By: Michael Bennett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Ridgetown Independent News
As the application deadline approaches for the 2026 spring round of grants from the Chatham Kent Community Foundation and the South Kent Wind Community Fund, several charities in the Ridgetown and East Kent area are thankful for the financial assistance they received in 2025.
In 2025, a total of $781,609 was granted to 88 organizations across Chatham-Kent.
Seven local organizations received funding from the 2025 Chatham Kent Community Foundation and the South Kent Wind Community Fund.
The Ridgetown and Area Adult Activity Centre was granted $15,000 for its Lunchtime Connection monthly catered meals program for one year.
Feral to Forever Cat Rescue in Ridgetown received $15,000 to offer low-cost spay and neuter services to cat owners and caretakers in Chatham-Kent, particularly low-income individuals and those experiencing homelessness.
Wandering Whiskers, based in Thamesville, received $15,125 to run a trap-neuter-release cat rescue, with an additional contribution from the Mary and Al Woods Animal Welfare Fund.
The Adult Activity Centre and two cat rescues were among the six organizations that received the most funding of $15,000 or more.
The CO, in partnership with the Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre, received the most funding, as its $21,000 grant will support the launch of the enhanced community kitchen initiative.
Kenesserie Camp received $14,302 to complete the renovation of its Environmental Learning Centre, funded by the Wonnacott Environmental Legacy Fund and the Dr. Don and Denny Patterson Environmental Legacy Fund.
Camp Cataraqui received $6,000 to purchase insulation and panelling for a cabin, archery backstops, and four new steel-and-wood picnic tables at the Scouts Canada facility near Clearville.
The Highgate District Agricultural Society is the recipient of two grants. The HDAS received $5,900 to replace the seats and standing planks on eight sets of bleachers at the ballpark, and $5,000 to purchase 20 new tables.
The Westover Treatment Centre in Thamesville also received two grants. The centre received $8,000 to replace six twin-size mattresses and 12 tables for programming and events, with an additional contribution from the Garnet George Case Fund. Westover was also granted $7,000 for chimney and roof repairs.
Several other organizations that provide services to the Ridgetown and East Kent area received funding.
FreeHelpCK received $15,000 to run its Operation Backpack, Senior in C-K, Community Garden, Food Pantries and Prom & Grad Attire Projects, as the volunteer organization operates the food pantry at the Br. 243 Legion and serves the local community with its other charitable services.
Four Counties Health Services Foundation, located in Newbury but serving the East Kent area, received $6,000 to purchase an advanced AIRVO 3, a high-flow oxygen therapy system capable of delivering higher O2 flow and longer battery life for patient transport.
Funding for Four Counties includes a contribution from the Garnet George Case Fund.
NeighbourLink C-K received $10,000 to fund aWAY Opportunities, a program to send local needy children to summer camps in Chatham-Kent.
VON Chatham-Kent received $9,885 to expand services in the Kids’ Circle Bereavement Program by adding Music, Art and Drama therapy as well as replenishing library resources.
Chatham-Kent Victim Services received $15,000 to purchase bracelets and storage for Project Lifesaver, ensuring the safety of those with Alzheimer’s, autism and other conditions that may cause them to wander. Funding includes a contribution from the Joseph P. and Colleen O’Neill Community Betterment Fund.
YMCA of Chatham-Kent was granted $10,000 to support a financial subsidy for low-income and vulnerable population individuals to access Y facilities and programs.
Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation of C-K received $10,000 to run the Behaviour Support Program for Children and Youth with Developmental Needs.
The DUDES Club of Chatham-Kent received $9,000 to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous men in C-K through holistic wellness programming, job readiness initiatives, and reintegration support.
Chatham Kent Women’s Centre received $10,000 to run the Chatham-Kent Trauma Support Program.
Two other animal rescue services received funding, along with Feral to Forever Cat Rescue and Wandering Whiskers.
The Blenheim Area Prevent a Litter received $5,000 to operate its Trap, Neuter, and Return program for feral and stray cats in the Blenheim and surrounding communities.
Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue received two grants, including $9,000 to run the Precious Partners program, which matches seniors with senior pets who need permanent foster care. CKAR was also granted $3,000 to provide eye removal surgery for a cat and to spay/neuter six puppies, with funding for both provided by the Mary and Al Woods Animal Welfare Fund.
For the full list of all 88 successful organizations that received grants in 2025, visit www.chathamkentcommunityfoundation.ca/grants/past-grants/
For the 2026 round of funding from the Chatham Kent Community Foundation and the South Kent Wind Community Fund, there is $750,000 available for registered charities in Chatham-Kent.
Registered charities in Chatham-Kent may apply at www.chathamkentcommunityfoundation.ca by Tuesday, March 31.
The Chatham Kent Community Foundation assists in developing the community through grants to registered charitable organizations that focus on education, health, arts and culture, recreation, social services, heritage, and the environment. An organization must be a registered charity and able to provide a Revenue Canada Agency registration number. The organization must also provide programs and services within the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
Full eligibility guidelines and registration are available online at www.chathamkentcommunityfoundation.ca
Since its inception, the CKCF has distributed over $6-million to local charities.
The South Kent Wind Community Fund is a donor-advised fund within the Chatham Kent Community Foundation.
The Fund was created by South Kent Wind LP, a wind power facility owned by Pattern Canada and Samsung Renewable Energy Inc.
The Fund began with an initial donation of $1 million in the spring of 2013, and over its 20-year operational life, South Kent Wind LP will contribute another $10 million to the Fund.
