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.
Deadline: February 27, 2026 (4:00 PM Atlantic)
New Community Health Funding and Energy Program Update
Details
New Funding Opportunity Added to the Portal:
Wellness Fund: Provincial grants of $500–$3,500 for community projects that address social determinants of health. Funded through Nova Scotia’s Community Health Boards, the program supports upstream health initiatives including intergenerational activities, food literacy, and social connection projects.
Application window: February 16 – April 15, 2026
Update to Existing Program:
Energy Innovation Program – Off-Site Construction Challenge (Stream 2)is now open. Federal funding for projects demonstrating innovative off-site construction methods for energy-efficient multi-unit residential buildings. Phase 1 offers design grants up to $180,000; Phase 2 offers up to $10 million for finalists to bring designs to construction.
