Over $500k in CFKA grants will support local charitable service organizations

This fall, the Community Foundation for Kingston and Area (CFKA) is granting $503,707.26 to support 42 initiatives by local charitable community service organizations.

According to a release from the foundation, dated Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, these grants are projected to directly impact 246,565 individuals, including 74,973 youth.

“Many of these initiatives will build resilience in individuals, families, and communities by promoting strong early childhood development; supporting youth in achieving success in education and employment; addressing mental health and substance use; increasing food access and security; and assisting local charities continue to adapt to and recover from the pandemic “, said Stacy G Kelly, executive director.

Kelly emphasizes that “Others will strengthen social connection and engagement to reduce loneliness and isolation through the arts; by fostering community connection and cohesion; by recognizing and celebrating diversity, by support the Truth and Reconciliation process, and by connecting and welcoming newcomers to our community”.

According to the release, the Foundation’s wide array of granting interests include Arts and Culture, Children’s Mental Health, Community Development, Education and Literacy, Environment, Health and Social Services, Heritage Preservation, Recreation, and Youth.

The fall 2022 community grants recipients are as follows:

• Bereaved Families of Ontario – Kingston Region; $10,712
• BGC South East; $16,000
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of KFL&A; $2,500
• Canadian National Institute for the Blind Kingston; $16,000
• Cantabile Choirs of Kingston;  $7,500
• Cycle Kingston Inc.; $11,252
• Family and Children’s Services of Frontenac Lennox and Addington; $16,000
• KFL&A Public Health – Dental Treatment Assistance Fund; $16,000
• Kidney Foundation of Canada – Kingston Branch; $2,000
• Kingston Community Health Centres; $5,450.20; $15,000; $25,000
• Kingston Employment and Youth Services Inc.; $16,000; $6,500
• Kingston School of Art; $11,632
• Kingston School of Dance; $11,476; $6,200
• Kingston Symphony Association; $7,500
• Kingston Writers Fest; $4,170
• Learning Disabilities Association of Kingston; $14,350
• Let’s Talk Science; $1,414.43
• Limestone District School Board; $5,222.30
• Lion Hearts Inc; $36,000
• Loving Spoonful; $16,000; $25,000
• Outreach St. George’s Kingston; $6,391.20
• Queen’s University; $17,150
• Resolve Counselling Services Kingston; $4,993.35
• Ryandale Shelter for the Homeless; $16,000
• Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre; $6,392
• Scott Ecological Fund; $3,000
• St. Lawrence Youth Association; $25,000
• Start2Finish Canada; $15,000
• Tetra Society of North America – Kingston Chapter; $3,000
• The Food Sharing Project; $12,000
• The Friends of The Spire; $16,000
• The Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Instrument Library; $10,000
• The Salvation Army in Canada; $25,000
• Victim Services of Kingston and Frontenac; $16,000
• Well Suited Kingston; $3,274.78
• Wintergreen Studios; $3,400
• YMCA of Eastern Ontario; $16,000

Full details of each of these projects can be found on the Foundation’s website at www.cfka.org.

The organization stated that funding for these new projects comes from their $33.5 million portfolio of endowment funds – funds established by individuals, families, and organizations wanting to build a better place for all. The Community Grants Program was greatly assisted by a team of 16 community-based volunteer reviewers who played an integral role in assessing grant applications. 

The foundation holds two granting rounds per year, with applications due February 15 and September 15 each year. For more information visit www.cfka.org.