Community Futures Peterborough Announces $100,000 for 10 Recipients in CAP Funding
Peterborough, ON – June 10, 2025 – Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Community Advancement Program (CAP), a non-repayable funding program that supports projects that foster economic stability, investment, and employment across the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Community Futures Peterborough marked the milestone by committing a record-breaking investment of $100,000 to 10 organizations in our region. To honour four decades of supporting local businesses, CFP distributed $10,000 in non-repayable funds to each successful applicant through the 2025 Community Advancement Program, resulting in a total investment of $100,000. This special anniversary initiative underscores CFP’s longstanding dedication to fostering resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities throughout the region.
“The projects supported through the Community Advancement Program are a testament to the innovation, ambition, and local leadership driving economic growth in Peterborough and the surrounding region,” said the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “Through FedDev Ontario, our government is proud to support the Community Futures Program and invest in the people and organizations creating real momentum. We are empowering local entrepreneurs, generating good jobs, and building a stronger, more resilient economy right here at home during these times of global economic uncertainty.”
Funded in partnership with the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), CAP supports strategic projects that align with CFP’s vision for sustainable economic development and regional resilience. The program is designed to create community economic stability, growth, and job creation, develop and diversify competitive rural economies, and foster economically sustainable communities.
The 2025 CAP recipients are: Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation, Kawartha Manufacturers Association (KMA), Junior Achievement, Hiawatha First Nation, Peterborough County, 4th Line Theatre, Curve Lake First Nation, Farms at Work, New Canadians Centre, and ReFrame Film Festival.
“These projects reflect the spirit and mission we had in mind for the Community Advancement Program – to empower local organizations that are creating tangible, positive impacts on the economic landscape of our communities,” said Devon Girard, executive director of Community Futures Peterborough. “From arts and culture to agriculture, education, and equity, these initiatives are helping shape a vibrant future for both the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.”
CAP remains a cornerstone of CFP’s efforts to advance economic competitiveness, support rural and urban collaborations, and build a resilient economy that benefits all residents. These diverse and impactful organizations contribute to a more inclusive, competitive, and sustainable regional economy. From arts and culture to agriculture, education, and equity, these projects reflect the mission of the Community Advancement Program and align with CFP’s commitment to supporting initiatives that make a tangible difference in the lives of residents.
Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation will be using the funds to support a bursary initiative designed to uplift children who were involved with Children’s Aid in achieving their post-secondary education goals.
“We are so grateful for the funds Community Futures Peterborough is providing to the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation through the 2025 Community Advancement Program,” said executive director Carrie Truman. “Together, we are having a positive impact on the lives of youth who are connected to the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society and pursuing their post-secondary education goals. 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 will be using funding from the Community Advancement Program to hire a project manager to launch and support their Community Farm. This initiative will provide hands-on, experiential education to aspiring entrepreneurs in agriculture through workshops and guided tours of established farms.
“Farms at Work is grateful to receive this Community Advancement Program funding to support planning of our long-envisioned Community Learning Farm. 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,” said Heather Thoma, operations manager for Farms at Work. “We welcome community participation – whether as volunteers, food growers looking for land and educational support, or benefactors.”
The New Canadians Centre will use the funding to advance the goals of the Workplace Inclusion Charter, which include fostering a welcoming and inclusive community, supporting employee attraction and retention, boosting productivity and innovation, and enhancing overall employee well-being.
“Immigration is a key component of the future of our labour force and working age population,” said Andy Cragg, executive director of NCC. “The Workplace Inclusion Charter project will help participating local businesses attract and retain immigrant talent while fostering positive workplace experiences for newcomers.”
For more information about the Community Advancement Program at Community Futures Peterborough, please visit www.cfpeterborough.ca
Media Contact:
Devon Girard, Executive Director
devon@cfpeterborough.ca
Cell: 705-957-3641
About FedDev Ontario
For over 15 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impact the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our investment profiles, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts.