Photo courtesy of: Community Futures
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Community Futures Peterborough has awarded a record-breaking $100,000 through its 2025 Community Advancement Program, supporting 10 local organizations with $10,000 each in non-repayable funding.
CAP is a federally supported initiative aimed at fostering economic stability, job creation, and long-term investment across the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County. The program, delivered in partnership with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, reflects CFP’s long-standing mission to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable local economies.
The 2025 CAP recipients include: Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation, Kawartha Manufacturers Association, Junior Achievement, Hiawatha First Nation, Peterborough County, 4th Line Theatre, Curve Lake First Nation, Farms at Work, the New Canadians Centre, and the ReFrame Film Festival.
PTBOTODAY.ca spoke with Executive Director Devon Girard.
Girard adds there was a common thread CF was looking for when it came to applicants.
Among the recipients, the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation will use its funding to support a bursary program that helps former Children’s Aid youth pursue post-secondary education.
“We are so grateful for the funds Community Futures Peterborough is providing through the 2025 Community Advancement Program,” said Carrie Truman, executive director of the Foundation. “Together, we are having a positive impact on the lives of youth who are connected to the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society. It is amazing the hurdles these youth have overcome, and so exciting that they are focused on their future by working towards achieving their education goals.”
Farms at Work plans to use its funding to launch a Community Learning Farm, which will offer hands-on agricultural training for aspiring farmers through workshops and guided tours.
“Farms at Work is grateful to receive this Community Advancement Program funding to support planning of our long-envisioned Community Learning Farm,” said Heather Thoma, operations manager. “These funds, along with in-kind support from the Peterborough County Economic Development team and farm owner Jason McIntosh, bring the dream of a place to farm closer for aspiring farmers and will benefit the community for many years to come.”
The New Canadians Centre will advance its Workplace Inclusion Charter, a project focused on supporting local employers in attracting and retaining immigrant talent while creating welcoming and inclusive work environments.
“Immigration is a key component of the future of our labour force and working-age population,” said Andy Cragg, executive director of the New Canadians Centre. “The Workplace Inclusion Charter project will help participating local businesses attract and retain immigrant talent while fostering positive workplace experiences for newcomers.”
“After 40 years of supporting local entrepreneurs and organizations, we wanted to celebrate with a meaningful investment that would benefit the entire region,” said Girard. “CAP continues to be a cornerstone of our work — and these projects exemplify what’s possible when we invest in local vision and leadership.”
(Written by: Jordan Mercier)
