Eleven Yukon-based projects approved for support from the Community Development Fund

July 31, 2025

Through the Community Development Fund (CDF), the Government of Yukon is supporting local projects that will provide a variety of benefits to Yukoners while creating economic opportunity across the territory. Eleven Tier 1 and Tier 2 projects have been approved for a total of $556,172. Funding recipients include the Klondike Visitors Association, the Yukon Circus Society and the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun.

The CDF provides funding to a broad range of projects that have measurable social, cultural and economic benefits for Yukoners and support the wellbeing of Yukon communities. These may include research and planning; training or skill development; improvements to buildings or lands; and special events. These projects encourage local spending and create employment opportunities.

Three projects received Tier 1 funding, which is available to organizations requesting up to $20,000:

Golden Age Society: $8,597

• To install heat pumps at the Golden Age Society facility. The installations will reduce the Golden Age Society’s energy costs and carbons emissions, allowing the organization to increase recreational spending for the programs offered to seniors and the public alike.

Klondike Visitors Association: $20,000

• To conduct Phase 1 of the Diamond Tooth Gerties Hall structural assessment. This evaluation will secure the viability and safety of the building, extend the roof’s lifespan by at least 50 years and facilitate the integration of a solar array system.

Lorne Mountain Community Association: $9,050

• To host a one-day festival in Mount Lorne, then another in Carcross. The festival will provide a platform to share knowledge, teach mending and repurposing skills and reduce waste.

Eight projects received Tier 2 funding, which is available to organizations requesting up to $75,000:

First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun: $63,526

• To renovate a community garden cook shack, food trailer and food processing equipment storage building. This initiative offers long-term benefits for the Mayo area, enhancing safety, wellness and sustainability for staff and community members.

KC Ranch Society: $67,762

• To provide a healing through horse’s program for Yukon First Nation Wildfire crewmembers in four Yukon communities. As a result of this project, wildland firefighters will have increased physical and monetary access to unique mental health supports that have been shown to assist with anxiety, depression and PTSD.

Kluane First Nation: $75,000

• To conduct an assessment and energy audit at the Kluane First Nation administration building. These assessments will help Kluane First Nation to determine whether to renovate their administration building or to construct a new one.

Sha Shäw Corporation: $35,500

• To host a camp for 30 Yukon Indigenous youth aged 11 to 18 that will offer a three-day weekend entrepreneur camp with interactive workshops, team-based business challenges, mentorship from Indigenous business leaders and culturally grounded programming that builds on pride and connections. The camp will increase long-term capacity and employment opportunities in Yukon communities.

Shäwthän Näzhì Healing with the Land Society: $63,155

• To host a relational horsemanship/youth mentorship training program. This program will provide participants with skills that will develop the community’s workforce and its capacity, while helping to ensure the longevity of land-based healing opportunities in the community.

Signpost Seniors Association: $75,000

• To repair the stairs at the Signpost Seniors Association building. This will help to maintain the safety of the buildings’ users and for it to become a more attractive location for the variety of events and programs.

The Village of Haines Junction: $71,469

• To hire contractors to upgrade the St. Elias Convention Centre video and projection system. The upgrades will expand the Convention Centre’s production and event capabilities, attract more productions and events to Haines Junction and increase the Convention Centre’s use as a community gathering space.

Yukon Circus Society: $67,113

• To acquire and install a structure for eight rigging points at the Heart of Riverdale. This project will support the continued growth of circus arts in the Yukon.

For many years the Community Development Fund has empowered Yukoners to direct government funding toward the initiatives that they design and lead. This person-centred approach to economic development has been highly popular and incredibly effective at bringing Yukoners together toward common goals. I want to commend the many organizations, community members and CDF advisors who worked together to make all of these fantastic projects possible.

Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai

We are grateful for the support of the Community Development Fund. This funding brings Kluane First Nation one step closer towards a safe, welcoming and culturally rooted Community Hub space where our staff and citizens can thrive. This investment will strengthen our government, create local opportunities and have lasting impacts for generations to come.

Kluane First Nation Chief Bob Dickson

With help from the Community Development Fund, we are extremely grateful to be installing eight new rigging points at the Heart of Riverdale. This will greatly impact our capacity to offer more classes, performances and professional circus education, thereby adding to the vibrant arts and recreation options in the Yukon.

Founding Artistic Director of the Yukon Circus Society Claire Ness

Quick facts

• This funding is awarded to approved projects from the April and May 2025 Tier 1 and Tier 2 application intakes.
• The Community Development Fund provides funding for projects, events and initiatives that provide long-term, sustainable economic and social benefits to Yukon communities.
• Eligible organizations include registered non-profit societies, not-for-profit corporations, charitable organizations, municipal and First Nations governments and First Nations development corporations undertaking community-level initiatives.
• Eligible projects and events include new construction projects, renovations, restorations, physical improvements to buildings or lands, knowledge or skill development, research and planning and programs and events
• The Community Development Fund provides up to 90 per cent of the total project costs. Funding is divided into three tiers with the following application deadlines:
  • Tier 1: Applications of $20,000 or less on January 15, May 15, July 15 and October 15.
  • Tier 2: Applications between $20,001 and $75,000 on April 15 and September 15.
  • Tier 3: Applications over $75,000 on January 15.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Damian Topps
Communications, Economic Development
867-667-5378
damian.topps@yukon.ca

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