KAWARTHA LAKES-The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes (CFKL) has hired Carissa Ferguson as the new Office & Grants Administrator, managing a new fund.
In her new role, Ferguson will support day-to-day operations, manage donor and community communications, and oversee CFKL’s grant programs—including the launch of the Social Sustainability Fund, an annual grant initiative designed to address urgent social challenges.
The Fund, developed in collaboration with the City of Kawartha Lakes, will support projects that promote poverty reduction, equitable labour practices, housing support, food security, mental health and addiction services, and efforts to reduce inequality in the region. More details on that will be available over the coming weeks.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Carissa to the Foundation,” said Mark Knoester, Board Chair of CFKL. “Her experience, enthusiasm, and deep understanding of both grants administration and community engagement will be invaluable as we continue growing our impact across Kawartha Lakes.”
With a strong background in nonprofit administration, grant management, and stakeholder engagement, Ferguson brings a wealth of experience that aligns with the Foundation’s mission.
Ferguson joins CFKL with over a decade of experience supporting community-focused organizations and businesses. As a former Funding Specialist at GrantMatch, she managed over 100 high-impact grant applications and helped secure more than $5 million in funding for small medium enterprises. Her work supported diverse initiatives in food security, the environment, labour relations—areas that directly reflect CFKL’s commitment to the Kawartha Lakes region. She also holds a Graduate Diploma in Culture & Heritage Site Management from Centennial College and a B.A. in Anthropology from Trent University.
