Water Fund applications are closed. Schedule a consultation to prepare for 2025 applications.
About the Water Fund
The Water Fund, an annual grant program since 2008, provides landowners and not-for-profit community organizations in the City of Kawartha Lakes and Durham Region, including the Township of Scugog, with funding, knowledge, and technical support for environmental projects. Eligible projects are those with the potential to positively impact water quality or ecosystem health. Since 2008, over $700,000 has been awarded to landowner projects, while more than $47,000 has been awarded to community projects since 2019, through the Kawartha Community Water Fund, enhancing the region’s environmental sustainability.
Have a project in mind?
Learn more about project eligibility, schedule a consultation to support your project, and begin the application process. Once our staff have received your application, we will contact you to discuss next steps.
Important Dates
| Applications Open | August 15th, 2024 |
| Applications Due | October 15th, 2024 |
| Applicants Notified | November 2024 |
Landowner Funding areas
Examples of eligible landowner projects include:
Community Funding examples
Examples of eligible community projects include:
- Educational event/ workshop
- Community native plant garden
- Community tree planting
- Aquatic plant management
- Invasive species management
Testimonials
“Our community park project was successfully completed, something we couldn’t have done this past year without the financial support of the Water Fund program and the helpful guidance of Kawartha Conservation staff, led by Danielle Marcoux-Hunter. The multiple site visits and guidance by Danielle and the timely reimbursement of funds made for a stress-free experience. On behalf of our community, I thank you.” - Jim Daly / Lakeview Estates Cottage Association
“With the help of the Water Fund, St. John's Presbyterian Church in Port Perry was able to forge ahead with its Peace Garden project. Using a barren and unused portion of our church property, we installed a rain barrel and field drain setup, created a rain garden, and planted numerous native plants and trees. The garden is now home to many bees and other insects, butterflies (including monarchs), is regularly visited by many bird species, and has its own resident rabbits and chipmunks. Kudos to Kawartha Conservation for helping us make this happen.” - Ken Oldfield
Need Help?
For further questions regarding eligibility, consultations, or applications, contact Ola Pasternak by email or call (705) 328-2271 ext. 241.