Amherst Island Recreation Association

Island Living – Enhancing Community Wellness

Granted:

$1,800.00

Funded by: The Amherst Island Fund

A diverse array of programming is provided to the population of Amherst Island on an ongoing basis by the Amherst Island Recreation Association. Year-round weekly sports programming includes Zumba, yoga, basketball, volleyball, pickleball (50+), pickleball (all ages), and mixed sports night. Seasonal sports offerings include weekly outdoor soccer. Funds will be used to replace worn-out sports and recreation equipment and to diversify the Amherst Island Rec. Association’s existing equipment inventory.

Impact:

450 Individuals (including 35 Youth)

Kingston Canadian Film Festival

Broom Factory

Granted:

$15,000.00

Funded by: The Edward Ratcliffe Fund, The Valerie Robertson Women in Theatre Fund, The Audrey and Peter Scholes Memorial Fund

The Broom Factory is an innovative all-ages venue that hosts concerts, panels, workshops, community meetings, and other arts events in the Inner Harbour. We currently have a 210-person cap, with many of our events selling out or functioning at maximum capacity. There is still plenty of room in the venue for more patrons, but maximum capacity is currently limited by the number of washrooms. Demand for our space has far exceeded our expectations, and increasing our capacity would help us meet that demand. Funds will be used to assist in the construction of a new washroom, which will increase venue capacity by 100 and improve patron experience at the venue.

Impact:

6,000 Individuals (including 1,500 Youth)

The Township of Frontenac Islands

Howe Island Fire & Rescue Medical Training Equipment

Granted:

$2,261.07

Funded by: The Howe Island Community Fund

Howe Island Fire & Rescue is a medical first response team for the residents of Howe Island. Our present equipment used to train the first responders is outdated and needs upgrading. In doing the upgrade, we would look to provide community educational training sessions so the residents can also learn the skills of CPR and could intervene should there be a medical emergency. This is particularly important as there are no medical facilities or ambulances on Howe Island and in medical emergencies the ambulance must travel from the city across the ferry to the island.

Impact:

2173 Individuals (including 100 Youth)

Black Youth in STEM at Queen’s University

Engaging Black Youth in STEM at Queen’s University

Granted:

$16,000.00

Funded by: The Community Fund, Kingston Youth Science and Technology Fund, The Marion Meyer Opportunity Fund, The Tackaberry Heating Supplies Fund

Black Youth in STEM (BYiS) is a culturally sensitive and inclusive Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning program for Black and other racialized youth (ages 6 to 18) from all over the world who live in Kingston. The program is offered by Queen’s Engineering Outreach, free of cost to participating families, and its overall mandate is to significantly increase the number of Black and racialized scientists and engineers joining the future Canadian workforce, by offering both cognitive and psychosocial support to participants.

Impact:

122 Individuals (including 120 Youth)

Kingston School of Art

Gallery Attendant Positions

Granted:

$7,640.00

Funded by: The Audrey and Peter Scholes Memorial Fund

The Kingston School of Art (KSOA) is a non-profit charitable organization that recognizes the importance of art and believe that art should be available to the Kingston community. Our Mission is to: provide year-round art programs within a supportive environment for people of all ages, to manage these programs within a non-profit service, to address financial barriers for participation, to offer programs in a studio-based environment with artists/tutors/masters for hands-on instruction and a practical artistic experience, to foster artistic individuality and innovation, to enhance the opportunities for the cultivation of art within our community. We cater to an all-ages community and welcome everyone.

Impact:

2 Individuals (including 2 Youth)

Lion Hearts Inc.

Fresh Food Market Pop-Ups

Granted:

$16,000.00

Funded by: The Ruth and Stu Barton Community Fund, The Wilson Family Fund, The Sandiford Family Fund

The Fresh Food Market Pop-Up aims to bring communities affordable, fresh produce. We “pop up” in various communities across Kingston and area, reducing barriers by increasing access to affordable, fresh produce. We work with a local wholesaler, buy in bulk, and offer a slight margin on all items. Revenue that is generated is put directly back into the program to purchase more food for the Fresh Food Market Pop-Up. We also offer a variety of homemade soups, that have been widely popular, and are looking to extend our product line of prepared foods. Although we pop up strategically in various communities, we believe that the Fresh Food Market Pop-Up is for anyone and everyone. With a mere 30% markup on produce at the Fresh Food Market Pop-Ups, as more individuals and families choose to shop at the Fresh Food Market Pop-Up, it will allow us to continue to keep prices significantly lower than grocery stores. Our lower prices will allow individuals and families with stretched or limited incomes to purchase the nutritious food they need to thrive. We currently operate in four locations: 1). Rideau Heights Community Centre, 2). Amherstview Community Hall, 3). YMCA and 4). Artillery Park.

Impact:

600 Individuals (including 400 Youth)

Loving Spoonful

Gleaning & Local Food Access

Granted:

$16,000.00

Funded by: The Community Fund, The Regina Rosen Food First Fund, The Bronskill Group Fund, The Bob & Margaret Fund, The Cameron and Laurie Thompson Fund

The Gleaning program takes a holistic approach to strengthening the local food system and improving access to locally-produced foods. By working closely with farmers, we reduce the amount of food wasted at each stage of production and distribution (from field waste to post-market waste). By providing farmers with tax receipts for the retail value of gleaned produce, farmers are able to convert unsold produce into an economic benefit, strengthening their own resiliency and ability to continue producing food for our community. By distributing gleaned food through our Local Food Access programs, we increase equitable access to locally produced foods, and improve the ability and agency of all community members to choose healthy, high quality, fresh and nutritious foods. By engaging dozens of volunteers, we are improving connections between farmers and urban community members, and our Gleaning Harvest Trips provide opportunities for volunteers to learn new agricultural skills, build relationships with likeminded people, and engage directly in their food system. We operate weekly at the Kingston Public Market (May-November) and the Memorial Centre Farmers Market (year-round).

Impact:

2500 Individuals (including 500 Youth)

AMHS-KFLA (Addiction and Mental Health Services)

Harmony Hub: Tasks For Transformation

Granted:

$16,000.00

Funded by: The Ross and Suzanne Kilpatrick Fund, The Aaron and Norma Palmer Endowment Fund, The Tragically Hip Community Fund, The Richard Moorehouse Fund, The Skolnick Family Fund

This program will offer a new approach to skill-building, harm reduction, and community engagement through the implementation of small, meaningful tasks around the facility. Before beginning, participants undergo a brief orientation to align their skills and interests with available tasks, ensuring a beneficial match for both the individuals and the hub. Participants are compensated for their contributions with gift cards, empowering them to support their needs and wants, further promoting a sense of autonomy and self-respect.

Impact:

35 Individuals

BGC South East

Expanded STEM & Robotics for Children & Youth

Granted:

$20,500.00

Funded by: The Community Fund, The Gordon F. Tompkins Funeral Home Children’s Endowment Fund, David Middleton North End Development Fund, The Alcan Endowment Fund, The Micah Baerwald Legacy Community Fund, The Rose Family Fund, The Cameron and Laurie Thompson Fund

In October of 2023, BGC South East acquired the Kingston Robotics Lab (178 Railway Street) along with a network of expert volunteer mentors, and an arsenal of leading-edge equipment (3D printers, woodworking tools, steel cutters, etc). The Kingston Robotics Lab is the largest lab of its kind in Canada and second largest in the world. This project will expand on a novel program, providing hands-on experiential learning opportunities in STEM and Robotics for 340 local children and youth, utilizing Nationally-renowned robotics infrastructure. This expanded program aims to develop and implement a non-competitive model of STEM & Robotics programs that can amplify the reach of participants, including underrepresented communities, with an emphasis on newcomers, BIPOC communities, and North End families.

Impact:

350 Individuals (including 340 Youth)

Frontenac Arch Biosphere Foundation

Youth Climate Action Summit Program: Empowering Tomorrow’s Environmental Leaders

Granted:

$16,000.00

Funded by: The Community Fund, The Aaron and Norma Palmer Endowment Fund, The Ruth and Stu Barton Environmental Fund, The Chown Fund, The Environmental Legacy Fund, The Douglas Branton Fell Memorial Fund, The Gray Environment Fund, The Smart & Caring Community Fund

Impact:

120 Individuals (including 100 Youth)

Frontenac County Schools Museum Association

Three Sisters and Medicine Gardens

Granted:

$1,500.00

Funded by: The Eric Dewar Neuman Fund

The Frontenac County Schools Museum is located in the quaint, historic village of Barriefield. Walking through the village is like taking a step back in time. Our museum is housed in the former Pittsburgh Township Hall, built in 1886 by William Newlands. The Museum’s collection is one-of-a-kind and is able to present many social history themes. A significant theme that is consistently displayed throughout the Museum and in programs is the division between rural and urban life in Frontenac County in the early Twentieth Century. Agricultural and nature studies were a key component of early childhood education during this time period. The Museum built its first garden in 2022 and replanted it in 2023. The second garden was an Indigenous “Three Sisters” garden. In 2024, we will replant this garden using heritage seeds from a local Indigenous organization and seeds harvested from 2023. This year, the project will be expanded by establishing a second garden of medicinal plants and complimentary plants.

Impact:

500 Individuals (including 250 Youth)

Frontenac Kingston Council on Aging

Seniors Online for Healthy Food

Granted:

$15,243.00

Funded by: The Gayle Barr & Peter Bryson Family Fund, The Community Fund, The Margie & Tom Courchene Fund, The Neil Currie Davis Fund, The Ronald & Mildred Grant Family Fund, The Aaron and Norma Palmer Endowment Fund, The Theda Anderson Fund, The Seniors Community Grant Fund, The Bill & Nancy Gray Fund, The Regina (Gini) Rosen Fund

Impact:

106 Individuals (including 2 Youth)

Kidney Foundation of Canada- Kingston Branch

Camp Dorset Subsidy

Granted:

$2,600.00

Funded by: The Bill and Gladys Kelly Community Fund, The 3J’s Smart & Caring Fund

The Kidney Foundation of Canada is the national volunteer organization committed to eliminating the burden of kidney disease through funding innovative research, providing education and support to prevent kidney disease; advocating for improved access to health care; and increasing public awareness and commitment to advancing kidney health and organ donation. As part of our mission, the Kidney Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life of kidney patients on dialysis and their families by providing them with an opportunity to experience a summer vacation. Due to the limitations of life-saving dialysis treatment – requiring in-center treatment 3 days a week for 4 hours – many patients are not able to take a vacation with their family. Camp Dorset, located in a resort setting in Southern Ontario, has an on-site dialysis center that which provides treatment to patients. But, the moment their dialysis is done, they are able to emerge from the medical building into a waterfront and wooded setting to join their family in any number of activities – hiking, campfires, canoeing, crafts.

Impact:

36 Individuals (including 5 Youth)

Kingston Arts Council

Artist Prosperity Project

Granted:

$7,890.00

Funded by: The Audrey and Peter Scholes Memorial Fund

The Artist Prosperity Project seeks to help establish better and more consistent practices for compensating artists through demographic data collection, analysis and publication. The primary activities in this project will be to develop, promote and execute a survey, and to publish a report based on the survey findings and broader sector research. We will also incorporate focus groups and interviews into our research and data collection. The survey and consultations will be targeted at artists across the Kingston region (the geographic areas supported by CFKA) working in visual arts, music, and performing arts. We seek to identify the demographics of our artistic workforce, the income levels artists are able to achieve through their artistic practices, and access to opportunities for career development, employment, and funding. The culminating publication will offer a research report on the demographics of our artistic workforce and the state of our arts sector from the perspective of wages, employment, and opportunity, with context and comparisons derived from broader sector research.

Impact:

2000 Individuals (including 400 Youth)

Kingston Community Health Centres

Indigenous Belonging, Understanding And Practicing: Parenting Through Nurturing Touch

Granted:

$24,750.00

Funded by: The David C. Riley Fund, The William Cherry Fund, The Michael Potter Memorial Fund, The Laszlo & Eva Acs Memorial Fund, The Henry Fund, Tha’teioneniienawa’khontie: In the Spirit of Cooperation, Infant Mental Health: Building Resiliency for a Lifetime, The Russell and Susan Park Memorial Fund, Getting Started: Supporting Early Childhood Development Fund

Over the past 2.5 years, a program called Serve and Return: The Power of a Parent’s Touch (S&R), has engaged over 225 parents with infants under 1 year of age in Kingston, providing them tools to support their infant’s social, emotional, and physical health, manage stress and practice evidence-based Adverse Childhood Experiences prevention techniques. there is a high need in the KFL&A area for an Indigenous-specific adaptation of this program that would incorporate cultural teachings and guidance for new Indigenous mothers, who continue to be young and whose children are at high risk for adverse impacts due to systemic discrimination and intergenerational trauma due to colonization. This project seeks to modify the S&R program, at the grassroots level, to be responsive to the needs of the Indigenous community, by collaborating with Indigenous knowledge and community leaders to develop and facilitate IBUP for Indigenous parents in the KFL&A area.

Impact:

180 Individuals (including 60 Youth)

Kingston Community Health Centres – Pathways to Education

Pathways-ISKA Art Connection

Granted:

$9,100.00

Funded by: The Community Fund, The Robert W. Clark Endowment Fund, The Henry Lee & Loretta Lee Memorial Legacy Fund

KCHC Pathways to Education (Pathways) is a community development project that increases high school graduation rates in Kingston’s North End. Pathways breaks the cycle of generational poverty for youth through access to post-secondary education, securing meaningful employment or entering a skilled trade. Immigrant Services Kingston & Area is one of two newcomer settlement services in Kingston for youth ages 12-25. ISKA Youth predominantly supports non-government funded refugees, newcomers and their families. Post-pandemic, Pathways has partnered with ISKA Youth, a sister program on Kingston Community health Centres, to increase access and opportunities for newcomer youth. Pathways ISKA Art Connection will give youth a deeper exploration of the arts as a means of connection, expression, healing and resilience.

Impact:

150 Individuals (including 150 Youth)

Kingston Symphony Association

Relaxed Concert Experience

Granted:

$4,950.00

Funded by: The Mrs. Rupert Davies Fund, The Audrey and Peter Scholes Memorial Fund

Impact:

725 Individuals (including 450 Youth)

Learning Disabilities Association of Kingston

Supporting Families and Students with Learning Disabilities in Kingston

Granted:

$3,100.00

Funded by: The Community Fund, Marin Pest Management Fund, The K-Town Tri Legacy Fund

The Learning disabilities Association of Kingston supports local families and individuals living with learning disabilities (LD), educators, and professionals in the Kingston area by: Gathering, assessing and disseminating information on the latest developments in research and practice related to LDs; Planning and delivering free workshops and seminars on LD issues, such as our annual Speak Up for Ability forum held each spring with a focus on topics of particular importance to the community; Sharing information on events (our own and those of related organizations), programs and resources via social media, our website and local networks; Provision of free resources for families on supporting children’s learning at home; Maintaining an information phone line to respond to inquiries for information and resources from community members; Making referrals to other services; Developing a library of materials on key issues related to LDs, such as technology, advocacy, accommodations, legal issues etc.; Interacting with and representing the LD community at our local school boards; Offering special programs such as literacy camps and Reading and Robots workshops

Impact:

200 Individuals (including 100 Youth)

Martha’s Table Community Program Inc.

Community Navigators – Moving People towards Self-Sufficiency

Granted:

$36,000.00

Funded by: The McNevin Family Fund, The Parker Family Fund, The Smart & Caring Community Fund, The Jim & Julie Parker Fund

While Martha’s continues to be an emergency response to food insecurity, we are evolving our strategic plan to support people as they move towards self-sufficiency. Community navigation is a process that connects people to support structures within public services and the wider community. Further, a navigator works hard to link people with relevant resources and help individuals build and maintain relationships in their local area. A navigator gives people a chance to explore opportunities in their area, become more involved with people, groups, and activities that promote healthy and connected lifestyles. The navigator is in place as a support system as participants move through each step, including follow up and encouragement to continue, of whatever social service or assistance they are accessing. This project will be our first step in formalizing services that will benefit people in a variety of ways.

Impact:

250 Individuals (including 40 Youth)

Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre

Twofold Residency for Emerging BIPOC Artists

Granted:

$11,752.41

Funded by: The Community Fund, The Arts & Culture Community Fund, The Audrey and Peter Scholes Memorial Fund, The Bowie Family Fund, The Robert & Judith Mackenzie Fund, The McArthur Connidis Arts Fund

Union Gallery (UG) and Modern Fuel Artist Run Centre (MFARC) are excited to propose a new artist residency opportunity set to launch this summer: the Twofold Residency for Emerging BIPOC Artists in the Katarokwi-Kingston area. Twofold will advance each organization’s goals of: 1) Supporting artistic practices with fair compensation and vital resources; acting as critical teaching and learning spaces for artists and wider publics; and offering equity-driven and anti-racist platforms to connect diverse artists and audiences within our communities. 2) Transforming our galleries into shared spaces for artistic production, UG & MFARC will collaborate to engage 2 BIPOC Residency Co-Directors who will mentor 4 BIPOC Emerging Artists in Residence (EAIR) as they create new artworks to further their practices. Artists will receive a residency fee while accessing resources provided by each organization (MFARC’s New Media Library; UG’s Resource Library and mobile public platform the Wandering Art Station). 

Impact:

2173 Individuals (including 100 Youth)

Providence Care – Recovery College

Peer Facilitator Pilot Project

Granted:

$21,100.00

Funded by: The Eddie Bak Memorial Fund, The Gordon Barr Ltd. Fund, The Community Fund, The Larry Gibson Community Fund, The Frank & Sarah Good Memorial Fund, The Eric Dewar Neuman Fund, The Anne & Bill Patterson Community Fund, The Ellen Shepherd Community Fund, The Cyril E. Wharrie and Evelyn D. Wharrie Fund, The Peter Hartel Community Fund

Providence Care launched a Recovery College in January 2023. Recovery Colleges are welcoming and supportive adult learning centers, empowering people in their mental health and wellness journey through education and peer support. Recovery Colleges offer a wide variety of free courses and workshops that focus on understanding and developing skills to support recovery and wellness for our students. Innovative and creative, ours is the only Recovery College in Kingston and surrounding areas and is open to anyone in our community who wishes to enroll. We want to expand our programming to reach the broader community, including those in inpatient settings within Kingston’s hospitals, the north end of Kingston, and nearby rural and surrounding areas. Additional peer facilitation is needed to achieve this vision and to uphold the co-development pillar of the Recovery College model.

Impact:

200 Individuals

Queen’s University

Enhancing Land-Based Learning: Promoting Inclusive Access at Elbow Lake

Granted:

$13,713.40

Funded by: The Eric Dewar Neuman Fund, The Marion and John Dunn Fund, The Helping Hands for those with Disabilities Fund

Impact:

800 Individuals (including 750 Youth)

St. Lawrence Youth Association

Specialized Treatment Program (STP) For Youth with Concerning Sexual Behaviour

Granted:

$35,000.00

Funded by: The Community Fund, The Aaron and Norma Palmer Endowment Fund, The Sunnyside Children’s Fund, The Young Adults Mental Health Fund

SLYA is excited to offer the crucially-needed, trauma-informed, community-based specialized treatment program for youth ages 12-24 years, who demonstrate significant sexual behaviour problems, and/or who are at risk of offending or have, in fact, offended sexually. The model employed by SLYA offers the specialized knowledge, evidence informed practice, and flexibility to provide a range of assessment and treatment services for youth displaying concerning sexualized behaviours, and with sufficient funding services can be offered on an ongoing basis. The program offers a 10 session CBT-based, trauma-informed intervention for youth in our community, facilitated by our experienced counsellor, supervised by graduate-level Social Workers/Psychotherapists within our agency.

Impact:

25 Individuals (including 20 Youth)

Wintergreen Studios

Wildlife In a Warming Climate: Learning to Take Action

Granted:

$1,000.00

Funded by: The McArthur Connidis Arts Fund

Wildlife in a Warming Climate: Learning to Take Action is a school-based program for junior-aged students which will be designed and delivered collaboratively by Wintergreen Studios and Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre over the 2024-2025 school year. The program focuses on how an understanding of habitats and ecosystems can form the foundation for taking action to preserve and re-wild local habitats. By learning about and engaging in hands-on projects to improve animal habitats, students will take an active role in helping mitigate the effects of a warming climate and, in doing so, foster hope for the future.

Impact:

325 Individuals (including 300 Youth)

Youth Diversion

Youth Diversion Summer Camp Life Skills Program

Granted:

$10,305.00

Funded by: The Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation Fund

At-risk youth don’t typically fit the mold for standard summer camps as they tend to have far greater needs that require specialized supports. For example, last year Youth Diversion screened its clients for early childhood trauma (ACEs) and over 61% of our clients have been identified with high ACE scores. Because of this, our camp is specially designed to mitigate the trauma through trauma-informed practices. Youth Diversion’s Life Skills Summer Camp will be designed to support young people from the ages of 10-18 throughout the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFLA) area to provide life skills including, resilience, communication, decision making and teamwork that support and empower youth to reach their fullest potential, increase their socialization and recreation during their time in this camp.

Impact:

40 Individuals (including 25 Youth)

Youth Imagine the Future

Youth Imagine the Future–a Festival of Writing & Art

Granted:

$4,600.00

Funded by: The Audrey and Peter Scholes Memorial Fund

Youth Imagine the Future Festival’s key objective is to invite youth to engage with positive solution thinking about the future regarding the climate crisis. YIF gives a free one-hour workshop in any classroom or youth group (grades 7-12), in September-October, in the greater Kingston Region. Our slideshow shows real solutions which are being used around the world, and successes that other regions are having regarding the climate crisis. Then we invite youth to think, to imagine, and then to express their vision of a better future using the arts, (creative writing and visual art).  One of our key objectives is to organize and operate a festival at zero cost to the youth participants; we feel it is important to honour the work and vision of the youth who participate by offering a tangible award.

Impact:

3,500 Individuals (including 2,000 Youth)