RFAs: Kawartha Conservation Water Fund Program in Canada

Deadline: 30-Apr-2026

The Kawartha Conservation Water Fund provides funding, technical support, and knowledge to landowners and not-for-profit community organizations to improve water quality and ecosystem health within the Kawartha Conservation watershed. Projects can be implemented in areas including the City of Kawartha Lakes, Durham Region, and the Township of Scugog. The fund has awarded over $770,000 since 2007, with additional community-focused support introduced in 2019.

Overview of the Water Fund

The Kawartha Conservation Water Fund is designed to assist landowners and community organizations in implementing projects that deliver measurable environmental benefits. The program prioritizes initiatives that protect and enhance water quality, improve ecosystem health, and advance community-based environmental action across the Kawartha Conservation watershed.

Focus Areas

The fund supports projects that:

• Protect and improve water quality within the watershed

• Enhance ecosystem health and biodiversity

• Advance community-based environmental initiatives

• Provide knowledge and technical support to applicants

• Engage landowners and not-for-profit community organizations in environmental stewardship

Geographic Scope

Eligible projects must be located within the Kawartha Conservation watershed, including:

• City of Kawartha Lakes

• Durham Region

• Township of Scugog

Who is Eligible

• Landowners within the Kawartha Conservation watershed

• Not-for-profit community organizations whose projects align with the fund’s objectives and geographic scope

Grant Details

• Support may include funding, technical advice, and knowledge-sharing

• Projects must demonstrate potential for positive environmental outcomes across the watershed

• Since 2007, the fund has provided $770,000 to 470 landowners

• In 2019, the Kawartha Community Water Fund was introduced, providing $80,000 to further support community-based environmental initiatives

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility: Ensure your project aligns with the fund’s objectives and geographic scope.

2. Define your project: Outline activities aimed at improving water quality or ecosystem health.

3. Prepare documentation: Include project plan, budget, and expected environmental outcomes.

4. Submit application: Follow the submission guidelines provided by Kawartha Conservation.

5. Implementation: If selected, implement your project with guidance and support from the fund.

Common Tips and Pitfalls

• Clearly demonstrate how the project improves water quality or ecosystem health

• Engage the local community or landowners to maximize impact

• Include measurable outcomes to show environmental benefits

• Avoid proposing projects outside the watershed or unrelated to the fund’s objectives

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply? Landowners and not-for-profit community organizations within the Kawartha Conservation watershed.

2. What types of projects are eligible? Projects that improve water quality, enhance ecosystem health, or advance community-based environmental initiatives.

3. Which areas are covered? City of Kawartha Lakes, Durham Region, and Township of Scugog.

4. Is technical support available? Yes, applicants may receive funding, technical guidance, and knowledge-sharing support.

5. How much funding has been awarded? Since 2007, $770,000 has been granted to 470 landowners, with an additional $80,000 via the Kawartha Community Water Fund since 2019.

6. Are community-based initiatives eligible? Yes, particularly through the Kawartha Community Water Fund.

7. What are key considerations for success? Projects should clearly align with fund objectives, demonstrate measurable environmental outcomes, and engage local stakeholders.

Conclusion

The Kawartha Conservation Water Fund empowers landowners and community organizations to protect and enhance water quality and ecosystem health within the watershed. By providing funding, technical support, and guidance, the program strengthens local environmental action and encourages sustainable stewardship. Projects that clearly align with fund priorities, involve the community, and demonstrate measurable outcomes have the greatest potential for successful funding.

For more information, visit Kawartha Conservation.