New to the Portal: Tourism Digital Assistance Program – Communities
Details
Tourism Digital Assistance Program – Communities: Provincial program matching NS municipalities and tourism organizations with digital consultants for up to $15,000 in services to promote communities online.
Open to:
Municipalities
Non-profit Organizations
Community Groups
Application deadline: May 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM ADT
Build Communities Strong Fund — Announced in Budget 2025
Details
The federal government’s Budget 2025 announced the Build Communities Strong Fund, a $51 billion investment over 10 years to support local infrastructure across Canada, including roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems, transit, hospitals, and colleges and universities.
The fund includes three streams:
Provincial and Territorial Stream ($17.2 billion over 10 years)
Community Stream ($27.8 billion over 10 years, $3 billion/year ongoing)
Direct Delivery Stream ($6 billion over 10 years)
Program details have not been published yet. We’ll add a full entry to the Portal once an official program page and delivery details are available.
New to the Portal: Build Canada Homes (BCH)
Details
Build Canada Homes (BCH): Federal agency investing in affordable housing at scale through loans, grants, and partnerships with municipalities, non-profits, and Indigenous organizations. BCH is currently seeking shovel-ready projects that materially expand the stock of affordable housing.
Open to:
Municipalities
First Nations
Non-profit Organizations
Community Groups
Registered Charities
Deadline: Proposals are accepted on a continuous basis
New to the Portal: Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
Details
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund: Funding to improve arts and heritage cultural spaces across Canada through renovations, specialized equipment purchases, and planning and feasibility studies.
Open to:
Municipalities
First Nations
Non-profit Organizations
Municipal-owned Organizations
Deadline: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis
New to the Portal: HCi3 Grant Program
Details
HCi3 Grant Program: Grants for community-driven climate projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with two streams funding up to $10,000 and $75,000. The program offers two funding streams. The Acceleration Stream provides grants up to $75,000 for larger, scalable initiatives ready to accelerate their impact, with projects up to 24 months in duration. The Catalyst Stream provides grants up to $10,000 as seed funding for new or emerging climate initiatives, with a simplified application process.
Application deadline:
Catalyst Stream: Rolling (until funds are allocated)
Acceleration Stream: Spring intake (EOI Mar 23) and Fall intake (EOI Oct 5)
Estimated amount per fund: Up to $10 million (combined loan + grant)
Support ratio: Up to 80% of eligible costs (loan + grant)
Grant portion: Up to 20% of the GMF loan
Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round, though this offer may close when all funding has been allocated.
New to the Portal: RBC Barrier Buster Grants Program
Details
RBC Barrier Buster Grants Program: Grants up to $40,000 for permanent accessibility infrastructure improvements. For municipalities, charities, qualified donees, and incorporated non-profits. 40 grants available.
Application deadline: March 15, 2026, 11:00 PM PST
New to the Portal: Festival and Community Event Development
Details
Festival and Community Event Development program has been added to the Portal and is now open. Provincial funding up to $10,000 to help sustain, grow, or improve unique community festivals and events across Nova Scotia (for a specific project or component of an event). Open to municipalities, non-profits registered in NS and Mi’kmaq communities.
