2025 Stark Family Fund Program Announcement | Community Foundation for Kingston & Area

Stark Family Fund Grants Over $66,000 to Support 9 Local Initiatives in Prince Edward County

The Community Foundation for Kingston & Area is pleased to announce that $66,912 in grant funding has been awarded through The Stark Family Fund, supporting 9 community organizations whose programs and services enrich the lives of residents across Prince Edward County. In addition, a further $15,750 will be distributed from the Fund to support local students with scholarships and bursaries, through our longtime partnership with Rotary Club of Picton.

From youth resilience workshops and trauma recovery programs to library revitalization and hospital equipment upgrades, the initiatives funded in 2025 are addressing urgent needs in creative, community-led ways. Each grant was selected by a volunteer committee of Prince Edward County residents to ensure local relevance and meaningful impact. The 2025 recipient organizations are:

Alternatives for Women
Alzheimer Society of Hastings-Prince Edward
Baxter Arts Centre
County Kids Read
Prince Edward County Food Hub's Cooking Club
Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation
Prince Edward Public Library
theROC Youth Services
Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation

“We’re seeing more than just strong proposals — we’re seeing a community actively shaping its own future,” says Scott Forster, Grants Officer at the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area. “Each initiative funded this year contributes to a healthier, more resilient Prince Edward County, whether through trauma-informed care, hands-on learning opportunities, or life-saving diagnostic tools. It’s an honour to support these initiatives as part of the Stark Family’s legacy.”

Local Impact Rooted in Local Values

The Stark Family Fund has always reflected the character of Prince Edward County — practical, compassionate, and deeply community-minded. This year’s grants build on that legacy by investing in initiatives that are both grounded in local relationships and responsive to today’s challenges.

“The Stark Family Fund is a shining example of how a single act of generosity can shape a community for generations,” says Stacy Kelly, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area. “We’re proud to continue honouring the Stark Family’s legacy by supporting organizations and students who are making a real and lasting difference across the County.”

A full list of the 9 funded projects can be found below:

1. County of Prince Edward Public Library & Archives | A Cozy Library in Bloomfield | $12,875.00 
The Bloomfield Branch Library is undergoing a revitalization. This project creates adjustable shelving for children's books as well as heating and cooling.

2. Baxter Arts Centre | Accessible Programming for Children, Youth & Young Adults - 2025-2026 | $9,789.00
Baxter Arts Centre strives to be accessible for all families in Prince Edward County. Their project will allow them to hire local youth to help oversee Summer Camps as well as offer portfolio development workshops and after school arts classes.

3. theROC Youth Services | Get Grounded - A Mental Wellbeing Project | $9,923.00 
Get Grounded supports youth in grades 7/8 in Prince Edward County with engaging workshops that teach stress management, emotional regulation, and healthy coping skills—building a strong foundation for mental wellbeing and future success.

4. County Kids Read | Graphic Novels for Struggling and Reluctant Readers | $4,000.00
County Kids Read will enhance the literacy abilities of hundreds of Prince Edward County children through the distribution of 400 free graphic novels - a crucial tool for fostering a love for books among reluctant and/or struggling readers.

5. Alternatives for Women | Healing Forward: A Trauma Informed Program for Survivors | $5,000.00
Healing Forward, a trauma informed program for survivors that will allow them to gain access to therapeutic services and workshops.

6. Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation | Keeping Care Close to Home in Prince Edward County | $20,000.00
PECMH requires a new Electrocardiogram (ECG) Machine. This equipment will strengthen the capabilities of our Emergency Department, ensuring our medical team can quickly assess heart conditions and respond to life-threatening situations.

7. The Alzheimer Society of Hastings Prince Edward | Prince Edward County Brain Health Education | $1,500.00
ASHPE is looking to provide enhanced Brain Health Education to Prince Edward County Residents. This education would provide information about the modifiable risk factors for dementia, and howe can all protect and improve our brain health at any age.

8. Prince Edward County Food Hub Inc. (via the Veritas Foundation) | Prince Edward County Food Hub's Cooking Club | $8,325.00
Cooking Club offers free culinary education to children and youth, teaching them to prepare healthy, fun, and budget-friendly meals. It promotes food knowledge and empowers participants to make informed choices for long-term health and food security.

9. Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation | Scope for Better Care: Enhancing Cystoscopy Services at TMH | $7,500.00 
TMH Foundation will purchase a flexible cystoscope and trays to support 3,300+ procedures annually—helping patients from Prince Edward County and beyond access faster, reliable urological care close to home.