Dublin Shore Wharf
Resources
Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund
Department - Organization: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Description: Eligible projects include planning or capital projects that would build or upgrade drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, or solid-waste infrastructure to enable more housing.
Two streams, 1) Direct delivery stream 2) Provincial and territorial agreement stream. Eligible applicants can apply to either stream, or both streams, depending on their infrastructure needs. However, applicants cannot receive funding from both streams for the same project. The direct delivery stream is intended for projects with a high level of readiness to be completed by 2031. Applicants seeking support for long-term infrastructure projects that enable housing are encouraged to apply under the provincial and territorial agreement stream.
Deadline: Direct federal intake closed March, 2025. Provincial intake not yet announced.
Contact: chif-fcil@infc.gc.ca
Marine Debris Clean-Up Program
Department - Organization: Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Description: The program provides funding to help remove debris from Nova Scotia's marine and freshwater shorelines. The program has 3 funding streams:
- Shoreline Clean-up – supports clean-up efforts of marine and freshwater coastlines.
- Marine Debris and Litter Prevention – supports methods of reducing litter from reaching our water systems.
- Marine Debris and Litter Recycling – supports waste diversion solutions that encourage recycling over sending debris to landfills.
Deadline:
- Shoreline Clean-up stream open for applications, deadline February 1, 2026.
- Marine Debris and Litter Prevention & Marine Debris and Litter Recycling streams closed June 30, 2025. Second application deadline (pending funding availability): August 30, 2025
Contact: MarineCleanUp@novascotia.ca
Website: Marine Debris Clean-Up Program
Green Municipal Fund
Department - Organization: Federation of Canadian Municipalities/ Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Description: GMF is more than just a funding source—they are a full-service partner in your climate action progress. Grants and loans for all stages. Stackable with other funding sources. Dedicated staff to help you apply. Free resources to help build business cases and improve project outcomes. Grants from $100-500k for up to 50% of eligible costs, combined grant and loan to a maximum of $10M for up to 80% of eligible costs.
- Sustainable Municipal Buildings: Funding for high-efficiency new construction of municipal and community buildings, and retrofits of municipal buildings.
- Organic Waste to Energy: Support for communities with established waste diversion programs to generate renewable energy from organic waste streams or landfill gas.
- Local Net-Zero Transformation: Funding for innovative projects that have significant GHG reduction benefits and are not eligible under other GMF funding offers.
Deadline: Continuous
Website: Green Municipal Fund
Municipal Adoption Fund
Department - Organization: Divert Nova Scotia
Description: Divert NS provides support for municipalities and/or waste management regions that wish to adopt a waste diversion program previously established in Nova Scotia.
Deadline: Continuous intake. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their Regional Coordinator in advance of submitting their application.
Example(s): Curbside collection and recycling of textiles, Green cart collection of pet waste, Curbside collection and recycling of expanded polystyrene, Implementation of a reuse center, Curbside collection and recycling of small scrap metal.
Contact: Regional coordinator
Website: Municipal Adoption Fund
Municipal Efficiency Fund
Department - Organization: Divert Nova Scotia
Description: Divert NS provides support for increasing efficiency in the municipal solid waste-resource management system of Nova Scotia. The fund will support municipalities in researching, developing and implementing efficiency projects.
Deadline: Continuous intake. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their Regional Coordinator in advance of submitting their application.
Contact: Regional coordinator
Example Project: Eligible projects under the program could include: Projects assessing the feasibility of shared services or regional collaboration. Projects that create new processes, systems and services or improve substantially those already in existence. Examples of past research: https://divertns.ca/research-reports
Website: Municipal Efficiency Fund
Mitacs Municipal Support
Department - Organization: Mitacs
Description: They offer funding (non repayable grants) and connect municipalities with post-secondary researchers for innovative projects — from affordable housing, green initiatives, transit, infrastructure, climate change — and more — to tackle your most difficult challenges and create vibrant and healthy communities.
- Non-repayable funding from $6,000 to multi-million.
- A custom-built research and innovation team to roadmap your project.
- Scalable, multidisciplinary projects in all areas.
- Academic/research team to give you the specialized knowledge and skills that you need.
- Works with you to resolve the major challenges that Canadian municipalities face
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: Form on the webpage
Website: Mitacs Municipal Support
Currently Closed, Next Intake TBD:
Low Carbon Economy Fund - Low Carbon Economy Challenge
Department - Organization: Environment and Natural Resources Canada
Description: The Low Carbon Economy Challenge is part of the Low Carbon Economy Fund. Projects must result in greenhouse gas emissions reductions in 2030 and must align with Canada’s goals for net-zero emissions by 2050.Projects for municipalities could include waste diversion, biomass retrofits (wastewater). Applicants are able to request between $1 million and $25 million in funding for eligible project expenditures, with cost-sharing of 50% of total project costs for municipalities. Self-Screening Tool for understanding project eligibility and competitiveness. To access the tool, please send an email to lcef-fefec@ec.gc.ca.
Deadline: Closed February 8th, 2024.
Contact: lcef-fefec@ec.gc.ca
Provincial Capital Assistance Program (PCAP)
Department - Organization: Department of Municipal Affairs
Description: A fund for municipal projects designed to eliminate serious environmental and health problems. The program supports investment in high-priority municipal infrastructure projects. You need to use the funding for municipally owned infrastructure projects like water supply, sewage disposal, and solid waste management. Projects that reduce or eliminate actual and potential environmental and health problems in the municipality are given priority. Priority is also given to projects that include collaborating with multiple municipalities or have beneficial impacts on larger populations
Example Project: Stormwater management study, landfill decommission project
Deadline: Closed April 28th, 2025
Contact: pcap@novascotia.ca
If you can't find a grant that suits your municipality's needs, please reach out. Similarly, if your municipality is applying to any of the listed opportunities, I am readily available to provide assistance throughout the application process.
Mark Ohanyan,
Fund Navigator
mohanyan@nsfm.ca
Such as trails, physical activity promotion, recreation programming and capital, active transportation, accessibility, healthy eating, seniors, and healthcare recruitment.
Trans Canada Trail
Department - Organization: Trans Canada Trail
Description: The Trail Funding Program is intended to support Trail operators across Canada in the development and enhancement of the Trans Canada Trail by offering a range of funding streams designed to support specific Trail priorities. There are eight streams of funding:
- Climate Impact and Emergency Support Fund: This fund requires a 50% match. Open for applications.
- Accessibility and Inclusion in Trails: 35% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of $20k-$50k based on project type. Open for applications.
- Indigenous Communities: To support projects and initiatives led by Indigenous communities. 35% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of $20k. Open for applications.
- Trail Infrastructure and Major Repairs: Total project costs $10,000-150,000 (20-75% funded). Closed, next intake TBD.
- Trail Signage: 35% of eligible expenses, maximum contribution dependent on project, see website. Closed, next intake TBD.
- Trail Destination Development: Includes visitor-use management, tourism infrastructure and tourism experience or product development. 35% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of $20k-$50k based on project type. Closed, next intake TBD.
- Minor Maintenance: Total project costs between $2,000 and $25,000 may be funded up to 50%. Closed, next intake TBD.
- Greenway Development Stream: Planning and construction projects along the Trans Canada Trail that will increase and improve active transportation within the network, via greenway development, and improve the safety and comfort of users. Planning and design 50% of the total project costs, maximum of $50,000. Construction phases are limited to 35% of the total project costs, up to a maximum of $60,000. Closed, next intake TBD.
Deadline: See above.
Contact: It is highly recommended to contact a Trans Canada Trail representative at project@tctrail.ca and discuss your unique vision and work plan before deciding whether to apply.
Website: Trans Canada Trail
Safe and Active School Routes
Department - Organization: Green Muncipal Fund/ Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Description: For new or improved active transportation infrastructure along school routes in your community, including quick-build or permanent features such as pathways, sidewalks, bike lanes, crossings and safety enhancements—along with knowledge and capacity to implement these improvements effectively. $125,000 grant up to 50%-80% of eligible costs.
Deadline: The pre-application deadline is October 17, 2025.
Contact: gmfinfo@fcm.ca
Website: Safe and Active School Routes
Active Communities Fund
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Description: The fund supports community-wide initiatives to encourage less structured physical activity and movement. The fund aims to encourage physical activity and movement through policies, social initiatives or physical environments. Projects should target community members who are less active, or who have fewer opportunities for physical activity. $25,000 up to 75% of eligible costs. If your municipality has more than 90,000 people, you may be eligible for more funds. Contact your regional Communities, Culture and Heritage (CCH) office for more information.
Example(s): A plan to design & implement a safe, walkable connector pathway between Glace Bay High School and the nearby shopping plaza.
Deadline: Open April 1st to December 1st, 2025. Requests larger than $10,000 in funding need to apply by 15 June 2025.
Website: Active Communities Fund
National Anti-Racism Fund
Department - Organization: Canada Race Relations Foundation
Description:
- Project Grants: Looks to fund projects that align with the following themes: A) Systemic racial barriers B) Research and education C) Public awareness. Funding available for any proposed project can range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $125,000.
- Event and Youth Initiative Grants: Events are community-based, planned public, social, and/or learning occasions and activities relating to the themes and objectives of the National Anti-Racism Fund. Youth Initiatives are projects that are youth-led or focused on youth. Youth are defined as persons under the age of 30. Available funding is a maximum of $10,000.
Deadline:
- Project Grants August 29, 2025
- Event and Youth Initiative Grants July 4, 2025.
Website: National Anti-Racism Fund
Enabling Accessibility Fund
Department - Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada
Description: This funding opportunity aims to make communities and workplaces across Canada more accessible for persons with disabilities. It will fund new construction, renovation and/or retrofit activities that will contribute to reducing waitlists for persons with disabilities to access programs, services and/or support.
- Youth Innovation Component: Led by youth between 15 to 30 years of age at the time of the application in collaboration with municipalities or not-for-profit organizations. Up to $12,000 in funding. Deadline is October 6th, 2025.
- Small Project: Up to $125,000 in funding. Closed on July 26th, 2024.
- Mid-sized projects: $500,000- $3,000,000 in funding. Closed on December 13, 2023.
Deadline: See above.
Website: Enabling Accessibility Fund
Planning Assistance Program
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Description: The program assists community organizations and municipalities in obtaining professional assistance in planning, designing and researching proposed and existing sport and recreation facilities. Funding is available for up to 50% of the total cost of the project to a maximum of $10,000.
Example(s): General facility planning including needs assessments, feasibility studies, master plans and facility operation plans. Schematic Design for new or renovated facilities and landscaping. Schematic design illustrates the scale and character of a project showing how the parts of the project relate to each other. This work includes preliminary cost estimates. The preparation of detailed design or construction documents is eligible under the main capital program and therefore not eligible. Building Audits forecast the replacement of building components by professional consultants and result in the development of a Life Cycle Plan for a facility. Research involves projects which have province-wide application e.g., exploring/testing alternative energy sources, maintenance strategies or usage.
Deadline: Annual intake. April 1st - December 1st or until the program is 100% committed.
Recreation Community Development Grant
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Description: The grant is designed to support activities and initiatives that respond to the recreation and physical activity goals and priorities of communities and the Shared Strategy for Recreation in Nova Scotia: Active Living, Inclusion and Access, Connecting People and Nature, Supportive Environments, and Capacity Development.
Example(s): Leadership Education and Capacity Development. Marketing and Awareness Campaigns. Organizational and Partnership Development. Program or Policy Development and Implementation. Resource Development, Planning and Evaluation.
Deadline: Annual intake. April 1st- December 1st, or until 100% committed. Apply early in the fiscal year to avoid disappointment. Applicants in the HRM region and in the Highland Region (Guysborough, Antigonish and Pictou Counties) have the following intake deadlines: April 30th, June 30th and September 30th.
Community Recreation Capital Grant
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Description: This program is suitable for projects with a total value up to $30,000. This capital grant is cost-shared with the applicant which means the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage could contribute up to one-third of the total project cost to a maximum of $8,000 and the applicant would contribute two-thirds including financial matching and donated labor or materials. REMINDER: The capital application requires demonstration of competitive and accurate price estimates, commonly through multiple quotes. You are encouraged to apply early in the fiscal year. A complete application, with all supporting documents, including confirmed funders (two-third contribution) at the time of submitting, is encouraged.
Deadline: Annual intake. April 1st - December 1st or until the grant program is 100% committed.
Website: Community Recreation Capital Grant
Trail Engineering Assistance Grant Program
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Description: The program is designed to provide trail builders and managers with a source of funding to help them hire engineering expertise when it is required. The program provides funding to municipalities for hiring engineers when building, maintaining, and supporting multi-use trails and non-motorized single-use to help ensure Nova Scotia’s trails are both safe for trail users and environmentally sound. Applicants are encouraged to contribute to the overall cost of the initiative. The contribution level required depends on the need and the ability of the applicant to contribute.
Example(s): Inspection and assessment of existing trail structures. Components of planning requiring an engineer (i.e. site plan for a bridge). Design of trail components which must be engineered to a specific standard. Rehabilitation plans.
Deadline: Annual intake. April 1st - December 1st or until the grant program is 100% committed.
Contact: cchtrailgrants@novascotia.ca
TD Ready Commitment
Department – Organization: TD Bank Group
Description: TD Ready Commitment provides community donations and sponsorships to municipalities, registered charities, Indigenous communities and non-profits for programs and events that deliver measurable community outcomes under four drivers: Connected Communities, Vibrant Planet, Financial Security and Better Health. Eligible projects can include:
- Inclusive community events, arts/culture programming and place-making (Connected Communities)
- Urban greening, parks/tree planting, habitat restoration and low-carbon initiatives (Vibrant Planet)
- Financial literacy, youth employment/skills training and newcomer economic inclusion (Financial Security)
- Mental-wellbeing, active living and health-equity access initiatives delivered with community partners (Better Health)
Key Parameters & Terms:
- Typical request range: from $1,000 to over $1,000,000, depending on project and budget.
- Normally no more than 20% of your annual operating budget can be covered.
- Usually no more than 15% of the grant can go to admin/overhead (program delivery costs don’t count as admin).
- For large grants ($500,000+), up to 20% may go to capital tied to the initiative and up to 10% for evaluation.
- Only one request per organization per year.
Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed four times a year (January, April, July, October).
Eligibility: Canadian registered/incorporated charities and not-for-profits, municipalities, Indigenous communities.
How to Apply: Submit online via TD’s Grants portal
Contact: tdreadycommitment@td.com
Website: TD Ready Commitment
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant
Department - Organization: TD Bank
Description: The Foundation supports a wide range of environmental initiatives, with a primary focus on environmental education and green space programs. States that municipalities are eligible.
Example(s): Eligible projects include park revitalization, community gardens, park programming and citizen science initiatives.
Deadline: July 15th. January 15th
Contact: tdfef@td.com
Jays Care Programs – Local Governments
Department - Organization: Jays Care Foundation
Description: This is an inclusion-focused baseball/softball for development program. This is offered to Canadian Local Governments offering programs for children and youth facing barriers. The aim is to use baseball or softball as a tool to enhance connection, belonging, and access to sport opportunities to kids most often sitting on the sidelines. Your community can apply to receive free training and equipment.
Deadline: Open
Website: Jays Care Programs
Local Food Infrastructure Fund
Department - Organization: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Description: The fund aims to support locally-driven projects that will help improve community food security through the purchase and installation of infrastructure/equipment that will increase access to local, nutritious and culturally appropriate food. Priority will be given to projects that predominantly serve equity-deserving group.
- Small Scale Projects: funding between $25,000 and $100,000 up to 100% of project costs. Supports projects that aim to address local food security priorities through the purchase and installation of one or a few pieces of infrastructure/equipment
- Large Scale Projects: funding between $150,000 and $500,000, up to 100% of project costs. Supports projects with multiple infrastructure/equipment needs and partnerships to address community food security in a more comprehensive manner. Projects must include a production element and at least two partnerships.
Deadline: Small Scale Projects: September 19, 2025. Large Scale Projects: Closed February, 2025.
Website: Local Food Infrastructure Fund
Telus Community Board Grants
Department - Organization: Telus Friendly Future Foundation
Description: Municipalities can apply for grants that support local, grassroots community-based health and education programs that help youth reach their full potential. One funding application per year, up to $20,000 per year.
Deadline: Multiple intakes per year, check website.
Website: Telus Community Board Grants
Jumpstart Community Development Grants
Department - Organization: Canadian Tire
Description: To help municipalities develop or sustain sports and recreation programming for kids between the ages of 4-18 in financial need or youth with disabilities between the ages of 4-25. The grant is meant to help organizations develop or sustain the delivery of sport or physical activity-based programs. Or build their capacity to provide more inclusive, equitable, safe sports participant experiences.
Deadline: Apply approximately 3-6 months before the program starts. 3 intakes a year.
Contact: jumpstart@cantire.com
Smoke-Free Outdoor Spaces Signage Grant Fund
Department - Organization: Smoke-Free Nova Scotia
Description: The fund is intended to support communities which have already established smoke-free outdoor spaces by assisting with the cost of signage, as well as awareness and enforcement. This is a limited, one-time funding opportunity. Grants as high as $2,000 may be awarded.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: laceysutherland@lungnspei.ca
Recreation Trail Expansion Grant Program and Off-Highway Infrastructure Fund
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Description: The Trail Expansion Program is to assist municipalities and not-for-profit organizations in developing new recreational trails, expanding recreational trails, and making capital upgrades to existing trails in order to increase opportunities for Nova Scotians to recreate in the outdoors, connect with nature and get moving, which responds to the goals of the Shared Strategy for Trails in Nova Scotia. Projects eligible to apply for up to 2/3 of total capital costs to a maximum of $150,000.
The Off-Highway Infrastructure Fund (OHV) is designed to provide funding for OHV trail and riding area development, support the planning and design associated with these facilities, and help maintain OHV accessible infrastructure. Projects approved for funding are eligible to receive up to 50% of the total project cost, usually not to exceed $50,000 in one fiscal year.
You can now apply for both funding streams in one go through the Expression of Interest process.
Deadlines: Expression of Interest – November 1, 2025; Application – February 1, 2026.
Contact: cchtrailgrants@novascotia.ca
Website: Trail Funding Programs
Rink Efficiency
Department - Organization: Efficiency Nova Scotia
Description: Through the program, municipalities can improve their rink or arena’s energy efficiency. This will not only improve conditions for customers, it will result in cost savings that can be reinvested in other ways. There are programs for retrofits, optimization, and rebates. You can inquire about your project idea on their website, and they will get back to you within two business days.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: Use the contact form on the website.
Website: Rink Efficiency
Mitacs Municipal Support
Department - Organization: Mitacs
Description: They offer funding (non repayable grants) and connect municipalities with post-secondary researchers for innovative projects — from affordable housing, green initiatives, transit, infrastructure, climate change — and more — to tackle your most difficult challenges and create vibrant and healthy communities.
- Non-repayable funding from $6,000 to multi-million.
- A custom-built research and innovation team to roadmap your project.
- Scalable, multidisciplinary projects in all areas.
- Academic/research team to give you the specialized knowledge and skills that you need.
- Works with you to resolve the major challenges that Canadian municipalities face
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: Form on the webpage
Website: Mitacs Municipal Support
Max Bell Foundation Grants
Department - Organization: Max Bell Foundation
Description: Max Bell Foundation makes grants to support projects that are designed to inform public policy. They do so across four program areas: Education; Environment; Health & Wellness; and Civic Engagement and Democratic Institutions. A typical project supported by Max Bell Foundation ranges from 1-3 years in duration and has a budget that ranges from approximately $10,000 to $200,000. Max Bell Foundation is often the only financial supporter of projects they fund. Not for building or service delivery, it is for projects that inform public policy. You can view previous grants awarded here: https://www.maxbell.org/about-us/grants-database/
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: Contact Form
Website: Max Bell Foundation Grants
Sport Fund
Department - Organization: Sport Nova Scotia
Description: Sport Fund focuses on community sport support. The goal of the fund is to support quality, sustainable programming, either by providing funds to help organizations create new programs, or to expand and/or enhance current programs to provide more opportunities for Nova Scotians to take part in sport. The maximum allocation amount for a Sport Fund application is $5000 and Sport Fund does not support 100% of the cost of any initiative.
Deadline: 6 times a year, see website.
Contact: Regional contacts on Page 8 of the reference guide.
Website: Sport Fund
The McLean Foundation Grant
Department - Organization: The McLean Foundation
Description: They endeavour to maintain a flexible policy, with particular emphasis on projects showing promise of general social benefit but which may initially lack broad public appeal. Normally in the areas of social welfare, education, environmental conservation and the arts.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: info@mcleanfoundation.ca
Website: The McLean Foundation Grant
R. Howard Webster Foundation
Department - Organization: R. Howard Webster Foundation
Description: The R. Howard Webster Foundation makes grants to outstanding Canadian charitable organizations offering unique and inspiring programs or projects for the benefit, improvement and development of Canadian society. The R. Howard Webster Foundation’s funding interests are within the areas of Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Medical, and Social Services.
Example(s): Does not fund capital projects. Previous grantees can be viewed on their website.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: application@rhwfdn.ca
Website: R. Howard Webster Found
Farm Credit Canada Community Fund
Department - Organization: Farm Credit Canada
Description: FCC Community Funding is to help enhance communities. Eligible organizations can apply for up to $10,000 in FCC Community Funding annually and applications are accepted year-round.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: agrispirit-agriesprit@fcc-fac.ca
McConnell Foundation Grants
Department - Organization: The McConnell Foundation
Description: The McConnell Foundation funds three areas; community, reconciliation, and climate. They fund a wide variety of projects and understand that applying for funding can take a lot of time and resources. Therefore, have designed a two-stage process meant to minimize the time required. Stage 1 consists of selecting the focus area your initiative is most aligned with, and submitting a short-form application.
- Community: spaces of collaboration and policy change that address barriers to social and economic inclusion
- Reconciliation: projects that allow communities to contribute to a reconciliation economy in relationship with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
- Climate: climate mitigation solutions.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Example(s): There is a database of previously funded projects, view it here. For example, funding to contribute to Community Connectors to run a series of community conversations over the next two years, to surface key issues, identify solutions, form natural support groups and disseminate community insights with mainstream organizations to influence systems change.
Contact: You can book a 15-minute appointment to determine if they are the right partner for your project.
Website: McConnell Foundation Grants
Medavie Foundation
Department - Organization: Medavie Blue Cross
Description: Invests in community initiatives and organizations that improve the well-being of Canadians, focusing on some of the most pressing mental and physical health challenges facing Canadians: Healthy Living is the main stream applicable to municipalities. Partnering with community-led organizations for the application is recommended/ encouraged.
Example(s): Dartmouth's North Grove Community Food Centre is featured here.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Website: Medavie Foundation
Community ACCESS-Ability Program
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Description: This program offers cost-shared grants to community groups for accessibility-related capital improvements. The grants may cover up to two-thirds of the direct and indirect costs of renovations, installations, and/or equipment. The sponsoring organization must raise at least one-third of the funding from other sources. Organizations can receive funding for one project per year under the program.
Example(s): Ramps, power door operators, accessible doors, and levered handles. Barrier-free washrooms. Elevators lifts, and other mobility assistive devices. Audio signals and loops and lighting/colour contrasting for the visually impaired. Accessible portion of community playgrounds.
Deadline: February 14th (annually).
Contact: accessabilitygrants@novascotia.ca
Website: Community ACCESS-Ability Program
Information Session(s): Please email communitiesNS@novascotia.ca to get the Zoom link. Please indicate which session you would like to attend and how many from your group will be attending. January 10th, 2025 – 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Recreation Facility Development Grant/ Rink Revitalization Program
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Description: This program assists community groups and municipalities in developing or upgrading facilities to increase public participation in sport and physical recreation. Projects approved for funding are eligible to receive up to one-third of the total capital cost of the project to a maximum of $150,000. The rink revitalization program is under this program. The program can assist municipalities that operate rinks to invest in the revitalization or upgrading of capital infrastructure to support the sustainability of the facility. Rinks include curling clubs and arenas as well as outdoor rinks of a permanent nature. The rink must be open to all members of the public at reasonable times and at a reasonable rate.
Example(s): Recreation centres and halls, pools, arenas, athletic fields, parks playgrounds and trails. Enhanced schools for community use. Purchase of large permanent furnishings and equipment integral to the functioning/operation of a facility. (i.e. soccer goals, ice re-surfacer, ice plant components). Construction of community centres, pools, rinks, athletic fields, parks, playgrounds, and enhancements to schools for community use and other recreation facilities that promote active living. Capital conservation work involving repair and/or replacement needs of any major components directly related to a facility’s structural or operational integrity.
Deadline: February 14th (Annually).
Information Session(s): Please email communitiesNS@novascotia.ca to get the Zoom link. Please indicate which session you would like to attend and how many from your group will be attending. January 10th, 2025 – 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Community Facility Improvement Program
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Description: Not for municipally owned community centers, please share widely within your municipality. Aids in repairs and upgrades to community facilities open for public use, such as community halls.
Deadline: February 14th (Annually).
Contact: Communitiesns@novascotia.ca
Connect2
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Description: Active transportation projects that will improve connectivity within and between communities and have the potential to reduce emissions. There are three streams. 1) Capacity Building and Community Engagement, Connect2 provides grants of up to 75% to a maximum of $50,000 per project in this category. 2) Shared Mobility & Bicycle Fleets, Connect2 provides grants of up to $75,000 per project in this category. 3) Active Transportation Infrastructure and Design, Connect2 provides grants of up to 75% to a maximum of $50,000 per project in this category.
Deadline: February 14th (Annually).
Website: Connect2
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Grant Program
Department - Organization: Recreation Facility Association of Nova Scotia
Description: The goal of this program is to increase the number of AEDs installed in sport and recreation facilities in Nova Scotia. Through this grant program owners or managing partners of sport and recreation facilities can be eligible to receive up to 1/2 the total cost of the purchase of an AED or replacement batteries or pads for AEDs purchased through the program (taxes Included) to a maximum of $1,500.00. RFANS does not recommend a particular AED brand, manufacturer, or distributor. They encourage anyone considering purchasing an AED to contact several providers to determine their facilities specific needs
Deadline: February 15th (Annually)
Contact: rfans@sportnovascotia.ca
Emergency Treatment Fund
Department - Organization: NS
Description: The primary priority for the fund is to address urgencies related to the overdose crisis, as applied to an individual community's context. All proposals should include supporting evidence that describes the urgency of the situation in their community and why it is important to carry out the project quickly.
Example(s):
- harm reduction and overdose prevention supports, including training, drug checking and naloxone distribution
- cultural and community programing (for example, on-the-land healing)
- certain capital costs (for example, the purchase of vehicles and building upgrades)
- outreach activities, including support for mobile response teams, crisis counsellors, knowledge keepers or other Indigenous professionals
- recovery support
Deadline: November 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm ET.
Contact: etf-fut@hc-sc.gc.ca.
Website: Emergency Treatment Fund
Tourism Sprint Program
Department – Organization: Destination Canada
Description: The Tourism Sprint Program is a competitive, application-based, cost-sharing program that funds short-term projects focused on creating innovative tourism products and supporting new tourism investment. The program aims to quickly address barriers to investment through targeted funding over a limited project timeline to unlock broader tourism opportunities and enhance Canada's competitive position in the global marketplace. The goal is to build a resilient, diversified, inclusive and sustainable tourism economy across Canada.
Funding Streams & Details:
- Stream 1 – 2025 Initiation: Suitable for high-readiness projects that can begin implementation quickly. Provides up to $25,000 in matching funds for short-term projects. Projects must demonstrate ability to expend funds within the 2025 timeline. Purpose: Supports projects ready for immediate implementation to create demand-generating tourism assets, products and experiences.
- Stream 2 – 2026 Initiation: Suitable for projects requiring more planning time before implementation. Provides up to $25,000 in matching funds for short-term projects. Projects have additional time for planning before fund expenditure. Purpose: Supports projects that align with strategic or master plans but need additional preparation time before launch.
Deadline: Expression of Interest (EOI) must be submitted by September 12, 2025. Full applications are due October 1, 2025.
Eligibility: Local, Regional and Municipal Governments; Indigenous Communities and Organizations; Not-for-Profit Organizations (incorporated non-profits with tourism mandate).
Program Guidelines: Available here
How to Apply: Applications must be submitted through a two-step process. First, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via online form. After EOI review, Destination Canada will contact applicants with guidance for completing the full application form.
Trail Maintenance Grant
Department - Organization: NS Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Description: The Trail Maintenance Grant is designed to support not-for-profit community groups who are involved in regular maintenance, as well as emergency funding to groups who have experienced major trail damage due to fire, flooding and hurricanes. The program supports three main types of projects:
Regular Maintenance Projects include re-surfacing, addressing drainage issues, brush cutting, replacing or repairing signage, repairing or replacing bollards, gates, turnstiles, fencing and maintaining amenities such as washrooms, picnic tables, benches, gazebos and garbage cans.
Aging Infrastructure Projects include replacing or maintaining bridge decking, railings, superstructure, replacing culverts and repairing groomers or other equipment.
Catastrophic Event Funding addresses environmental or man-made disasters that threaten trail continuity due to extensive infrastructure damage, including replacement of bridges or bridge components, culverts, trail surfaces, supporting materials and removal of fallen trees or debris.
Deadline: Annual intake: April 1 – December 1.
Eligibility: Registered charities and non-profits.
How to Apply: Contact Trail Consultant at ccthtrailgrants@novascotia.ca to discuss proposal and determine eligibility before applying.
Contact: ccthtrailgrants@novascotia.ca
Age-Friendly Communities Grant Program
Department - Organization: NS Department of Seniors and Long-term Care
Description: This grant provides funding up to $25,000 for projects that help older Nova Scotians stay active, healthy and engaged in their communities. Two categories 1) Planning – developing solutions with the community to address the persistent challenges of supporting older adults in their homes 2) Projects – may focus on physical activity, mobility, and nutrition, reducing social isolation and strengthening social connections, providing non-medical support at home or in the community, helping to improve digital skills.
Example(s): Municipality of the County of Colchester - Recreation Services, Indoor Community Walking for Older Adults: the Municipality of Colchester is partnering with the community of Five Island to provide a safe welcoming environment for older adult residents to walk.
Deadline: November 3, 2025.
Contact: agefriendly@novascotia.ca
Currently Closed, Next Intake TBD:
Farm Credit Canada AgriSpirit Fund
Department - Organization: Farm Credit Canada
Description: The fund supports rural communities under 150,000 people across Canada with funding for capital projects that enrich the lives of community residents. $1.5 million distributed annually.
Example Project: Refrigeration and equipment to support food waste reduction and recovery. Construction of or upgrades to community buildings. Renovations or upgrades that reduce a building’s energy footprint. Initiatives that support agriculture and food.
Deadline: Applications are closed and will re-open from June 25-July 30, 2025.
Contact: agrispirit-agriesprit@fcc-fac.ca
Website: Farm Credit Canada AgriSpirit Fund
Substance Use and Addictions Program
Department - Organization: Health Canada
Description: The program provides time-limited funding for a wide range of innovative and evidence-informed projects including substance use prevention, harm reduction and treatment initiatives across the country. Projects target a range of substances, including opioids, stimulants, cannabis, alcohol, nicotine and tobacco, at the community, regional and national levels.
Example(s): Cape Breton Association of People Empowering Drug Users (CAPED): This project will engage with people with lived and living experience (PWLLE) of substance use in Sydney, and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Community partners will be offered capacity building training to reduce stigma, and PWLLE of substance use will participate in training programs to acquire the skills needed for employment in the substance use sector as peer support workers. Project duration: May 16, 2022 to September 30, 2023. ($492,229).
Deadline: Closed November 22nd, 2023. Next intake TBD
Contact: suap-puds@hc-sc.gc.ca
Website: Substance Use and Addictions Program
Community Trails Leadership Fund
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Description: The grant supports the trail development community in Nova Scotia through the provision of funds for leadership, organizational development, and capacity building. The fund will help organizations offer training and educational opportunities for volunteers and the trail professionals who support them. It also helps the organizations acquire the expertise needed for specific aspects of trail projects. Applicants are expected to contribute at least fifty percent (50%) of the overall cost of the initiative, inclusive of contributions obtained from other sources (financial and in-kind). Applicants unable to contribute the expected amount (50% of overall cost) are encouraged to discuss their proposed initiative and financial situation with their local Regional Manager and/or CCTH Trails Consultant
Deadline: Program under review.
Contact: cchtrailgrants@novascotia.ca
Website: Community Trails Leadership Fund
Innoweave
Department - Organization: Innoweave/ McConnell Family Foundation
Description: Innoweave helps organizations implement social innovation with personalized coaching. Innoweave teaches the organization to implement these changes itself, taking a coaching method rather than a consultation approach. They offer funding three times a year through a competitive process, funding 2/3 of organizations (up to $10,000). With a large network of experienced coaches, they guide areas like policy engagement, scaling impact, developmental evaluation, and impact measurement. To better understand the program, please watch the “Introduction to Innoweave” video.
Deadline: Closed April 26th, 2024
Contact: info@innoweave.ca
Website: Innoweave
Equitable Access to Reading Program
Department - Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada
Description: This funding opportunity aims to increase the production of alternate format reading materials for persons with print disabilities. Up to $6,000,000 per project. Municipal libraires are elgible.
Deadline: Closed June 19th, 2024.
Website: Equitable Access to Reading Program
National AccessAbility Week Funding
Department - Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada
Description: It will fund projects that improve understanding and knowledge of Canadians on accessibility and disability inclusion, reduce stigma and attitudinal barriers towards persons with disabilities, and share best practices and lessons learned related to NAAW activities within the disability community. Up to $100,000 or $200,000 (with special requirements) for a project that is up to 2 years.
Municipalities can apply in partnership with disability organizations
Deadline: Closed July 17th, 2024
Website: National AccessAbility Week Funding
Intersectoral Action Fund
Department - Organization: Public Health Agency of Canada
Description: seeking proposals for upstream community-based projects that integrate health, equity and wellbeing considerations into local decision-making, and that promote positive change. The application to the Fund is a 2-stage process: the Advanced Screening Form (first stage) and the Full Application (second stage). Interested parties must request a copy of the Advanced Screening Form as directed on the Apply for the Fund web page. Apply for funding between $25,000 and $250,000 per project for up to a maximum of 24 months.
Deadline: The deadline to submit the Advanced Screening Form was July 25th 2024.
Website: Intersectoral Action Fund
New Horizons for Seniors Program- Community-Based Projects
Department - Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada
Description: The community-based stream of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grant that supports community-based projects that are designed by seniors for seniors. This program funds projects that empower seniors in their communities and contribute to improving their health and well-being. Municipalities can apply for up to $25,000 for projects that are led by seniors and are volunteer-based.
Deadline: Closed September 12, 2024.
Infectious Disease and Climate Change Fund
Department - Organization: Public Health Agency of Canada
Description: The fund is looking to address the impact of climate change on human health. There are two streams. Funds will be disbursed through a combination of single-year or multi-year funding agreements. Multi-year projects are not to exceed 3 years and a maximum of $300,000 per year of funding.
Stream 1: Building capacity and resiliency of Indigenous Peoples on climate-sensitive infectious diseases and health with projects developed by and with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples (distinctions-based approach)
Stream 2: Mobilizing evidence and raising awareness to take action. This priority focuses on leveraging the current understanding on climate-sensitive infectious diseases to raise awareness and address the knowledge to action gap at the local, regional and national levels and among key populations (for example, population groups facing disproportionate risk due to existing inequities).
Deadline: Closed November 28, 2024 at 3:00 pm EST.
Contact: idccp_pmicc@phac-aspc.gc.ca
CSA Hockey Helmet Program
Department - Organization: Recreation Facility Association of Nova Scotia
Description: Through the CSA Hockey Helmet Program, local arenas can order affordable, CSA-approved hockey helmets to provide proper protective gear for public skating, school skates and employee safety. Participating facilities can purchase CSA hockey helmets for $10.00 each or $24.00 each for helmets with a face shield. A maximum of 20 helmets per application (one application per facility per year) can be purchased as there are a limited number of helmets available.
Deadline: Closed December 20th, 2024
Contact: rfans@sportnovascotia.ca
Website: CSA Hockey Helmet Program
ParticipACTION Community Challenge Grant Program
Department - Organization: ParticipACTION
Description: ParticipACTION will be providing grants of up to $1,500 to community organizations to help them promote and deliver sport and physical activity opportunities to equity-denied populations, in particular, Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQQIA+, persons with a disability, low-income populations and newcomers to Canada.
Deadline: Closed February 11th, 2025
Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment- Community Fund
Department - Organization: NS Government: The Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment
Description: Apply for funding to support community-led recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals. You need to use the funding for community projects like planning, recruitment and retention efforts of healthcare professionals. Helping reduce social and cultural barriers that may impact the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals. Creating a welcoming environment for healthcare professionals. The Community Identified Projects Stream may fund up to $75,000 of eligible costs for each organization’s projects. The Community Readiness Supports Stream may fund up to $25,000 of eligible costs for each organization’s projects.
Example(s): Healthcare worker recognition events, online support tools, marketing videos, community garden.
Deadline: Closed February 21st, 2025.
Contact: ohprcommunityfund@novascotia.ca
Canada Public Transit Fund, Targeted Funding: Active Transportation Fund
Department - Organization: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Description: The fund invests in projects that build new and expanded networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails and pedestrian bridges, in addition to supporting active transportation planning and stakeholder engagement activities.
Deadline: Closed February 26, 2025
Contact: ATF-FTA@infc.gc.ca
Website: Active Transportation Fund
Kal's RePlay Fund
Department - Organization: Kal's Tire
Description: Since 2019, Kal Tire has supported recycling millions of pounds of scrap tires to build inclusive playgrounds, accessible public spaces, durable roofing products, sanitary flooring, and so much more. Kal’s RePlay Fund is open to all non-profits, municipalities, First Nations and school boards that are improving community infrastructure with recycled rubber products.
Kal Tires also has a Tires for Good program for charirties and non-profits (muncipalities not elgible). Recipients receive a Kal Tire gift certificate that can be used: to purchase and install four new passenger or light truck tires for your operational vehicle. Please share with communtiy organizatins in your consitutiency.
Deadline: Closed February 28th, 2025.
Website: Kal's RePlay
Canada Post Community Foundation
Department - Organization: Canada Post
Description: The Canada Post Community Foundation provides grants to small municipalities. The project should make a difference in the lives of children and youth (up to age 21). Eligible projects should increase the capacity of an organization and create or expand services, rather than maintaining existing services. For example, purchasing new equipment or launching new programs. Project grants are available for projects valued at up to $25,000 each.
Example(s): Playground equipment and upgrades to parks, library supplies, chrome books and other electronics, musical instruments, art supplies, sporting goods (balls, hockey sticks, curling brooms, etc.), sporting facility improvements (pools, ice rinks, skateboard parks, climbing walls, etc.), special needs supplies and adaptive equipment (autism room supplies, modified sporting equipment for children with special needs, etc.)
Deadline: Closed February 28th, 2025.
Contact: community@canadapost.ca
Website: Canada Post Community Foundation
AMANS Municipal Wellness Grants
Department - Organization: Association of Municipal Administrators Nova Scotia
Description: The Municipal Wellness Grants Program funds projects that promote workplace wellness for municipal employees and elected officials, through new initiatives, for example: activities, events, projects, or enhancements to existing initiatives. These grants are only available to municipalities participating in the NSFM Group Benefits program.
- Benefits to municipal employees - up to $3000
- Benefits to municipal employees and elected officials - up to $4000
Deadline: Closed March 31st, 2025.
Website: Municipal Wellness Grant
Reciprocity Health Fund
Department - Organization: Community Foundation of Nova Scotia
Description: The Fund will support preventative, community-based, health projects rooted in an understanding of the social determinants of health. Projects should take place in Shelburne, Yarmouth or Digby Counties and must be led by a qualified donee. Proposed projects should focus on improved population health and reduced health inequities. Applicants must demonstrate how their proposal aligns with these objectives in their application.
Deadline: Closed April 25, 2025
Contact: infocfns@cfns-fcne.ca
Website: Reciprocity Health Fund
Community Health Boards Wellness Funds
Department - Organization: Nova Scotia Health, Community Health Boards
Description: Wellness Funds are for groups working to improve health in their communities and must address the health priorities identified by the Community Health Boards (CHBs) in their current community health plan. Wellness Funds support a health promotion or population health-based approach to wellness. This model seeks to maintain and improve the health of people and the communities in which they live through partnerships, and by addressing those aspects of a person’s life that determine their health. Wellness Funds are intended to support the implementation of the CHB Community Health Plan recommendations by funding local community projects that use a population health approach, addressing the Social Determinants of Health, such as income, education, social supports, early childhood development, etc.
Example(s): Varies largely: youth theatre project, fitness equipment.
Deadline: Closed April 30th, 2025
Website: Wellness Funds
If you can't find a grant that suits your municipality's needs, please reach out. Similarly, if your municipality is applying to any of the listed opportunities, I am readily available to provide assistance throughout the application process.
Mark Ohanyan,
Fund Navigator
mohanyan@nsfm.ca
Growth and Renewal for Infrastructure Development Program
Department - Organization: Department of Municipal Affairs
Description: The program supports municipal infrastructure projects that address critical capacity issues, build more accessible and adaptable communities and preserve and expand services for housing. The funding must be used for municipally owned infrastructure projects such as:
- water, wastewater and stormwater
- accessibility
- climate change adaptation
Deadline: October 9, 2025.
Contact: GRID@novascotia.ca
Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund
Department - Organization: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Description: Eligible projects include planning or capital projects that would build or upgrade drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, or solid-waste infrastructure to enable more housing.
Two streams, 1) Direct delivery stream 2) Provincial and territorial agreement stream. Eligible applicants can apply to either stream, or both streams, depending on their infrastructure needs. However, applicants cannot receive funding from both streams for the same project. The direct delivery stream is intended for projects with a high level of readiness to be completed by 2031. Applicants seeking support for long-term infrastructure projects that enable housing are encouraged to apply under the provincial and territorial agreement stream.
Deadline: Direct federal intake closed March, 2025. Provincial intake not yet announced.
Website: Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund
Affordable Housing Fund
Department - Organization: Canadian Mortgage and Housing Association
Description: Provides capital to partnered organizations for new affordable housing and the repair and renewal of existing affordable and community housing. Funds are provided as low-interest and/or forgivable loans and contributions. This fund is available to organizations that have partnered with another organization or level of government and have secured some funding. CMHC may provide up to 100% of the eligible project costs.
Deadline: Continuous
Contact: Before you begin the application, please contact 1-800-668-2642, contactcentre@cmhc.ca
Website: Affordable Housing Fund
Affordable Housing Innovation Fund
Department - Organization: Canadian Mortgage and Housing Association
Description: The Affordable Housing Innovation Fund supports new ideas that will drive change and disrupt the industry – ideas and approaches that will evolve the affordable housing sector and create the next generation of housing in Canada. Develop and test innovations that incorporate resource and operating efficiencies and are replicable and scalable. Get flexible financial support to test a range of innovations and leverage new partnerships. Facilitate partnerships and encourage participation from diverse stakeholders.
Deadline: Continious
Example Project: Incremental financing models and incremental building models. Such as the creation of shipping container affordable housing units which met net-zero specifications. The development of tiny homes for homeless veterans.
Seed Funding
Department - Organization: Canadian Mortgage and Housing Association
Description: CMHC's Seed Funding program provides financial support for individuals or organizations involved in the initial phases of creating an affordable housing project. You can apply for up to $350,000 in interest-free loans and a maximum of $150,000 in non-repayable contributions to assist with early development expenses. These expenses can include things like the formulation of a business plan, creation of preliminary design concepts and conducting environmental site assessments.
Deadline: Continuous intake until fully allocated
Website: Seed Funding
Green Municipal Fund
Department - Organization: Federation of Canadian Municipalities/ Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Description: GMF is more than just a funding source—they are a full-service partner in your climate action progress. Grants and loans for all stages. Stackable with other funding sources. Dedicated staff to help you apply. Free resources to help build business cases and improve project outcomes. Grants from $100-500k for up to 50% of eligible costs, combined grant and loan to a maximum of $10M for up to 80% of eligible costs.
- Community Efficiency Financing: Explore and assess options for a financing program for home energy upgrades within your community. Support project decision-making with a feasibility study.
- New construction of sustainable affordable housing: Construct a new affordable housing project to a higher environmental performance standard. Finance your new build with capital project funding. Planning, study and pilot project funding is also available.
- Retrofit of Sustainable Affordable Housing: Integrate deep energy efficiency measures and onsite renewable energy generation into existing affordable housing units. Finance your retrofit with capital funding. Planning, study and pilot project funding is also available.
Deadline: Continuous
Contact: gmfinfo@fcm.ca or book a meeting with an advisor.
Website: Green Municipal Fund
Funding for Indigenous Housing
Department – Organizations: CMHC Indigenous & the North Housing Solutions, Indigenous Services Canada
Description: A comprehensive suite of financing and grant programs to support housing projects for Indigenous communities. Includes new construction, repair and renewal, shelter and transitional housing, internship wage subsidies, and strategy-driven engagement.
Type: Grants, low-interest loans, forgivable loans, contributions and wage subsidies
Eligible Applicants: Indigenous governments and organizations; municipalities and other partners may be eligible when collaborating with an Indigenous lead applicant
Eligible Projects: Affordable rental housing, mixed-income housing, shelters, renovations, housing planning and strategies
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: qc-atlinhs-slan@cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Website: Funding for Indigenous Housing
Mitacs Municipal Support
Department - Organization: Mitacs
Description: They offer funding (non repayable grants) and connect municipalities with post-secondary researchers for innovative projects — from affordable housing, green initiatives, transit, infrastructure, climate change — and more — to tackle your most difficult challenges and create vibrant and healthy communities.
- Non-repayable funding from $6,000 to multi-million.
- A custom-built research and innovation team to roadmap your project.
- Scalable, multidisciplinary projects in all areas.
- Academic/research team to give you the specialized knowledge and skills that you need.
- Works with you to resolve the major challenges that Canadian municipalities face
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: Form on the webpage
Infrastructure for Housing Initiative
Department – Organization: Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB)
Description: The Infrastructure for Housing Initiative (IHI) offers low-cost, long-term financing to municipalities and Indigenous communities to build or expand infrastructure that enables new housing supply. Eligible projects include water, wastewater, stormwater, local transportation, transit, energy, and broadband infrastructure that directly support new housing development. This initiative helps communities overcome up-front infrastructure barriers and accelerate the pace of housing construction.
Type: Loan / Financing (not a grant!)
Eligible Applicants: Municipalities, Indigenous governments
Eligible Projects: Large-scale enabling infrastructure (e.g., water and wastewater systems, roads, bridges, transit, electricity distribution, broadband) that unlock new housing
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: investments@cib-bic.ca
Affordable Housing Development Program
Department – Organization: Nova Scotia Department of Growth and Development
Description: Supports private developers and community housing organizations to create new affordable rental housing for low-to-moderate income Nova Scotians. Funding is available for new construction, conversion of non-residential buildings, or preservation of chronically vacant multi-unit buildings.
Funding Details: Projects given priority for funding include housing development that:
- offers rent that’s at least 20% below average market rent
- offers rental units at affordable rental rates for more than the minimum 15-year affordability period
- includes at least 5 affordable rental units
- achieves higher-than-average social, economic or environmental outcomes
- involves co-operatives, non-profit housing providers or community housing groups
Eligibility: Non-profit societies, charities, community land trusts, housing co-ops or private entities registered in Canada and authorized in Nova Scotia.
Deadline: No fixed deadline; proposals accepted year-round.
How to Apply: Contact an Affordable Housing specialist to discuss your project before applying. Follow the program’s Application Guide to prepare your proposal.
Application Guidelines: Can be found here.
Contact: ahdp@novascotia.ca
Community Housing Infrastructure and Repair Program
Department – Organization: Nova Scotia Department of Growth and Development
Description: Provides forgivable loans to co-operative and non-profit housing providers for necessary capital repairs to existing affordable housing units in Nova Scotia. Supports repairs and upgrades that preserve community housing assets, improve sustainability and ensure affordable rents for low-income households.
Funding Details:
- Forgivable loans covering up to 100% of eligible repair costs.
- Eligible repairs: structural, electrical, plumbing, heating, fire safety, accessibility/barrier-free upgrades, energy efficiency improvements, replacement of kitchens/bathrooms/flooring and restoration of uninhabitable units.
- Other eligible costs: legal fees, project/property management, environmental and energy audits.
- Minimum of 30% of project units must be affordable for households below Household Income Limits.
- Professional project management required unless qualified internal capacity is demonstrated.
Eligibility: Private non-profit housing providers, housing co-operatives, and community land trusts in Nova Scotia.
Deadline: Applications accepted year-round; funding subject to annual budget availability.
How to Apply: Review Application Guide and complete application form with required supporting documents. Submit by mail or email to communityhousing@novascotia.ca.
Application Guidelines: Can be found here.
Contact: communityhousing@novascotia.ca
Currently Closed. Next Intake TBD:
Sustainable Development Goals Program
Department - Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada
Description: In September 2015, Canada and 192 other UN member states adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 2030 Agenda is a 15-year global framework centred on an ambitious set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This includes areas applicable to municipalities, such as sustainable cities and communities, decent work and economic growth, clean water and sanitation,
Example: By the Governors of Saint-Francis Xavier University: This project addresses the barriers to affordable housing in Nova Scotia. It leads a grassroots community consultation using the SDGs as a blueprint to frame the discussions. It addresses the factors that influence the housing needs of people living in low-income and marginalized populations.
Deadline: Closed January 12, 2024
Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/sustainable-development-goals.html
Research and Knowledge Initiative (Housing & Infrastructure)
Department - Organization: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Description: Funds projects related to housing, infrastructure and communities. To improve our understanding of housing and infrastructure to find solutions essential to building and maintain livable, resilient communities.
Example(s): Development of research or data-driven papers, reports or other products (e.g., needs assessments.) Translation of research findings (such as a housing needs assessment) into policy-relevant analysis and recommendations (e.g., identification of best practices, analysis of case studies).
Deadline: Closed February 9, 2024.
Contact: RKI-IRC@infc.gc.ca
Website: Research and Knowledge Initiative
Housing Accelerator Fund
Department - Organization: Canadian Mortgage and Housing Association
Description: New funding is available for previous applicants only.
The Housing Accelerator Fund provides incentive funding to local governments encouraging initiatives aimed at increasing housing supply. It also supports the development of complete, low-carbon and climate-resilient communities that are affordable, inclusive, equitable and diverse. HAF rewards applications that drive change within the local government's control. This can involve making changes to land use planning and development approvals processes, such as amending bylaws or implementing programs that expedite housing permits in both the short and long term. A list of example initiatives can be found in the pre-application material on the website.
Deadline: Closed September 13th, 2024.
Website: Housing Accelerator Fund
Short-Term Rental Enforcement Fund
Department - Organization: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Description: Aims to limit short-term rentals that take away units from the long-term housing market across the country. The program provides grant funding to municipalities and Indigenous communities with existing strict regulatory regimes to support the local enforcement of short-term rental restrictions in an effort to make more long-term housing units available in Canada.
It is a one-time grant funding opportunity. Will support up to 100% of total eligible costs. The maximum of $4.8 million over three years. The minimum of $100,000 over one year.
Deadline: Closed January 24th, 2025.
Contact: stref-farlcd@infc.gc.ca
Website: Short-Term Rental Enforcement Fund
National Housing Strategy Solutions Labs
Department - Organization: Canadian Mortgage and Housing Association
Description: A solutions lab allows for and provides tools and experts to guide stakeholders to co-develop solution ideas, prioritizes those ideas so they can be prototyped and tested together, and if they work, be implemented. The current theme is "Supporting the Community Housing Sector to Increase and Preserve the Affordable Housing Supply." Proposals are eligible for funding up to $250,000. Municipal agencies among many others are eligible to apply.
Deadline: closed until further notice
National Housing Strategy Demonstrations Initiative
Department - Organization: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Description: Funding to demonstrate innovative practices, technologies, programs, policies and strategies. For the 2024-2025 funding opportunity, the theme of focus is: “Supporting the Community Housing Sector to Increase Affordable Housing Supply”. The fund prioritizes solutions with potential regional or national impact over localized interventions. Your proposal may be eligible for funding up to $250,000.
Your proposal should aim to address the following challenges:
- financing
- acquisition of land or existing affordable housing
- development
- construction
- operation
- replication
Deadline: closed until further notice
Contact: Innovation-Research@cmhc-schl.gc.ca
If you can't find a grant that suits your municipality's needs, please reach out. Similarly, if your municipality is applying to any of the listed opportunities, I am readily available to provide assistance throughout the application process.
Mark Ohanyan,
Fund Navigator
mohanyan@nsfm.ca
Co-operative Education Incentive
Department - Organization: NS Dept Labour, Skills and Immigration
Description: The Co-op Education Incentive (CO-OP) provides wage assistance to organizations that offer career-related work experiences for university and college cooperative students.
Deadline:
Apply between December 15th, 2024 and January 15th, 2025 for the Summer 2025 co-op term.
Apply between April 15th and May 15th, 2025 for the Fall 2025 co-op term.
Apply between August 15th and September 16th, 2025 for the Winter 2026 co-op term.
Contact: yepinfo@novascotia.ca
Website: Co-operative Education Incentive
Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative
Department - Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada
Description: The fund supports workforce planning and skills training in communities significantly impacted by a mass layoff. It provides funding for community-based projects that help workers develop the skills they need to transition to new jobs.
Deadline: continuous
Foreign Credential Recognition Program
Department - Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada
Description: Supports the labour market integration of skilled newcomers. Funding is available for activities that involve the following:
- research, analysis or testing of new approaches to reduce barriers for entry to practice
- improve career advancement of skilled newcomers in targeted occupations and sectors
- development, validation and implementation of tools and processes to enable regulatory authorities and other stakeholders to assess, support, and provide international credentials recognition, work experience, competencies, and knowledge of skilled newcomers
- development and implementation of Pan Canadian certification or licensure pathways that can enhance labour mobility
- development and implementation of gap training courses or programs for targeted occupations and sectors, and
- development and provision of alternative career pathways and employment support services for skilled newcomers
Deadline: Continous intake
Science and Technology Internship Programme
Department - Organization: United Nations Association in Canada
Description: Municipalities can hire youth (15-30 years of age), with a wage subsidy of up to 75%. It should be a job with a strong tie to one of the natural resources sectors. Including but not limited to energy (clean energy, smart grid, energy storage, fuel switching, and energy efficiency). Earth sciences (environmental assessment, environmental protection, sustainable development, climate adaptation.
Employees must identify as one of the following: Indigenous, living in Nothern Territories, living in a remote community, living with a disability, women, and racialized youth.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: lauren.bennett@unac.org (Atlantic Canada) or cgc-stip@unac.org
Trail Engineering Assistance Grant Program
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Description: The grant is designed to provide trail builders and managers with a source of funding to help them hire engineering expertise when it is required. Hiring engineers when building, maintaining, and supporting multi-use trails and non-motorized single-use to help ensure Nova Scotia’s trails are both safe for trail users and environmentally sound. Applicants are encouraged to contribute to the overall cost of the initiative. The contribution level required depends on the need and the ability of the applicant to contribute.
Example(s): Inspection and assessment of existing trail structures. Components of planning requiring an engineer (i.e. site plan for a bridge). Design of trail components which must be engineered to a specific standard. Rehabilitation plans. Other occasions when it is appropriate to seek the advice of a professional engineer.
Deadline: Continuous intake as of April 1st, 2024.
Contact: cchtrailgrants@novascotia.ca or your regional CCTH manager.
Website: Engineering Assistance Grant Program
Mitacs Municipal Support
Department - Organization: Mitacs
Description: They offer funding (non repayable grants) and connect municipalities with post-secondary researchers for innovative projects — from affordable housing, green initiatives, transit, infrastructure, climate change — and more — to tackle your most difficult challenges and create vibrant and healthy communities.
- Non-repayable funding from $6,000 to multi-million.
- A custom-built research and innovation team to roadmap your project.
- Scalable, multidisciplinary projects in all areas.
- Academic/research team to give you the specialized knowledge and skills that you need.
- Works with you to resolve the major challenges that Canadian municipalities face
Example(s): The Pontiac Regional Municipal explored how to solve labour shortages via a pilot project with UQO for the resettlement and support of foreign workers and immigrant families in agricultural areas.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: Form on the webpage
Website: Mitacs Municipal Support
Public Policy and Governance Internship Program
Department - Organization: Public Policy and Governance Program, St. Francis Xavier University
Description: The Public Policy and Governance program offers students an interdisciplinary education to understand how societies solve difficult economic, social, and political problems. Municipalities can offer students paid or volunteer opportunities. The placements are for a minimum of either week between late April and early September. Municipalities will benefit from interns with relevant knowledge and core skills from three years of education in public policy, public administration, economics, and statistics. Organizations taking on an intern should treat the student as a short-term contract employee in accordance with relevant policies.
Example(s): The County of Antigonish had a student who researched policy and program options, contributed to public communications materials, participated in emergency management exercises, drafted MOUs and RFPs, presented a summary of the province’s Road Trails Act to the Municipal Council, provided feedback on their Council Orientation Guide, and assisted with the development of their Housing Accelerator Fund application.
Deadline: Continuous
contact: Peter Kikkert, Coordinator, Public Policy and Governance Program, pkikkert@stfx.ca
Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Programs
Department - Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada
Description: The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) is a horizontal Government of Canada initiative led by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and delivered in partnership with 11 federal departments, agencies, and Crown Corporations. Together, these 12 partners deliver funding programs to help Canadian youth (15-30) develop the skills and gain the experience they need to successfully transition into the labour market.
Municipalities can often use the subsidies to hire employees 30 and under. Use the Search the available programs using the link below:
Currently Closed, Next Intake TBD:
Canada Service Corps
Department - Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada
Description: Municipalities provide volunteer opportunities for youth (ages 12 to 30) to create meaningful change in communities across the country, to gain life skills and experience, and to support lasting civic engagement. propose projects that benefit their community. Funding is available for innovative ideas that engage young people and involve them directly in meaningful service opportunities.
Deadline: Closed December 19th, 2023
Contact: NA-GCOS-SELSC-GD@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Website: Canada Service Corps (CSC)
Sustainable Jobs Stream - Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy - Union Training and Innovation Program
Department - Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada
Description: Municipalities are eligible if they partnership with a union representing workers in the Red Seal trade. This funding opportunity aims to support a series of projects that will develop and deliver green training for journeypersons and apprentices in Red Seal trades that are key to reducing Canada's emissions. Up to $10,000,000 per project.
Deadline: Closed September 5th, 2024
Website: Sustainable Jobs Stream
Canada Summer Jobs Wage Subsidy
Department - Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada
Description: Helps employers create summer job opportunities that provide valuable full-time work experiences for youth between the ages of 15 and 30.
Deadline: December 19th, 2024.
Contact: NA-GCOS-SELSC-GD@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Website: Canada Summer Jobs Wage Subsidy
Young Canada Works
Department - Organization: Canadian Council of Archives
Description: The program provides funding to employers to create jobs for students and internships for graduates in libraries and archives. These programs help youth acquire skills in the heritage, arts and cultural sector, as well as develop their second language. Eligibility: be a Non-profit organization under municipal government, that has distinct objectives, programs and budget related to heritage.
Deadline: Closed January 17th, 2025.
Contact: ycw_jct@archivescanada.ca
Website: Young Canada Works
Clean Foundation Workforce Development
Department - Organization: Clean Foundation
Description: Workforce Development offers several internship opportunities including. These programs offer significant wage subsidies for environmental-specific positions, they can also assist with recruitment, applicant screening, interviewing and onboarding.
- Science Horizons Internship Program: Up to 80 percent of an intern’s salary to a maximum of $25,000 for youth from employment equity groups. 50 percent to a maximum of $25,000 for qualified, job-ready youth; and barrier alleviation funds available for training, certifications, personal protective equipment, transportation, childcare/family care, remote work supports, adaptive technology, etc. Contact sciencehorizons@cleanfoundation.ca or visit the webpage. Employer applications closed May 6, 2025.
- Green Jobs Internship Program: Wage subsidy of up to $24,000 per intern hired who self-identifies as a woman or racialized youth, or up to $30,000 per intern hired who self-identifies as Indigenous, youth living with a disability, or youth living in a northern or remote community. Contact greenjobs@cleanfoundation.ca, or visit the webpage. Closed March 28th, 2025
- Indigenous Wage Subsidy Initiative: The program connects Indigenous job seekers (age 15 and up) residing in Nova Scotia with qualifying positions in the clean economy in Nova Scotia. Employers can apply to be connected with an eligible employee. Employers can receive a subsidy covering up to 80 percent of the employee’s salary (up to $10,000, for a maximum period of eight months). Contact bsmith@cleanfoundation.ca, or visit the webpage. Continous intake.
- Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program: Helps grow the clean economy by matching employers with interns (age 15-30) for summer work placements. This includes a 60% wage subsidy. Added work capacity with 15-week and 9-week long internships. Access to Human Resources to help support intern recruitment, applicant screening, interviewing and onboarding. Occupational Health and Safety training and resources including supervising and mentoring support. Contact cleanleadership@cleanfoundation.ca, or visit the webpage. Closed January, 2025.
Example(s): New Glasgow hired an intern through the Science Horizons program with over a 75% wage subsidy for an 8-month contract.
Deadlines: See above.
Website: Workforce Development
Green Jobs Initiative
Department - Organization: The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association
Description: This program will provide direct financial support (via wage subsidies) to municipalities & non-profits, for jobs that focus on green career-related activities. The employee must be Between 15 and 30 years of age when employment begins (inclusive). Wage subsidies will be up to 50%, to a maximum of $5,062.00 for each youth.
Deadline: Closed April 11th, 2025.
Contact: Collen Decker, colleen@cpra.ca
Website: Green Jobs Initiative
Science Horizons Youth Internship Program
Department - Organization: Environment and Climate Change Canada
Description: The program provides wage subsidies to eligible employers across Canada to hire recent university, college and polytechnic graduates for 6 to 12-month internships in the environmental science, technology, engineering and mathematics sectors. Wage subsidies up to $25,000. Funding up to $5,000 for wrap-around services (skills development, certification and training, job accessibility, other supports)
Deadline: Four delivery organizations
Clean Foundation: Currently closed
BioTalent Canada: reached capacity for the 2024-2025 year.
Colleges and Institutes Canada: Currently closed
ECO Canada: Currently closed
Contact: science.horiz@ec.gc.ca
Website: Science Horizons
If you can't find a grant that suits your municipality's needs, please reach out. Similarly, if your municipality is applying to any of the listed opportunities, I am readily available to provide assistance throughout the application process.
Mark Ohanyan,
Fund Navigator
mohanyan@nsfm.ca
National Anti-Racism Fund
Department - Organization: Canada Race Relations Foundation
Description:
- Project Grants: Looks to fund projects that align with the following themes: A) Systemic racial barriers B) Research and education C) Public awareness. Funding available for any proposed project can range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $125,000. Currenlty closed.
- Event and Youth Initiative Grants: Events are community-based, planned public, social, and/or learning occasions and activities relating to the themes and objectives of the National Anti-Racism Fund. Youth Initiatives are projects that are youth-led or focused on youth. Youth are defined as persons under the age of 30. Available funding is a maximum of $10,000.
Deadline:
- Project Grants August 29, 2025
- Event and Youth Initiative Grants July 4, 2025.
Website: National Anti-Racism Fund
Information Session(s): English, June 4, 2025, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM AST, register here. French, Friday, June 6, 2025, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM AST, register here.
Emergency Services Provider Fund
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Emergency Management
Description:
NEW! The ESPF has been increased from $1,000,000 to $4,000,000.
NEW! Applicants can now apply every two years.
NEW! Two funding calls in 2025-26; Spring for individual organizations, Fall for organizations in partnership with a municipality.
NEW! Applicants can now apply every two years.
NEW! Two funding calls in 2025-26; Spring for individual organizations, Fall for organizations in partnership with a municipality.
NEW! Projects will be supported to a maximum of 90%.
- Emergency Service Individual Organization Funding: This funding supports independent initiatives tailored to the individual organization’s operational needs, equipment, or programs aimed at enhancing their emergency response capabilities within the program scope. Max of $30,000, 90% of eligible costs. Opens June 15, 2025 and closes July 30, 2025.
- Emergency Service Regional Funding: Funding will be awarded to a first responder organization in partnership with a municipality to support emergency services across a broader geographic area. This funding will address the collective needs of multiple emergency response organizations responsible for the region. Max of $200,000, 90% of eligible costs. Opens October 1, 2025 and closes December 1, 2025.
Eligible Recipients – Both Streams: fire departments, ground search and rescue organizations, HAZMAT organizations, and first responder organizations.
Deadline: See above.
Contact: espf@novascotia.ca
Website: Emergency Services Provider Fund
Farm Credit Canada AgriSpirit Fund
Department - Organization: Farm Credit Canada
Description: The FCC AgriSpirit Fund supports rural communities under 150,000 people across Canada with funding for capital projects that enrich the lives of community residents. $1.5 million distributed annually.
Example(s): Equipment for the fire department. Refrigeration and equipment to support food waste reduction and recovery. Construction of or upgrades to community buildings. Renovations or upgrades that reduce a building’s energy footprint. Initiatives that support agriculture and food.
Deadline: Applications are closed and will re-open from June 25-July 30, 2025
Contact: agrispirit-agriesprit@fcc-fac.ca
Website: Farm Credit Canada AgriSpirit Fund
Ship Fund
Department - Organization: Ship and Rail Compensation Canada
Description: Compensates anyone affected by oil spills from ships or boats anywhere in Canadian waters. Over the past 36 years, it has provided $29 million in compensation to Canadians, including $1 million to municipalities. It covers clean-up and response costs, property damage, environmental measures, economic loss, and other losses. Most claimants do not need to go to court or hire a lawyer. Oil doesn’t necessarily need to be spilled; the Ship Fund also compensates responders who have taken steps to prevent a spill.
Deadline: Most Claims need to be submitted within two years of the incident.
Website: Ship Fund
Rail Fund
Department - Organization: Ship and Rail Compensation Canada
Description: Compensates anyone affected by major rail accidents involving crude oil. Compensation from the Rail Fund is available once the railway company involved in the accident has exceeded its limit of liability. It covers clean-up and response costs, personal injuries and death, property damage, environmental measures, economic and other losses. To date, no rail accident has activated the Rail Fund, so claims are not currently accepted. However, the Rail Fund actively monitors accidents involving crude oil and is ready to respond to a high volume of claims.
Deadline: Most claims need to be submitted within three years of the accident.
Contact: info@sr-nr.gc.ca
Website: Rail Fund
Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund
Department - Organization: Department of Justice Canada
Description: Support for Official Language Minority Communities: Boost the supply of legal information and socio-legal support services for official language minority communities, with an emphasis on vulnerable populations within those communities. Support for the Justice System: Strengthen the bilingual capacity of the justice system through language training, professional development and promotion of the language of law.
Examples: Promote awareness, information and training about issues related to access to justice in both official languages. Develop and disseminate jurilinguistic and legal tools. Undertake research to the benefit of official language minority communities. Provide legal information and socio-legal support services to official language minority communities, with an emphasis on vulnerable populations within those communities. Provide advanced training focusing on legal terminology for bilingual justice professionals. Provide continuing professional education to people working within the justice system in a minority official language. Contribute to the development of a curriculum for bilingual students interested in pursuing a career in the field of justice. Elaborate a recruitment strategy and the promotion of justice-related careers.
Deadline: Continous intake
Contact: OLSF-FALO@justice.gc.ca
Website: Support Fund
Safe Community First Responder Program
Department - Organization: Enbridge
Description: Safe Community First Responder grant is for emergency response organizations within 20 kilometres of Enbridge operations. You can check the communities eligible by clicking here. The program awards grants for safety equipment, professional training, or safety education programs to emergency response organizations including fire departments, emergency medical and rescue services, emergency management organizations, 9-1-1 centers, ambulance services and law enforcement organizations.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: fuelingfutures@enbridge.com
Cyber Security Cooperation Program
Department – Organization: Public Safety Canada
Description: Time-limited grants that strengthen Canada’s cyber resilience. Supports projects that reduce cybercrime, protect critical infrastructure, increase public cyber-security awareness and skills, and improve organizational cyber readiness. Municipal cyber-resiliency projects are explicitly within scope.
Key Parameters & Terms:
- Up to $300,000 per year; multi-year possible (no projects beyond Mar 31, 2030)
- Total government assistance up to 75% (up to 100% for provincial/territorial/municipal recipients)
- Projects should be ready to start soon after approval
- Target areas (examples): public awareness/education on scams and cyber hygiene; capacity in rural post-secondary programs; innovation (IoT, AI, quantum, connected vehicles); municipal/municipal-service cyber resiliency; economics of cybercrime; consumer cyber security
Deadline: Current call closes September 25, 2025.
Eligibility: Municipalities, provincial governments, Indigenous governments/organizations, not-for-profits, academic/research institutions.
How to Apply: Online application with required templates.
Contact: CSCP-PCCS@ps-sp.gc.ca
Website: Cyber Security Cooperation Program
Disaster Financial Assistance
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Municipal Affairs (Emergency Management Office)
Description: The Disaster Financial Assistance program can help municipalities get back on their feet after a major storm or natural disaster. This program helps with losses that aren’t covered by insurance. This can include structural damage and damage to uninsurable items. The amount of financial assistance is determined based on the circumstances, but Disaster Financial Assistance can cover damage up to $200,000.
Deadline: Continuous intake, based on the date of the disaster.
Civil Forfeiture Grant Program
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Department of Justice, Public Safety and Security
Description: The Civil Forfeiture Grant Program provides one-time funding to organizations that support eligible victims of crime and targeted crime prevention initiatives across Nova Scotia. The Program is funded from the disposition of forfeited property seized by law enforcement agencies.
Example(s): The Two Peas in a Pod mentorship program targets at-risk youth who may be vulnerable to becoming involved in gang activities. This program matches at-risk youth with a peer mentor to spend 2-3 hours per week to engage in pro-social activities such as sport, tutoring and volunteering. It is expected that 30 youth in this program will become more engaged with their schoolwork and family.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: managerofassets@novascotia.ca
Website: Civil Forfeiture Grant Program
Mitacs Municipal Support
Department - Organization: Mitacs
Description: They offer funding (non repayable grants) and connect municipalities with post-secondary researchers for innovative projects — from affordable housing, green initiatives, transit, infrastructure, climate change — and more — to tackle your most difficult challenges and create vibrant and healthy communities.
- Non-repayable funding from $6,000 to multi-million.
- A custom-built research and innovation team to roadmap your project.
- Scalable, multidisciplinary projects in all areas.
- Academic/research team to give you the specialized knowledge and skills that you need.
- Works with you to resolve the major challenges that Canadian municipalities face
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: Form on the webpage
Website: Mitacs Municipal Support
Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program
Department - Organization: Department of Canadian Heritage
Description: The program provides funding to community-based events that: A) promote intercultural or interfaith understanding. B) Promote discussions on multiculturalism, diversity, racism and religious discrimination. C) celebrate a community’s history and culture such as heritage months recognized by Parliament.
- Events: Continuous. It is advised that your application be submitted 18 weeks before the proposed event start date. Contact multiatl-atlmulti@pch.gc.ca.
- Projects: Anti-Racism Call closed December 4th, 2024. Anti-Hate Call closed. Contact financementpmlcr-fundingmarp@pch.gc.ca.
- Organizational Capcity Building: currently closed. Contact financementpmlcr-fundingmarp@pch.gc.ca.
- National Holocaust Remembrance Program: Curretly closed. Contact financementpmlcr-fundingmarp@pch.gc.ca
Information Sessions(s): You can watch a video here for tips on your application.
Canada Community Security Program
Department - Organization: Public Safety Canada
Description: Funding to help communities at risk of hate-motivated incidents enhance physical security at their gathering spaces. The program replaces and expands the former Security Infrastructure Program (SIP). Grants cover up to 70% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $1.5 million per project.
Funding Details: Supports:
- Security equipment (lighting, cameras, alarms, access control, reinforced doors, window film)
- Minor security-related renovations
- Professional security assessments and plans
- Training on responding to hate-motivated incidents and using new equipment
- Temporary security personnel or paid-duty police during high-risk periods (up to ~90 days)
Deadline: Continous intake, first-come, first-served basis.
Eligibility: Registered not-for-profit organizations at risk of hate-motivated incidents, including: places of worship, community centres, schools, shelters, offices, cemeteries, and licensed child-care centres.
*Note: Government bodies, publicly funded institutions, and for-profit organizations are not eligible.
*Note: Government bodies, publicly funded institutions, and for-profit organizations are not eligible.
How to Apply: Complete and submit the online application through Public Safety Canada.
Contact: ccsp-pscc@ps-sp.gc.ca | 1-800-830-3118
Currently Closed Funding, Next Intake TBD:
Community Resilience Fund
Department - Organization: Public Safety Canada
Description: The Community Resilience Fund provides financial support to organizations working to improve Canada's understanding and capacity to prevent and counter violent extremism. The fund supports research, programming, and evaluation. Networking, including network and coalition building (e.g., conferences, workshops and seminars).
Example(s): British Columbia Government Office of Crime Reduction: The Shift program is a civilian-led program delivered in partnership with municipal governments, community stakeholders, and law enforcement to prevent radicalization to violence in the province, by engaging vulnerable individuals and developing intervention strategies tailored to the person. The project aims to help establish and support multi-agency hubs in British Columbia that connect at-risk individuals with local counselling, social services, or other tools in keeping with key disengagement strategies for those who may be at risk of adopting violent ideologies.
Deadline: Currently closed. The next open call for applications is TBD.
Contact: crf-frc@ps-sp.gc.ca
Website: Community Resilience Fund
Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: The program supports training and the procurement of firefighting equipment to increase capacity for fire management across Canada. Municipalities are listed as eligible under the Training Fund, and not the Equipment Fund. Funding to train 1,000 new community-based firefighters, to reduce the risk from wildfire and support community-based capacity.
Deadline: Closed February 1st, 2024
Enhanced Road Safety Transfer Payment Program
Department - Organization: Transport Canada
Description: The program provides funding to support initiatives that contribute to a safe and secure transportation system. The ERSTPP aims to reduce road-related collisions, injuries, and fatalities, and encourage harmonization with provincial and territorial road safety initiatives through funding projects that help create nationally consistent tools that address road safety challenges.
Example(s):
- education and training, building enforcement capacity
- collection of uniform, complete, timely road safety-related information and data
- research activities to develop public policy development, revise non-federal safety regulations, etc.
- development and improvement of current technology to promote a safer road transportation system
- outreach activities, communication, cooperation, and collaboration among road safety stakeholders
Deadline: Closed February 8, 2024
Contact: TC.ERSTPP-PAPTSR.TC@TC.GC.CA
Buildand Mobilize Foundational Wildland Fire Knowledge
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: Aims to encourage collaborative research and demonstration projects focused on innovation in wildfire risk assessment, risk mitigation, and adaptive forest management as per the Blueprint for Wildland Fire Science in Canada. This new program will address gaps in foundational knowledge by developing and evaluating wildland fire risk assessment and risk mitigation strategies and technologies that support Indigenous peoples, local and provincial/territorial governments and fire management agencies to reduce wildfire risk in the face of a changing climate.
Deadline: Closed on May 14th, 2024.
Website: Wildland Fire Knowledge
Wawanesa's Community Wildfire Prevention Grants
Department - Organization: Wawanesa Insurance, FireSmart Canada, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction
Description: For projects that are aimed at prevention (reducing likelihood of wildfire, e.g. changing behaviours), and mitigation (reducing impacts of wildfires, e.g. fuel reduction). Wildfire response or suppression equipment will not be funded through this program. The program is offering 10 grants of up to $15,000 each to help communities across Canada reduce their risk of loss from wildfire through prevention activities. Municipalities and Fire Departments can apply.
Example(s): Edson Fire Department: This project will see the creation of a new Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) as well as a geographic information system map for the Town of Edson to easily identify wildfire threats, while offering effective prevention and mitigation strategies for the ongoing safety of the town and its residents.
Deadline: Closed November 29th, 2024.
Website: Community Wildfire Prevention Grants
National Crime Prevention Strategy
Department - Organization: Public Safety Canada
Description: To be considered for funding, applications must propose initiatives aimed at one of the following priorities:
- Direct intervention(s) that reduce the harmful factors that lead youth to get involved in violent criminal activity, such as gun violence and auto theft (an estimated 95% of total funding has been designated for this stream)
- Direct intervention(s) that prevent bullying and cyber bullying (an estimated 3% of total funding has been designated for this stream)
- Strengthening community readiness for Indigenous populations (an estimated 2% of total funding has been designated for this stream)
Eligibility: Provincial or municipal police services, including indigenous police services, and their governing authorities (including boards or police commissions) excluding the RCMP when acting in their capacity as a municipal, provincial or territorial police service; and Provincial, territorial, municipal and regional governments.
Deadline: Closed 20th, 2024
Contact: NCPS-SNPC@ps-sp.gc.ca
Website: National Crime Prevention Strategy
Wildfire Community Preparedness Day
Department - Organization: FireSmart Canada
Description: Please share with your local fire departments or other applicable groups. Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is a national campaign that encourages citizens to take actions that increase their home, neighbourhood and community’s resilience to wildfire. Groups can apply for a $500 award to fund their Prep Day events.
Deadline: Closed January 31st, 2025
Contact: general@firesmartcanada.ca
Website: Wildfire Community Preparedness Day
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Grant Program
Department - Organization: Recreation Facility Association of Nova Scotia/ with support from the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage
Description: The goal of this program is to increase the number of AEDs installed in sports and recreation facilities in Nova Scotia. Through this grant program owners or managing partners of sport and recreation facilities can be eligible to receive up to 1/2 the total cost of the purchase of an AED or replacement batteries or pads for AEDs purchased through the program to a maximum of $1,500.00 (taxes Included).
Deadline: February 15th (Annually)
Contact: rfans@sportnovascotia.ca
Flood Risk Infrastructure Investment Program (FRIIP)
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Municipal Affairs
Description: FRIIP invests in infrastructure and studies which reduce flood risks and community vulnerability. The program will fund up to 50% of eligible project costs. Eligible project types include river training and floodway improvements; floodwater containment and flood intensity mitigation; study work including mapping to identify flood prone areas; and identification of potential solutions to mitigate flood impacts
Example(s): River training, floodwater containment, studies on mapping and flood impacts.
Deadline: Closed April 28th, 2025
Contact: friip@novascotia.ca
If you can't find a grant that suits your municipality's needs, please reach out. Similarly, if your municipality is applying to any of the listed opportunities, I am readily available to provide assistance throughout the application process.
Mark Ohanyan,
Fund Navigator
mohanyan@nsfm.ca
