen’s, St. Lawrence, School and Seniors Chess Clubs, who will be encouraged to play.  There are 6 prizes awarded: first, second and third place in both Junior and Senior Divisions.  We require grant funds of $1060 to help cover 1. A tournament director 2. A master level player who will attract other good players 3. Canadian Federation of Chess Tournament fees 4. Rental fees for the auditorium 5. A subsidy to the prize pool in case of low turnout.  The tournament will impact the North End of Kingston (location) and the Greater Kingston, Eastern Ontario/Quebec and New York State.

Queen’s Conference on Philanthropy, Queen’s Conference on Philanthropy: $500
From the Community Fund and an Anonymous Fund

Queen’s Conference on Philanthropy (QCOP) is Canada’s first undergraduate philanthropy conference.  QCOP is a national conference: its 150 delegates are students from Queen’s University and from universities across Canada.  QCOP focuses on igniting passion for philanthropy in students allowing them to make an impact in their local communities.  Students will leave the conference educated about philanthropy and with ways to get involved in their communities.  We hope to inspire through speakers (leading philanthropists), panelists from philanthropic organizations, and through other delegates.  Funds from CFKA will be used to cover expenses of the conference including hotel and speaker’s transportation.

Boys and Girls Club of Kingston and Area, After School Connections Through Transportation $4,000
From the Alcan Endowment Fund

This is the fourth year of a four-year reoccurring grant.  Children registered in after-School Connections will receive free after-school bus transportation to the Robert Meek Community Centre.