Rural Community Program Fund
The City of Kingston is committed to supporting innovative ideas that enhance our rural communities. The Kingston Rural Community Program Fund will offer six grants of up to $5,000 to help local organizations and partnerships create or enhance events, cultural activities, recreational products and beautification projects that will attract both residents and visitors.
Applications are now open!
Thank you to everyone who applied to the Rural Community Program Fund!
Eligible Projects:
The project must be a new or enhanced experience located in rural Kingston (see map).
- New event creation: Festivals, concerts, sporting events. (eg. seasonal festivals, pumpkin smashing contest, outdoor rink hockey tournament, local music concert, gardening and local food talks at elementary schools, etc.)
- Event enhancements: Upgrades to existing events.
- Recreational activities: Trails, cycling routes, nature walks. (eg. cycling event, creation of a new nature group or event, rural trail hike, etc.)
- Cultural initiatives: Art shows, performances, multi-cultural events. (eg. history talks about the neighbourhoods, farm talk with local farmers, local art show at a park, etc.)
- Community beautification: Gardens, repurposed spaces, clean-ups. (eg. creation of new community gardens, addition of benches, etc.)
- Tourism Products: Themed tours, unique visitor experiences. (eg. guided community history tours, farm tours, on-farm dinner or lunch event, etc.)
Open the full page Kingston Urban and Rural Map
Eligibility:
Eligible Applicants:
- Community groups, new or existing (eg. 4-H Club)
- Community partnerships (multiple residents working together)
- Festival and event organizers
- Volunteer organizations
- Business partnerships (multiple businesses working together)
Ineligible organizations and requests include:
- Regular, ongoing operational expenses or salaries
- Charitable contributions
- Groups or events that are discriminatory, endorse businesses, encourage illegal activity, compromise public safety, fundraising, express political views or violate City bylaws, policies or procedures
- Municipal governments are not eligible to apply
- Individuals and individual businesses are not eligible to apply
- Any groups receiving other City of Kingston grants (City of Kingston Arts Fund, City of Kingston Heritage Fund, Community Investment Fund, Neighbourhood Activation Program Fund, etc.) are not eligible for the Rural Community Program Fund within the same calendar year.
Grant Details
- Up to five applicants will be selected to receive a grant.
- Fund Amount per project or event: Up to $5000
- Applications are reviewed by City staff and the Rural Kingston Advisory Working Group.
- Projects must be completed by March 31, 2027.
- Applications that have not received prior funding will be prioritized
Application Process
- Complete the application form, providing detailed information about the project idea, budget, timing and purpose.
- Submit the completed application along with any required supporting documentation by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026.
Selection Process
City staff and the Rural Kingston Advisory Working Group will screen all applications, assess proposals and vote based on the project's relevance and alignment with the Kingston Rural Economic Development Strategy and Council Strategic Priorities. If successful, organizations will sign a funding agreement with the City.
Projects are assessed on:
- New or enhanced experience
- Uniqueness and authenticity
- Impact on rural Kingston’s community
- Feasibility and collaboration with partners
- Potential to attract out-of-town visitors
- Strong consideration given to applicants with matching funds or propose a collaborative partnership component to the event or project
Accountability and Reporting
Successful applicants must provide detailed reports on the use of funds and project progress, ensuring transparency and alignment with community goals.
Successful applicants are required to:
- Sign a funding agreement with the City of Kingston outlining the terms and conditions for receiving funds.
- Report back to the Manager, Rural Economic & Community Development, City of Kingston, within 30 days following the completion of the project on the use of the funds and outcomes of the project or event achieved.
- Permit the City of Kingston to verify/audit the information submitted, at the discretion of the City of Kingston, to ensure the funds were used for the purpose(s) intended.
- Agree that if the funds were not used, or fully used, for the intended purpose(s), specified services were not delivered or intended outcomes were not achieved, the City of Kingston has the right to recover the funds granted immediately.
- Obtain in writing the City of Kingston’s approval for any change to the proposed project or event, once an original approval has been given. Comply with all federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations, e.g. environmental approvals, zoning bylaws, building codes, etc.
2025 Rural Community Program Fund Recipients
Honeybee Festival (Kingston Honey): A new festival that launched in 2025 focused on pollinator education and agriculture, featuring educational workshops and hands‑on activities for families and visitors. The event attracted approximately 200 participants and supported the growth of agri‑tourism while increasing environmental awareness in rural Kingston.
Grass Creek Disc Golf (Limestone City Disc Golf): Funding supported the installation of course signage and a map at the Grass Creek Disc Golf course, creating a permanent, free‑to‑access recreational amenity. The project provides long‑term community value by encouraging active lifestyles and attracting niche recreation users to the area.
Music in the Pines (Members and Session of Sand Hill Presbyterian Church): A small‑scale rural music series hosted at the scenic Sand Hill Presbyterian Church. Two sessions attracted approximately 85 attendees, supported local musicians, and contributed to rural placemaking and community identity through intimate cultural experiences.
Drawn to Nature - Art Party (Draw by Night Kingston): A one‑night community art event designed to bring people together for a creative experience in a rural setting. The event featured interactive art stations, games, live artist demonstrations, music and food, attracting approximately 50 participants and expanding access to cultural programming while supporting local artists.
Pumpkinfest (Forman Farms): A seasonal, family‑oriented farm festival delivered over two weekends, attracting more than 1,900 attendees. The event represented an expansion of an existing activity and supported a local farm‑based business while establishing a recurring rural destination experience.
