Community Foundation for Kingston & Area announces $387,000 for 29 Local Initiatives

The Community Foundation for Kingston & Area is proud to announce the results of its Spring 2025 Community Grants Program, awarding over $387,000 to 29 impactful projects across Kingston and the surrounding region. This will be the largest Spring granting cycle in the Community Foundation’s history—and the second-largest single round overall since the program’s inception in 1995.

Building Community Resilience

The 29 funded projects highlight the Community Foundation’s close connection to the evolving needs of Kingston and the surrounding areas, and collectively they will be making significant impact through five fundamental drivers of community resilience:

• Addressing systemic barriers faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, living with disabilities, or navigating inequities.
• Advancing leadership, education, mental health, and creative expression among young people, recognizing that youth are critical drivers of future resilience.
• Prioritizing mental well-being through direct services, peer support, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Reducing isolation, celebrating diversity, and creating spaces where all individuals can feel connected, valued, and supported.
• Providing food, housing, clothing, and health resources with respect, autonomy, and stability in mind.

These funding reflect the Community Foundation’s strategic commitment to advance equity, spark resilience, and drive meaningful community impact, not just today, but for years to come. The Community Foundation is committed to working with and inspiring community members to become donors to grow its ability to respond to emerging community needs with agility, compassion, and leadership.

“By investing in youth, strengthening mental health supports, building belonging, and upholding dignity, we are not just addressing today’s needs, we are laying the groundwork for a more resilient, connected community. It’s an incredible privilege to help our community partners bring this vision to life.”
— Stacy Kelly, Executive Director, Community Foundation for Kingston & Area

“This round is a powerful signal of the momentum building across our region. By investing in resilience, inclusion, and leadership at every level, from youth development to mental health supports, we are fueling the next wave of community transformation. The creativity and determination of our partners continues to inspire and energize us.”
— Scott M Forster, Grants Officer, Community Foundation for Kingston & Area

A full list of the 29 funded projects can be found below:

1. BGC South East | Healthy Summer Lunches for Kingston’s Kids | $22,000.00 
BGC is providing healthy summer lunches for children to combat food insecurity, targeting single parent families and low-income families through their summer programming. The program is based on research and community feedback and aims to address the rising food needs in the community. Funding will be used for healthy food supplies to serve 500 children in Kingston. The organization focuses on serving underrepresented communities and promotes youth leadership. The program is expected to have a positive impact on children’s mental health, energy, and learning engagement.

2. Camp Outlook | Camp Outlook – Canoe Paddles | $1,400.00
Camp Outlook is a non-profit organization offering wilderness experiences to underprivileged teens through canoe trips in Ontario’s Algonquin Park. They operate with volunteers and were established in 1970. They are seeking 20 canoe paddles for their program, which is expected to benefit up to 120 youth campers and cost $1,400 from Redtail Paddle Co.

3. Canadian National Institute for the Blind | CNIB Come to Work Kingston | $16,000.00 
CNIB Come to Work Kingston is a program expansion initiative by CNIB aimed at supporting individuals impacted by blindness or low vision in Kingston. The program focuses on job readiness, technology training, and connecting job seekers with employers, addressing the high unemployment rates among blind or visually impaired individuals in Ontario. The program seeks to create sustainable employment opportunities, enhance inclusivity in the workplace, and empower individuals through mentorship and skills training. Key activities include expanding employer partnerships, launching youth programs, and providing ongoing support. The program aims to benefit 15-20 individuals and 5-10 businesses, with a focus on improving employability, reducing unemployment, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and economic empowerment. Success will be measured through quantitative outcomes, qualitative feedback, and ongoing evaluation methods to ensure meaningful impact.

4. Cycle Kingston Inc. | Monthly Bicycle Parking and Repair Clinics at Memorial Centre Farmer’s Market | $2,282.00 
Cycle Kingston partners with Memorial Centre Farmers Market to offer monthly bike repair clinics and secure bicycle parking during peak cycling months. The initiative aims to promote active transportation, enhance cycling safety awareness, and expand services like Gear Up Recycled Bikes. Funds will cover staffing costs, event promotion, and printing cycling safety brochures. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the community and aims to measure success through quantitative data on service usage.

5. Frontier College | Championing Literacy in Kingston | $10,000.00 
Frontier College (formerly United for Literacy in Kingston) offers free literacy programs to address the needs of low-income communities. They collaborate with local partners and volunteers to improve literacy skills, confidence, and community well-being. The organization seeks funding to support their Read for Fun! program, which includes salaries for staff, volunteer management, program materials, and administrative expenses. The leadership team focuses on equity and inclusion, working closely with community partners to identify learners in need and recruit volunteers. Evaluation surveys show positive outcomes, emphasizing the importance of improving literacy rates for individuals and communities. The organization measures impact through performance indicators and collects feedback from various stakeholders for program development and improvement.

6. Kingston 4 Paws Service Dogs | Changing Lives with Service Dogs: Increasing Independence, Confidence & Joy | $5,417.00 
Kingston 4 Paws Service Dogs provides trained service dogs to individuals with disabilities, including autism, PTSD, seizures, and mobility issues. They raise and train puppies starting at 8-9 weeks old, with a focus on meeting local needs and providing ongoing support. They plan to use grant funds to train four service dogs and seek financial sustainability through diverse fundraising strategies. Their long-term impact includes positively impacting individuals/families, while success of the grant will be seen in securing new puppies and delivering training.

7. Kingston Home Base Housing | Lily’s Place Behavioral & Emotional Regulation for Kids (BERK) Program | $25,000.00 
A not-for-profit organization in Kingston called Home Base Housing offers various services to end homelessness, including an emergency family shelter named Lily’s Place. The Lily’s Place Behavioral & Emotional Regulation for Kids (BERK) Program aims to support children aged 2-12 with emotional and behavioral challenges to help them develop coping strategies and stability while their families secure stable housing. The program involves structured activities like group sessions, emotional regulation, creative expression, and parental respite. It addresses the increasing behavioral and emotional challenges faced by children in homelessness, providing immediate support and aiming for long-term community programs for continuity of care and family stability. The program is a preventative measure, equipping children with emotional regulation skills, promoting stability, and aiming to break cycles of homelessness. Staff with lived experience are involved in program development, and partnerships with community organizations ensure a continuum of care for children beyond their time at Lily’s Place. The program’s impact is measured through improved emotional regulation, increased peer engagement, and reduction in behavioral incidents. 

8. Kingston Literacy & Skills | Kingston WordLab at KL&S | $10,250.00
Kingston Literacy & Skills is launching the “Kingston WordLab” pilot project to provide sustainable public reading and authorship programming following the closure of Kingston Writer’s Fest. The program aims to address the gap in local literary programming and engage various community groups, with a strong focus on literacy and well-being. The project has been developed in consultation with various partners and aims to promote social and emotional well-being, support local writers and artists, and preserve literary arts engagement in Kingston. KL&S is seeking funding to support the project, with a focus on professional fees, staff salaries, and key activities. The organization’s leadership and programming are designed to reflect and serve the community, ensuring alignment with community voices and needs. The WordLab project’s success will be measured based on its impact on participants, budget tracking, audience engagement, and partnerships, with the goal of maintaining sustainability beyond grant funding. 

9. Kingston Symphony Association | Relaxed Concerts at the Isabel | $5,550.00 
The Kingston Symphony Association (KSA) is organizing relaxed concerts to provide access to live music for individuals with disabilities. They received a grant to host these concerts, with plans to continue offering them in future seasons. The concerts aim to break barriers in the performing arts and promote diversity and inclusion. The project will involve hiring a consultant, Rachel Marks, to assist with organizing the performances and providing training. Feedback surveys and evaluations will be conducted to measure the impact and success of the program. 

10. Kingston-Frontenac Public Library Board | Increasing Community Belonging Through Indigenous Art at the Kingston Frontenac Public Library | $13,160.00 
The Kingston Frontenac Public Library is seeking funding to commission an Indigenous artist to create artwork for the Isabel Turner Branch, aiming to promote Indigenous placemaking, increase visibility, and enhance the sense of belonging for Indigenous communities in Kingston, Canada. This initiative aligns with Truth and Reconciliation efforts and aims to create a more inclusive community by showcasing Indigenous artwork. The project will involve community engagement sessions, artistic control by the Indigenous artist, and long-term impacts on community belonging. Tracking methods include monitoring attendance, visits to the library, patron feedback, and social media engagement. 

11. Limestone District School Board | La Salle Secondary School Music Studio Improvement Project | $11,548.60
The La Salle Secondary School Music Studio Improvement Project aims to upgrade equipment to enhance music production skills for students at La Salle Intermediate and Secondary School in Kingston. The requested equipment includes an Apple Mac Studio computer, recording software, microphones, and other hardware to support studio operations, teaching recording techniques, and promoting creativity among students. Former students who have benefitted from the program are now active in the music community, locally and internationally. The project is supported by various quotes and letters of support from the community. 

12. Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre (Kingston Artists’ Association Inc.) | Growing and Sustaining: Operating Grant for Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre | $15,000.00 
Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre in Katarokwi-Kingston aims to support emerging and mid-career artists through exhibitions, workshops, residencies, and mentorship. The organization focuses on inclusivity and accessibility, serving diverse communities and addressing financial barriers. Its operations include in-person and virtual services, with a Strategic Plan being developed to enhance inclusive arts programming. Funding barriers include rising artist fees and reduced donations, with efforts made for financial sustainability through revenue diversification. Long-term impacts include expanding internal capacity and revenue sources to support community engagement and sustainability. 

13. Museum of Health Care at Kingston | Healthy Bodies, Happy Hearts: Accessible Learning at the Museum of Health Care | $17,200.00 
The Museum of Health Care focuses on preserving healthcare history in Canada through various programs and exhibits, with a specific emphasis on creating inclusive and engaging learning experiences. One of their projects, “Healthy Bodies, Happy Hearts,” aims to enhance accessibility and engagement at the Children’s Gallery by developing interactive activities for children ages 1-5, particularly those with cognitive, sensory, and developmental disabilities. The project addresses a significant local need for inclusive educational spaces for young children with diverse learning needs in the Kingston community. It will have a lasting impact on the well-being and development of children, families, and caregivers, providing inclusive educational opportunities and fostering cultural awareness and engagement in the community. The project is led by individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, in collaboration with various partners to ensure its success and impact. 

14. Ongwanada | Ongwanada Indigenous Programming and Willow Network Community Drop In | $17,640.00
Ongwanada is a non-profit organization that provides developmental services. They offer various supports in Kingston and Eastern Ontario, including Indigenous programming and survivor-centered care for individuals impacted by sex trafficking through The Willow Network. The program aims to address the lack of specialized services for survivors and focuses on holistic healing practices. Anne Marie Batten leads the Indigenous programming, aiming to re-connect survivors with their culture and land-based activities. The program seeks to reduce re-trafficking rates, improve safety outcomes, prevent exploitation, and enhance mental, physical, and spiritual health for survivors. The initiative involves partnerships with other organizations to provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered care for sex trafficking survivors. It aims to improve mental and physical health, empower survivors, provide critical resources, educate the community on trafficking prevention, build a support network, and create sustainable support systems. The grant’s success will be measured through various outcomes for survivors, with a focus on reducing re-trafficking rates, improving safety, enhancing health, and increasing empowerment.

15. Outreach St. George’s Kingston – Lunch by George | Expanding Reach, Enhancing Connection: A Lunch by George and Welcoming Streets Collaboration | $24,436.59
Outreach St. George’s Kingston (OSGK) collaborates with the Downtown Kingston Welcoming Streets initiative to provide essential resources such as food and clothing to disadvantaged individuals in the community. The collaboration aims to address food insecurity, homelessness, and mental health challenges in Kingston. The program involves phases of preparation, implementation, evaluation & future planning. The funding from the application will support a Collaborative Steward to engage with participants and connect them to services. The program focuses on community connection, empowerment, and improving quality of life for vulnerable populations. 

16. Providence Care – Recovery College | Recovery College Peer Facilitation Project | $24,500.00 
Providence Care’s Recovery College in Kingston provides free mental health support and education, with over 240 students enrolled and plans for expansion using funding for sustainability. The program is co-developed with professionals and individuals with lived experience and is evaluated through student feedback. The impact includes increased community connection and peer support, doubling student enrollment, and positive feedback. The program emphasizes peer support and empowerment, with plans for ongoing evaluation and continued investment in peer-led services. 

17. Rustle Free Methodist Church | Inclusive Community Space | $7,124.64
Rustle Church in Kingston’s Inner Harbour neighborhood provides a safe community space for residents facing addiction, mental health issues, and high crime rates. The church offers support and free events, with Pastor Todd collaborating with local agencies. They aim to create an inclusive space by purchasing an exterior accessible door to benefit individuals with mobility challenges. The equipment will directly benefit marginalized populations and align with accessibility mandates in Ontario. The church’s operations focus on hosting events and programs for neighbors, with a goal of providing safe passage and refuge while supporting long-term growth and inclusivity. The purchase estimate for the accessible door has been obtained, and the church has received support from the City Councillor for Kingston’s Inner Harbour district and the Executive Director of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Kingston. 

18. Ryandale Transitional Housing | Empowering New Beginnings: Ryandale Transitional Housing Welcome Packages | $10,000.00 
Ryandale Transitional Housing is a charitable organization in Kingston, Ontario, providing transitional housing solutions and support services for homeless individuals. The organization aims to empower individuals towards independent living through life-skills training and essential items. They collaborate with partners and focus on dignity, inclusivity, and transitional support. The organization is seeking a grant for welcome packages to support new residents, which include essential personal items for comfort and stability during their transition. The program has been designed based on local needs and evidence-based research, with a focus on improving outcomes and stability for individuals. The proposed timeline includes program preparation, launch, growth, and evaluation over the course of a year. A breakdown of the funds and the projected impact of the program are detailed to measure success and effectiveness. The organization works with external partners to maximize support for residents and benefit the broader community. Their aim is to provide essential supports for residents’ stability and success, with a long-term goal of empowering individuals towards a healthy, independent future.

19. Sexual Assault Centre Kingston Inc. | Resilient Futures: Sustaining Core Operations at Sexual Assault Centre Kingston | $16,000.00 
Sexual Assault Centre Kingston (SACK) provides free and confidential support services to survivors of sexual violence in Kingston and surrounding areas, working within anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and feminist frameworks. They offer counseling, advocacy, community education, and crisis intervention programs along with specialized services for various groups. SACK faces financial challenges due to increasing demand and limited core funding but aims to ensure financial stability through revenue diversification and fundraising strategies. The organization is committed to diverse leadership and representation, focusing on building a team reflective of the community served. Long-term funding for core operations at SACK ensures uninterrupted services for survivors, promotes healing, empowerment, and community impact. The meaningful impact of their work lies in the transformation and empowerment of survivors’ lives. Evaluation of grant impact will focus on financial data, service capacity, and client outcomes, aiming to strengthen organizational stability and growth. 

20. Socks 4 Souls Canada | Providing Socks to Kingston’s Unhoused Population | $3,500.00 
Socks 4 Souls Canada provides new pairs of socks to shelters in Greater Toronto Area since 2015 and expanded nationally in 2024 to support shelters in other communities, covering all costs through fundraising efforts. The organization is currently supporting Kingston-based shelters and addressing foot health issues faced by homeless individuals. Their simple funding model ensures 100% of funds go towards providing socks to the community. The leadership team has experience in working with the unhoused community. The program aims to provide clean socks to improve health and dignity for individuals experiencing homelessness. Success will be measured by distributing at least 7,000 pairs of socks to Kingston’s unhoused community over the next year. 

21. South East Health Unit (formerly KFL&A Public Health) | Dental Treatment Assistance Fund | $25,000.00
The Dental Treatment Assistance Fund is a program administered by South East Health Unit that provides up to $400 for urgent dental treatment to adults and youth in the KFL&A region without dental insurance. The program aims to improve oral health in the community, address the high cost of dental treatment, and reduce inequities in dental care access. The impact of the program is measured by tracking metrics such as the number of clients served, client feedback, and emergency room visits due to dental issues. 

22. Sydenham Street United | Helen Tufts Child Outreach Program | $15,250.00
The Helen Tufts Child Outreach Program at Sydenham Street United Church assists marginalized children aged 6-13 in developing literacy, numeracy, and social skills within a safe, inclusive environment. They receive support through various activities facilitated by volunteer mentors. The program is funded in partnership with Queen’s University’s Alma Mater Society and aims to help children at risk academically and socially by providing educational support and a safe space. The program also emphasizes diversity in volunteer recruitment and seeks feedback from stakeholders for inclusivity. It impacts 32 children and aims to break the cycle of poverty through literacy and community building. The program is evaluated using quantitative and qualitative measures to track outcomes and long-term effects.

23. Tetra Society of North America | Tetra Kingston Chapter – Custom Assistive Devices  | $5,000.00
The Tetra Society’s Kingston chapter creates custom assistive devices for people with physical disabilities in the Kingston area at no cost. They match local skilled volunteers with disabled residents to design, build, and install devices tailored to individual needs. The society relies on funding for various purposes and faces challenges in sustaining financial support. Tetra Society’s impact is significant, providing free engineering projects for vulnerable residents and promoting independence through custom devices. Monitoring and evaluation of the chapter’s impact are conducted through reports and meetings. 

24. The Mess Studio | Community through Creativity | $14,944.76
The Mess Studio in Kingston is an open arts studio that focuses on building a community through creativity. Established in 2009, it provides a diverse and inclusive space for artistic expression, social connection, and cultural representation. The studio aims to foster healthy relationships and personal growth, offering a supportive environment for individuals facing various challenges. Funding challenges have been addressed through partnerships, fundraising events, and financial planning strategies, ensuring the sustainability of the studio’s operations. The leadership team includes dedicated individuals who strive to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, and the long-term impact of the studio’s work is measured by improved mental and physical health, social connections, resilience, and community engagement. Evaluated impact is based on community health and engagement, weekly tracking of needs, and promoting support, kindness, and love within the community. 

25. The People’s Theatre Kingston | TK FRINGE 2025 – 18 shows, 11 days, 144 performances | $25,000.00
The Theatre Kingston FRINGE festival aims to support local theater artists by providing a platform to showcase their work and fostering community connections. Despite facing financial challenges, the festival strives to enhance lighting and sound at venues, expand marketing efforts, and attract diverse audiences. Through testimonials and research, the positive impact of live theater on emotional resilience and empathy is highlighted. The festival’s proposed use of funds includes improving infrastructure, increasing marketing, and supporting diverse artists to make the TK Fringe sustainable and attract larger audiences. Led by Rosemary Doyle, a veteran in Canadian theater, the TK Fringe ensures diversity and equity in its program without influencing the content of shows. The festival has formed formal agreements with various organizations to support its operations. TK FRINGE brings together artists, audiences, and the community to celebrate Kingston’s theater scene and create lasting memories. The success of the festival is measured through audience numbers, artist payments, and national reputation growth. 

26. TSEC – Brigantine Incorporated | Lake Learning – Voyages of Growth and Discovery for Youth | $12,000.00
Brigantine Incorporated, operating the Tall Ship St. Lawrence II, offers sail training programs for youth aged 13-18 focused on life skills, environmental awareness, and teamwork. They provide bursaries for economically disadvantaged youth and conduct programs like the Summer Sail and Winter Program. Collaborating with various organizations, they aim to enhance training opportunities and community engagement. The program has a significant impact on youth development, boosting confidence, leadership skills, and fostering a deep appreciation for the environment. The organization’s focus on maritime skills, leadership, and teamwork aims to shape future leaders and engaged community members. They measure success by the personal transformations seen in participants and plan to track progress through participant numbers, feedback, crew and staff observations, community engagement, and bursary utilization. They seek to provide youth with transformative experiences regardless of financial background. 

27. Wintergreen Studios | Pathways to Nature: Supporting Youth at Risk | $7,000.00
Wintergreen Studios offers programs focusing on environmental education and wellness, collaborates with partners for inclusive initiatives, and provides nature-based interventions to support youth at risk. Their “Pathways to Nature” program aims to engage youth through outdoor activities, academic motivation, and emotional regulation. The program’s impact is evaluated through various methods, and funding is requested to support program expenses. Leadership promotes diversity and inclusion, with a focus on Indigenous teachings. The program aims to impact 25 youth by providing outdoor experiences, skills training, and environmental advocacy.

28. Youth Diversion | Empowering Young Minds | $16,523.00
Youth Diversion is a charitable organization that has been serving youth aged 8-17 in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington Counties since 1974. They offer prevention, intervention, and educational programs to assist youth in making positive choices and reaching their potential. The organization is seeking funding for their “Empowering Young Minds” initiative, which aims to support NEET (“not in formal education, employment, or training”) youth through various activities and services to prevent criminal behavior. The program addresses the need for early intervention for at-risk youth and uses a model to match interventions to individual risk levels. Key activities, milestones, and proposed use of funds are outlined to empower NEET youth and measure the program’s impact. The program has strong community support and partnerships, and plans to evaluate its success both qualitatively and quantitatively. 

29. Youth Imagine the Future–a Festival of Writing & Art | Youth Imagine the Future Festival | $8,500.00
Youth Imagine the Future Festival is a volunteer-led program that inspires youth across Kingston and surrounding areas to envision solutions to the climate crisis through art and storytelling. Each fall, the team delivers hopeful, solution-based presentations to Grades 7–12 classrooms, sparking critical thinking about climate resilience, biodiversity, and social equity. Students are invited to create visual art or short fiction set in a better, fossil-free future, with selected works showcased in a public gallery exhibition. In 2024, the program reached over 2,400 students across 96 classrooms, receiving 200+ submissions and drawing 5500+ community members to its events. The $8,500 grant will help fund an administrator to manage the expanding volume of submissions and coordinate a new “Travelling Show” that brings youth-created eco-art to community venues year-round. By fostering intergenerational dialogue and combating climate anxiety, the festival promotes creative engagement, civic awareness, and a shared vision for a more sustainable future.