Additional Grants and Funding Opportunities
Categories include:
- Accessibility
- Arts, Culture & Heritage
- Climate Change & Sustainability
- Community Development
- Economic Development
- Emergency Services & Safety
- Employment
- Entrepreneurs/ Entrepreneurship
- Housing
- Infrastructure
- Other
- Recreation & Health
- Seniors
- Transportation
Accessibility Funding
Arts, Culture & Heritage
Commemorative Partnership Program
Department - Organization: Veterans Affairs Canada
Description:
- Community Engagement: Supports remembrance initiatives including commemorative activities or the development of commemorative materials. Funding of $5000-$25000, 50% of eligible expenditures. Applications continue to be accepted on an on-going basis for requests of $10,000 or less and should be submitted at least three months before the project start date. Funding up to $25,000 has a deadline of April 30th, 2025.
- Community War Memorial: Supports the construction, restoration or expansion of a community war memorial. Small restoration projects, up to $10,000, are accepted year-round. Funding up to $25,000 has a deadline of December 1st, 2025.
- No. 2 Construction Battalion commemorative projects: To commemorate the largest all-Black unit created in the history of Canada. Up to $50,000 for projects & events. Deadline January 31st, 2026.
To commemorate World War II's 80th anniversary, the Canadian Fallen Heroes Foundation is offering to help municipalities wishing to honour their fallen soldiers. Please consider joining this initiative.
Deadline: See above.
Website: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/get-involved/funding-programs
Local Festivals – Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage
Department - Government of Canada
Description: Building Communities through Arts and Heritage — Local Festivals component provides funding to local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists; local artisans; local heritage performers or specialists; and local First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultural carriers. This includes the celebration of LGBTQ2+ communities and Indigenous cultural celebrations.
Eligible projects and events
Applicants may request up to 100 per cent of eligible expenses up to a maximum of $200,000 for festivals that:
present the work of local artists, local artisans, local heritage performers, and local First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultural carriers;
actively involve members of the local community; and
are intended for and accessible to the general public.
Requests for funding consistently exceed our available resources. Submitting an application does not guarantee that your project will be funded nor that the amount requested will be the amount awarded.
Deadline:
- January 31 – for festivals starting between September 1 and December 31 of the same calendar year
- April 30 – for festivals starting between January 1 and June 30 of the next calendar year
- October 15 – for festivals starting between July 1 and August 31 of the next calendar year
Contact:
Telephone:
819-997-0055
1-866-811-0055 (toll-free)
Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/building-communities/festivals.html
Na-mi-quai-ni-mak Community Support Fund
Department : National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Description: Small grants to support community-based healing and remembrance
The act of remembering will shape generations to come….
Funds are available to support Indigenous communities, Survivor Organizations, registered non-profits, and others with small grants for memorial activities.
Communities and Residential School Survivors know what activities best support healing, memorials and remembrance in their communities. The program will support communities in pursuing the activities they feel are best.
Some possible activities could include, but are not limited to:
Community-led healing gatherings.
Ceremonial activities (memorial feasts, give-aways, etc.).
Memorial or commemorative markers (healing gardens, murals, carvings, plaques, etc.).
Maintenance of burial sites (fencing, cutting back overgrowth, etc.).
Contact:
Toll Free: 1-855-415-4534
Ph: 1-204-914-4757
Fax: 1-204-474-7533
Deadline: Open Application Process
Website:https://nctr.ca/memorial/na-mi-quai-ni-mak/na-mi-quai-ni-mak-community-support-fund/
Musication, Musical showcases (exclusively dedicated to French-speaking communities outside Quebec)
Department: Musication
Description:The main objective of this program is to stimulate the programming of Francophone artists from official language minority communities in the context of major events and tours in order to promote the development of their professional careers. It also aims to promote access for Canadian Francophone communities to musical performances in their language.
This first component aims to support artists from the Canadian Francophonie, from Francophone minority communities, selected by an event to present an official showcase, paid or not, in front of professionals. Exceptionally, an association or organization from Francophone communities could take advantage of this program to present a minimum of 3 artists from Francophone minority communities in the context of a major event The same applies to an English-language event held in a province other than Quebec that wishes to present a minimum of 3 artists from Francophone minority communities in the context of its event.
Contact:
514 861- 8444
1 800 861 5561
Deadline: Open Application Process
Website:https://musicaction.ca/programmes/vitrines-musicales-2/volet-1-vitrine-nationale/
Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program
Department: Government of Canada
Description:
The Events component of the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program (MARP) provides funding to community-based events that:
- promote intercultural or interfaith understanding
- promote discussions on multiculturalism, diversity, racism and religious discrimination
- celebrate a community’s history and culture such as heritage months recognized by Parliament
Expected results are that participants and communities will gain knowledge, develop strategies and take action to:
- increase awareness of Canada’s cultural diversity
- increase awareness of issues affecting full participation in society and the economy, related to culture, ethnicity and/or religion
- increase capacity within communities to address racism and discrimination
Who can apply
The Department of Canadian Heritage is implementing enhanced protocols and processes for funding programs that support Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy to help ensure that organizations and individuals that espouse racist, antisemitic and other forms of hateful content will not be eligible to receive government funding.
To be eligible for funding, organizations or groups must be:
- Canadian not-for-profit organizations, associations and unincorporated groups
- Canadian incorporated and unincorporated municipalities and townships with a population of up to 10,000
- Indigenous not-for-profit organizations (First Nations, Inuit or Métis)
- Indigenous governments, band councils or tribal councils
Eligible events
To be eligible for funding your event must meet all of the following requirements:
- establish concrete opportunities for positive interaction among cultural, religious or ethnocultural communities
- demonstrate involvement of more than one single cultural, religious or ethnocultural community or target a single cultural community and provide opportunities to engage with and foster pride in the community’s history, culture and/or identity, such as heritage months recognized by Parliament
- help foster intercultural or interfaith understand
Contact:
819-997-0055
1-866-811-0055 (toll-free)
Deadline: There is no fixed deadline to submit a funding application under the Events component of the MARP, as applications are accepted on a continuous basis. However, to ensure timely assessment, it is advised that your application be submitted 18 weeks prior to the proposed event start date. Should you intend to apply in less than 18 weeks, you must contact the program through the appropriate generic email account for your region. Funding applications must be received prior to the event start date.
Exhibition Circulation Fund — Museums Assistance Program
Department: Government of Canda
Description: The Exhibition Circulation Fund component of the Museums Assistance Program (MAP) assists museums with the costs related to the hosting of travelling exhibitions originating from another Canadian non-profit organization, an Indigenous organization or from a federal heritage institution, and the borrowing of artefacts for exhibition purposes from any federal institution.
Who can apply
Applicants must be:
- incorporated, non-profit Canadian museums who meet all of the criteria of 1 of the following categories:
- applicants for hosting a travelling exhibitionmust:
- provide services to the public year-round
- employ the equivalent of 1 full-time, paid professional staff
- have policies for key museum functions
- applicants for borrowing artefactsmust:
- have policies for key museum functions
- have a loan agreement or a letter of intent with a federal institution
or
- Indigenous governing bodies or organizations with a mandate to preserve and support Indigenous heritage
Contact:
514 861- 8444
1 800 861 5561
Deadline: Ongoing basis
Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/museums-assistance/exhibition-circulation.html
Development - Canada Arts Presentation Fund
Department: Government of Canda
Description: The Canada Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF) – Development stream provides financial assistance to support the emergence of arts presenters and presenter-support organizations for under-served communities or artistic practices.
Recognizing the uniqueness and value of Indigenous cultural expression and the richness that cultural diversity brings to the quality of life, we have expanded the eligibility criteria for this component to include unincorporated organizations, as well as, ad hoc groups from racialized and Indigenous communities.
Applicants must be:
- not-for-profit organizations, incorporated under the Canada Corporations Act or the Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act (or under corresponding provincial or territorial legislation);
- unincorporated organizations, as well as, ad hoc groups from ethnocultural and Indigenous communities;
- provincial, territorial or municipal institutions (including agencies and public educational institutions that promote or organize presentation activities for the public); and
- Indigenous peoples’ institutions and Status or Non-Status Indians, Inuit and Métis organizations.
Contact:
Telephone
819-997-0055
1-866-811-0055 (toll-free)
Deadline: Ongoing basis
Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/arts-presentation-fund/development.html
Community Memorials Programme
Department - Organization: National Wall of Remembrance Association
Description: The Community Memorials Programme is one of the NWORA’s secondary objectives to help communities across Canada either repair/refurbish their local community memorials or build them if they do not already exist. Hundreds of memorials have been built in small towns, villages, and cities across Canada, especially after World War I, and many need repair.
Deadline: October 1st, April 1st (Annually)
Website: Community Memorials Programme
Local Festivals – Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage
Department - Organization: Department of Canadian Heritage
Description: The program provides funding to local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists; local artisans; local heritage performers or specialists; and local First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultural carriers. This includes the celebration of LGBTQ2+ communities and Indigenous cultural celebrations. Applicants may request up to 100 percent of eligible expenses up to a maximum of $200,000.
Deadline:
October 15 – for festivals starting between July 1 and August 31 of the next calendar year.
January 31 – for festivals starting between September 1 and December 31 of the same calendar year.
April 30 – for festivals starting between January 1 and June 30 of the next calendar year.
Website: Local Festivals – Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage
Community Anniversaries
Department - Organization: Department of Canadian Heritage
Description: The program provides funding to local groups for non-recurring local events, with or without a minor capital project. Funding is available for non-recurring events that mark the 100th anniversary or greater, in increments of 25 years (e.g., 125th, 150th); of a significant local historical event or personality. Applicants may request up to 100% of eligible expenses to a maximum of $200,000. See the website for specific requirements of events.
Deadline: April 30 for events that will occur during the next calendar year. For example, if your anniversary is in August 2024, you must apply by April 30, 2023.
Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/building-communities/anniversaries.html
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. P) Promote discussions on multiculturalism, diversity, racism and religious discrimination. C) celebrate a community’s history and culture such as heritage months recognized by Parliament. A new priority in the program for 2024 will include celebrations and events that recognize the history, culture, accomplishments, contributions and future of Black Canadians and their communities. Municipalities with a population of up to 10,000 are eligible to apply. You can watch a video here for tips on your application.
*The department has consolidated its two programs, the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program and the Anti-Racism Action Program, under a single program.*
Deadline: For the events stream, there is no fixed deadline to submit a funding application, they are accepted continuously. However, to ensure timely assessment, it is advised that your application be submitted 18 weeks before the proposed event start date.
Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/multiculturalism-anti-racism.html
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
Department - Organization: Federal Department of Canadian Heritage
Description: The objectives of the fund are to contribute to: improved physical conditions for professional arts and heritage-related collaboration, creation, presentation, preservation, and exhibition; and to increase and improve access for Canadians to arts and culture. The CCSF achieves these objectives by supporting the construction and/or renovation of arts and/or heritage facilities, including creative hubs; and the acquisition of specialized equipment and the development of feasibility studies for the construction or renovation of arts and/or heritage facilities, including creative hubs.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Website: Application Guidelines – Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
Legacy Fund
Department - Organization: Department of Canadian Heritage
Description: The program provides funding for community-initiated capital projects that restore, renovate, or transform an existing building or exterior space intended for community use. Recipients may receive up to 50% of eligible project expenses up to a maximum of $500,000.
Example(s): Such as a statue, community hall, monument, garden or work of art.
Deadline: Continuous intake. Projects must be submitted before the anniversary date of the event or personality to be commemorated.
Website: Legacy Fund
McLean Foundation Grant
Department - Organization: The McLean Foundation
Description: They endeavour to maintain a flexible policy, with particular emphasis on projects showing promise of general social benefit but which may initially lack broad public appeal. Normally in the areas of social welfare, education, environmental conservation and the arts.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Website: The McLean Foundation Grant
R. Howard Webster Foundation
Department - Organization: R. Howard Webster Foundation
Description: The R. Howard Webster Foundation makes grants to outstanding Canadian charitable organizations offering unique and inspiring programs or projects for the benefit, improvement and development of Canadian society. The R. Howard Webster Foundation’s funding interests are within the areas of Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Medical, and Social Services.
Example(s): Does not fund capital projects. Previous grantees can be viewed on thier website.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Website: R. Howard Webster Foundation
Climate Change & Sustainability
Charged
Department - Organization: Pollution Probe/ Natural Resources Canada
Description: Pollution Probe is launching a new round of funding in NS. Municipalities are eligible for 50% funding on installation and purchase of EV chargers, up to 100,000$ per site. Installation must occur before March 31st, 2026.
Deadline: First come, first served basis.
Contact: The program is in partnership with FLO. Clément Rebotier () from FLO is available to help with the application process.
Website: Charged (as of April 8th, 2025, the website has not been updated to reflect the new round of funding, contact for details)
Incentives for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles
Department - Organization: Transport Canada
Description: The iMHZEV Program offers point-of-sale incentives for Canadian organizations and businesses (this includes municipalities) who buy or lease an eligible MHZEV. The incentive will be applied at the point-of-sale by the dealership or other authorized sellers such as automakers and/or vehicle finishers/distributors once they have confirmed your eligibility. As part of the eligibility verification, you will need to complete the Organization Consent Form. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will need to complete the Incentive Received Form and then, the incentive will appear directly on the bill of sale or lease agreement of the eligible MHZEVs.
You can search for eligible vehicles here.
Deadline: Rebates are provided on a first-come, first-served basis and will remain available until the program budget is exhausted.
Website: https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/innovative-technologies/zero-emission-vehicles/incentives-medium-heavy-duty-zero-emission-vehicles
Climate Ready Infrastructure Service
Department - Organization: Environment and Climate Change Canada
Description: CRIS is a new capacity-building initiative that connects local governments and communities with top climate experts. This free service (worth $20k+) aims to help municipalities across Canada integrate low-carbon resilience into their infrastructure projects, ensuring that they are better prepared to address the challenges of a changing climate. Experts include engineers, architects, planners, climate scientists, climate equity specialists with RP credential, LEED accreditation, ISI, Envision certification and more. Complete the online form (Takes 10 minutes).
Eligibility: Local communities with a population of approximately 30,000 or less are eligible, including an Indigenous Governing Body or authority, or unincorporated communities within a regional district.
Examples:
- Climate Adaptation: If your community has plans to construct or retrofit housing or infrastructure, CRIS experts can help bring leading science to ensure that the project is resilient to climate change impacts. For example, if a community plans to replace a seawall or riverside bike/pedestrian path, experts from the roster can help to evaluate the conditions and offer options to reduce the likelihood that the new path is destroyed by future high tides or flooding.
- Climate Mitigation: If your community is building a new community facility, experts from the service can help to ensure it is being designed to be energy efficient, utilize renewable energy sources, or be a low-carbon facility in other ways.
- Combination Low-Carbon and Climate Resilience: Projects may offer opportunities to both address climate-related risks and to use renewable energy and low-carbon materials. For instance, a low-carbon new community facility may also be located and designed to serve as a ‘resilience hub’ or
Deadline: Currently accepting projects.
Contact: Complete the online form. Questions contact:
Website: https://climatereadycanada.ca/apply-now
Low Carbon Communities Fund:
Description: Low Carbon Communities (LCC) is a provincial grant program delivered through the Nova Scotia Department of Energy. LCC provides funding for community projects in Nova Scotia that support cost-effective clean energy and low carbon solutions in the buildings, electricity, and transportation sectors. Funded projects have multiple benefits and can involve testing new ideas, applying best practices, increasing knowledge, and enhancing equity and accessibility. Clean energy and low-carbon projects strengthen Nova Scotia's economy, support local green jobs, and help communities save money and become more resilient.
LCC aims to:
- Help communities complete the preparatory work required to develop their projects (an essential step to access implementation funding opportunities)
- Advance community-led, innovative solutions for clean energy
- Support learning by doing and information sharing
- Contribute to social and equitable investments in Nova Scotian communities
- Support projects that have multiple benefits including economic, jobs, health, resilience and cost savings
Deadline:
- April 25, 2025 by 11:59 PM ADT – Deadline to submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
- May 20, 2025 by 11:59 PM ADT – Deadline to submit application package
- Project activities should have a start date no earlier than August 2025
- August 28, 2026 by 11:59 PM ADT – Deadline to complete project and submit final report
Contact:
Low Carbon Communities
Joseph Howe Building 12th Floor
1690 Hollis Street
Halifax, NS B3J 3J9
Website: https://novascotia.ca/low-carbon-communities/
Clean Fuels Fund 2.0 (Federal)
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: This round of funding aims to build new domestic production capacity of clean fuel. Funding for capital Projects – includes the expansion or conversion of existing clean fuel facilities, and buildout of new facilities in Canada. Production Facility Feasibility Assessments (Studies) – which include feasibility studies and front-end engineering design (FEED) studies related to the buildout or expansion of clean fuel facilities in Canada.
Deadline: Continous, authority to close the intake at any time.
Website: Clean Fuels Fund
Natural Asset Management Roadmap
Department - Organization: Intact Public Entities/ Natural Assets Initiative
Description: Intact Public Entities (IPE) has announced a new partnership with Natural Assets Initiative (NAI) to sponsor the Natural Asset Management Roadmap Program for municipalities (for those insured by Intact). Developed and led by NAI, the program provides direction, support and guidance to local governments as they develop roadmaps to account for natural assets in their asset management strategies. Roadmaps have proven to be a relatively low-effort, high-impact activity requiring no more than a few days of effort for the project lead and a few hours from the other staff participants; yet it provides a strong foundation for participants to get started on Natural Asset Management with confidence that they are on the right track.
Deadline: Open call for EOI
Website: https://www.intactpublicentities.ca/natural-asset-management-roadmap-program
2Billion Trees
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: The program provides financial support to organizations to plant trees over 10 years. Please also see the Clean Foundation's sister program, the Thriving Forests Program.
Deadline: Open call for proposals
Website: 2Billion Trees
Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: Provides funding for clean energy projects in rural and remote communities. Including biomass heating, district heating, and combined heat and power systems. There is also a stream for research, development, and demonstration projects. A rural community is defined as a community with a population of fewer than 5,000 people and a population density of fewer than 400 persons per square kilometre and not connected to the North American piped natural gas network. Remote community refers to a community not currently connected to the North American electrical grid or the piped natural gas network and is a permanent or long-term (5 years or more) settlement with at least 10 dwellings.
Example(s): Fort Nelson, BC: This investment will focus on community energy planning, feasibility modelling, design, permitting and resource assessment to support a geothermal electricity generation project under the Emerging Renewable Power Program.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: https://forms-formulaires.alpha.canada.ca/en/id/clj8xxq1o00bsyq658jldwr5l
Website: Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities
Community Solar Program
Department: Organization: NS Department of Natural Resources and Renewables
Description: Please click here for an overview of the Community Solar Program. The program brings together local project owners with solar subscribers. Project owners are eligible individuals, businesses, non-profits, and other groups who wish to build, own, and operate a community solar garden to generate clean electricity for participating subscribers. Project owners can choose to use their solar garden to benefit subscribers from a specific community, group, or geographic area, or they can accept subscribers from the general public
Deadline: Continous intake.
Website: https://energy.novascotia.ca/renewables/community-solar-program
Information Sessions: Webinars about the program on March 19th: 2-3pm, and March 21st: 11am-12pm. Click the link to register.
Environmental Damages Fund
Department: Organization: Environment and Climate Change Canada
Description: Supports projects that benefit the natural environment, achieve restoration of damage to the natural environment and wildlife conservation, cost-effectively. Priority is given to projects that restore the natural environment and conserve wildlife, followed by environmental quality improvement initiatives, research and development on environmental restoration and improvement, and education and awareness on issues affecting the health of the natural environment.
Example(s): Install reef balls in the Halifax Harbour to create and restore marine habitat. These reef balls will complete a network of over 7.5 hectares of reef structures in Halifax Harbour.
Energy Rebates & Solutions
Department - Organization: Efficiency Nova Scotia
Description: These programs include rebates, for a variety of measures to make municipal operations more efficient. Non-electric retrofits, which allow for the installation of heat pumps in municipal buildings. For many smaller municipalities, all of their facilities (except water and wastewater treatment facilities, arenas and indoor pools) will likely qualify for this program. There is also support for engineered studies and models. You can use their online form to explain what you’re looking to achieve.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Website: Energy Rebates & Solutions
Environmental Damages Fund
Department - Organization: Environment and Climate Change Canada
Description: Supports projects that benefit the natural environment, achieve restoration of damage to the natural environment and wildlife conservation, in a cost-effective way. Priority is given to projects that restore the natural environment and conserve wildlife, followed by environmental quality improvement initiatives, research and development on environmental restoration and improvement, education and awareness on issues affecting the health of the natural environment.
Example(s): Install reef balls in the Halifax Harbour to create and restore marine habitat. These reef balls will complete a network of over 7.5 hectares of reef structures in Halifax Harbour.
Deadline: There is now an open call for applications.
Website: Environmental Damages Fund
EV Boost
Department - Organization: Clean Foundation
Description: Access to electric vehicle charging in Nova Scotia is increasing! EV Boost is helping to bring more Level-2 EV chargers to eligible organizations in the province. Through funding provided by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP), Clean Foundation will help to support the deployment and installation of up to 250 EV chargers.
Deadline: Continous until allocated.
Website: EV Boost
Information Sessions: If you would like to access a recording from a past information session please email .
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
Website: Farm Credit Canada Community Fund
Green Choice Program:
Will open for applications on Dec 15. In this program, large energy buyers, including municipalities, can purchase up to 100% of their electricity from local renewable energy sources. Information session in Jan. https://novascotiagcp.com/participant-resources
Green Energy Financing/ Community Efficiency Financing (PACE Programs)
Department - Organization: FCM & Clean Foundation & PACE Atlantic
Description: Homeowners can access low-interest financing to cover the cost of these upgrades through PACE programs offered by their municipalities. Each municipality can have their own PACE program or can join a turnkey program. Such as the Clean Energy Financing program created by Clean Foundation, or PACE Atlantic. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities administers the Community Efficiency Financing program that offers loans and grants to help municipalities across Canada deliver energy efficiency and solar power financing programs for residential properties, including PACE.
Deadline: Continous
Website: Green Energy Financing/ Community Efficiency Financing (PACE Programs)
Green Freight Program
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: The program will help fleets reduce their fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from on-road freight through fleet energy assessments, fleet retrofits, engine repowers, best-practice implementation and the purchase of low-carbon vehicles. There are two streams, municipal governments are listed as eligible applicants on both streams. Stream 1 of the program provides grant funding up to a maximum of $250,000 per Applicant. Stream 2 contributes up to 50% of total project costs, up to a maximum of $5 million per project.
Example(s): Stream 1 includes Third-Party Fleet Energy Assessments; and/or Truck/Trailer Equipment Retrofits. Stream 2: They can include, but are not limited to, the purchase of fueling equipment, and costs associated with site preparation and networking equipment; however, land is not considered an eligible expenditure under this program. The retrofitting or upgrading of existing capital assets is included under this stream.
Deadline: Stream 1 is a continuous intake
Website: Green Freight Program
Green Municipal Fund
Department - Organization: Infrastructure Canada/Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Description: GMF provides local sustainability projects that help municipalities adopt climate solutions faster in five priority sectors: energy, waste, transportation, land use and water. The funding can cover between 50 and 80 percent of the eligible project costs. There are grants to support projects in all stages, planning, studies, pilot projects, and capital projects. You can use their Funding Opportunity Finder Funding Opportunity Finder to search for applicable funding under the GMF.
Example(s): Sustainable Affordable Housing: Improve the energy efficiency and affordability of your community’s affordable housing unit.
Deadline: Continuous
Website: Green Municipal Fund
Max Bell Foundation Grants
Department - Organization: Max Bell Foundation
Description: The 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
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
Website: The McLean Foundation Grant
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 (To be updated ASAP)
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.
Example(s): 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 can be found here.
Contact: Regional coordinator (To be updated ASAP)
Website: Municipal Efficiency Fund
Natural Asset Management Roadmap Program
Now open for applications "The program provides direction, support and guidance to local governments as they develop roadmaps to account for natural assets in their asset management strategies." https://www.intactpublicentities.ca/natural-asset-management-roadmap-program
PACE Programs
Department - Organization: Programs offered by Clean Foundation & Switch PACE & FCM
Description: Homeowners can access low-interest financing to cover the cost of these upgrades through PACE programs offered by their municipalities. Each municipality can have their own PACE program or can join a turnkey program. Such as the Clean Energy Financing program created by Clean Foundation, or Switch PACE. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities administers the Community Efficiency Financing program that offers loans and grants to help municipalities across Canada deliver energy efficiency and solar power financing programs for residential properties, including PACE.
Deadline: Continous
Websites:
Clean Energy Financing by the Clean Foundation
FCM Community Efficiency Financing
Permanent Public Transit Funding: Zero Emission Transit Fund
Department - Organization: Infrastructure Canada
Description: The fund is to support the electrification of public transit, support the purchase of 5,000 zero-emission buses and build supporting infrastructure, including charging infrastructure and facility upgrades. There is a planning stream and a capital stream.
Example(s): Eligible projects include studies, modelling and feasibility analysis that will support the development of future larger-scale capital projects. Eligible capital projects include buses, charging and refuelling infrastructure, and other ancillary infrastructure needs.
Deadline: Currently open for applications.
Website: Zero Emission Transit Fund
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 thier website.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Website: R. Howard Webster Foundation
Thriving Forests Program
Department - Organization: Clean Foundation
Description: Thriving Forests is a sister program to the federal 2Billion Trees program. This program can help municipalities develop projects and connect them with service suppliers and local seed stock inventory. All projects must be planting incremental trees, meaning above and beyond any current legally-required tree planting activities, and not be part of business-as-usual commercial forestry activities.
Example(s): Examples of successful projects may include (but are not limited to): Reforesting an area after a wildfire, reforesting an urban area that has fallen to disease, afforestation on retired agricultural land, restoration of legacy forest landings or forest roads, urban planting projects, initiatives to improve biodiversity and habitat resilience, reforesting an area where disturbances impact a critical habitat, infill planting or underplanting to increase biodiversity of an area.
Deadline: Open for expression of interest
Website: Thriving Forests Program
Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: To install EV charging systems in public places, on-street, at workplaces and multi-unit residential buildings, as well as infrastructure for ZEV fleets
Example(s): Killam Properties – Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Alberta – 438 electric vehicle chargers under construction ($731, 783).
Deadline: Continous
Website: Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program
Community Development
Community Development Fund (CDF)
Description: Community Development Fund Loans offer Additional financial assistance up to $225,000 in the form of repayable loans to businesses and offers financial assistance in terms of loans or bridge financing to non-profit associations.
Deadline: Ongoing
Website: https://www.cbdc.ca/en/programs/community-development-fund-cdf
Contact:
Tel: (902) 258-3698
Fax: (902) 258-3689
Hours:
Monday to Friday
8:30AM to 4:30PM
Innovation Rebate Program
Department - Organization: Invest Nova Scotia
Description: The Innovation Rebate Program (IRP) provides financial incentives for projects that assist Nova Scotia companies as they scale to increase their competitiveness.
The program supports companies as they innovate, drive productivity, increase production capacity, and adopt cleaner and more sustainable approaches to growth across Nova Scotia.
The Innovation Rebate Program works as a rebate against a company’s direct costs.
Deadline: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Projects must be completed within 3 years from the date an application is approved.
Contact: Cape Breton, Richmond, Inverness, Victoria Wanda MacLean 902.227.7144
Economic Development Funding
First Nation-Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative
Department - Organization: Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (Cando) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
Description: The program is a good fit for First Nations and municipalities who have a pre-existing relationship and preliminary ideas for collaborative community economic development initiatives. It is a 2-year program where the communities will work together on initiatives and have joint access to a $22,500 Capacity Development Grant. There is no direct cost to participate, the program requires in-kind contributions such as time and meeting spaces.
Deadline: May 30th, 2025.
Contact: Acting Program Manager, Marissa Lawrence
Website: First Nation-Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative
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 intake
Contact: . Your email must include:
- date of mass layoff(s).
- location(s) of layoff by postal code.
- number of individuals laid off. If your request is for multiple locations, please indicate the number at each location by postal code.
- the three-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code or sub-industry for the business or employer where the layoff occurred. Please refer to Statistics Canada for guidance.
Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-retraining-and-opportunities-initiative.html
Nova Scotia Mineral Resources Development Fund – Communities Grant
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Natural Resources and Renewables
Description: Grants are available for projects intended to support communities as they interact with the mining industry. Activities should be intended to support the mineral resource industry in Nova Scotia. Applications and proposals for marketing grants are accepted throughout the fiscal year starting April 1st each year. Maximum of $25,000.
Deadline: Open year-round, from 1 April 2025 to March 2026.
Website: https://novascotia.ca/natr/meb/mrdp.asp
Emerging Destinations Program
Department - Organization: Tourism Nova Scotia
Description: Helps communities identify and position their most compelling tourism assets, such as attractions, experiences, food and drink, events, and accommodations, to increase awareness with potential travellers. Program activities will focus on one season (preferably fall or winter, but will also consider late-summer) and implement short-term actions to help build awareness of their community.
Example(s):
- Coaching using tools and resources to identify and position their most compelling tourism products and develop a tourism action plan;
- Exploring opportunities to maximize or extend a tourism season;
- Target market research insights for regional travellers;
- A travel media/influencer visit to generate new photos and digital content to increase the profile of seasonal tourism products
Deadline: May 7 at 4:00 p.m. ADT
Contact: Erin Hume, Tourism Development Advisor, , 902-717-4831
Website: Emerging Destinations Program
Innovative Communities Fund
Department - Organization: Atlantic Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Description: The fund is for economic development projects and initiatives that lead to long-term employment and a stronger local economy. The fund enables communities to: develop thriving industry sectors, strengthen infrastructure in rural areas, invest in projects to help communities overcome economic issues and take advantage of new opportunities.
Example(s): Projects with links to tourism, for example, waterfront development capital projects. Events that bring in a national or international audience. Expansion of municipal services can be eligible if it is linked to economic development in the private sector.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: ACOA Regional Manager
Website: Innovative Communities Fund
Emergency Services & Safety
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: https://ship-rail.gc.ca/
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.
Website: https://ship-rail.gc.ca/
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: For more information on the Support Fund and on how to submit a funding application, please write to
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: Continous intake
Website: https://www.enbridge.com/About-Us/Our-Values/Corporate-citizenship/Safe-Community?_gl=1*vf7wp5*_ga*MTIwOTgxOTY3MC4xNzA1MDc4ODcy*_ga_X61QE9GVEP*MTcxMDc3NzE0MC41LjEuMTcxMDc3NzE3MS4wLjAuMA
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
Website: https://novascotia.ca/just/civil-forfeiture-grant-program.asp
Entrepreneurs/ Entrepreneurship
WEOC National Loan Program
Department - Organization: Women's Entreprise Organization of Canada
Description: Individuals submitting loan applications must be:
- At least 19 years of age
- A Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident
- Residing in Canada
Eligible businesses must be:
- Over 50% women-owned
- Have maximum business revenues of up to $2 million in gross annual revenues
Eligible Expenses
- Capital assets (including machinery/equipment, leasehold/property improvements)
- Office and equipment rental
- Salaries and benefits (excluding owner’s salary)
- IT/software license purchase
- Professional services
- Inventory/supplies
- Intellectual Property
- Working capital (e.g. payroll, lease payments, accounts management, rent, overhead costs)
- Digital (including website/E-commerce development)
- Marketing/advertising/business promotion
- Employee training
- Short term receivable financing (i.e. financing to service a contract)
- Business start-up costs (legal fees, business incorporation fees, business plan preparation, etc.)
Deadline: Continuous
Website: https://weoc.ca/loan-program/eligibility/
Amber Grant for Women
Department - Organization: Women's Net
Description: They offer grants between $10,000 and $25,000 " No business dream is too big or too small. Past Amber Grant recipients have included everything from scientific inventors to bakers. What matters is YOU — the woman (or women) behind the business."
Deadline: Continuous
Website: https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/get-an-amber-grant/apply-now/
Core Startup Program
Department - Organization: Futurpreneur
Description: Futurpreneur is here to empower aspiring young entrepreneurs on their journey to success! Our Core Startup Program provides loan financing and up to two years of mentorship, with added access to tools and networking opportunities across Canada. This is a flexible, equity-free startup business loan of up to $75,000, including up to $50,000 in financing from BDC.* and up to two years of mentorship *conditions apply. Core Startup Program
Eligibility
- You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 to 39 when you submit your application.
- You must demonstrate some training or experience in your field
- You must be able to demonstrate that you have experience working in your industry and related to your business idea.
- You cannot be a contractor or an agent
To apply you cannot be an agent or contractor working for another already existing business.
Additional eligibility requirements :
https://futurpreneur.ca/en/eligibility/
Deadline: Continuous
Contact: 902.440-7266
Website: https://futurpreneur.ca/en/offering/core-startup/
Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP)
Department - Organization: Futurpreneur
Description: Futurpreneur empowers aspiring young Indigenous entrepreneurs on their journey to success. The Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP) provides start-up loan financing and up to two years of mentorship, supported by a team with lived experience, offering access to tools and networking. The IESP is designed and operated by an Indigenous team that understands the barriers to success faced by young and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs. IESP provides startup loan financing and up to two years of mentorship, supported by a team with lived experience, offering access to tools and networking opportunities across Canada. IESP offers A flexible equity-free startup business loan of up to $75,000* available to Indigenous entrepreneurs (including those on reserve). *conditions apply
Eligibility:
- You must self-identify as Indigenous
- Indigenous entrepreneurs who self-identify as members of other communities are also welcome to apply for support from Futurpreneur.
- You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18-39
- When you apply you must be within the stated age range in order to be eligible.
- You are looking to launch a business or have been operating your business for less than two years
- In order to be eligible, your business must not yet be operational or can only have been operating full time for 24 months or less.
Deadline: Continuous
Contact: 902.440-7266
Website:https://futurpreneur.ca/en/offering/indigenous-entrepreneur-startup/
Black Entrepreneur Startup Program
Department - Organization: Futurpreneur
Description: " We understand that starting your own business can come with its challenges, which is why we're excited to introduce our Black Entrepreneur Startup Program (BESP)! This program is specifically designed to support young Black entrepreneurs on their journey to success." " Our team, who have their own lived experience, is here to guide you every step of the way. With BESP, you can access flexible financing, along with expert mentoring and other resources to help kickstart your business and make it thrive. This is a A flexible startup business loan of up to $75,000*. With up to $40,000 in additional financing opportunities from Futurpreneur* *some conditions apply"
Eligibility:
- You must self-identify as Black
- To participate in this program, participants must self-identify as Black. Intersectionality is also welcomed eg. those who identify as Black and Indigenous are also welcome to apply.
- You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18-39
- You must physically reside in Canada and be between the ages of 18 and 39 at the time of application.
- You are looking to launch a business or have been operating your business for less than two years
- In order to be eligible, your business must not yet be operational or can only have been operating full time for 24 months or less.
- The business must be majority Black-owned
- When there are only two partners (owners) of the applicant business, the business must be majority Black-owned (> 50%). When there are more than two partners (owners), the business must be at least 25% Black-owned (≥25%).
Additional eligibility requirements :
https://futurpreneur.ca/en/eligibility/
Deadline: Continuous
Contact: 902.440-7266
Website: https://futurpreneur.ca/en/offering/black-entrepreneur-startup/
Side Hustle Program
Department - Organization: Futurpreneur
Description: " Our Side Hustle Program offers you up to $25,000 in financing to help you launch or grow your side business and keep your full-time job. You can also benefit from mentoring and business planning tools to help you grow your side hustle and take it to the next level."
Eligibility:
- You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- You must physically reside in Canada.
- You are between the ages of 18-39
- At the time of your application you must be within the stated age range in order to be eligible.
- You have a full time income outside of your side business
- For the next 12 months, your side business will remain your secondary source of income
Additional eligibility requirements :
https://futurpreneur.ca/en/eligibility/
Deadline: Continuous
Contact: 902.440-7266
Website: https://futurpreneur.ca/en/offering/side-hustle/
PARO Lending Circle
Department - Organization: PARO
Description: " A Microfinance Program for Women- PARO Prosper Peer Lending Circles are small groups of like-minded women who meet regularly to share their experiences and expand their individual networks of contacts. PARO Prosper Lending Circles helps women connect and network with other enterprising women. Today, the PARO Prosper Circles Program is the strongest Peer Lending program in North America. One of the key elements of a Prosper Lending Circle is that members also gain access to support and loans ranging from $1000 to $5,000. Prosper Lending Circle members are involved in reviewing and approving loan applications from PARO members in their own circle. Peer loans have helped many members of Circles to grow their businesses and set new goals for the future. "
Eligibility:
A Prosper Circle loan could be the solution for you if:
- You have a poor or no credit history
- The loan amount you are aiming for is too low to be considered by a bank
- You don’t trust typical financial institutions
- You want to avoid credit card debt
- You want to take advantage of additional funds.
Deadline: Continuous
Contact: or call 807 625-0328.
Website: https://paro.ca/paro-circles/
Funding for Employment Opportunities
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.
Website: Co-operative Education Incentive
Apprenticeship Completion Grant
Description: The Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) is a one-time taxable cash grant lifetime amount of $2,000 per person for registered apprentices. It is for registered apprentices who:
successfully complete their apprenticeship training program, and
get their journeyperson certification in a designated Red Seal trade
Deadline: 12 months following your date of completion.
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/apprenticeship-completion-overview.html
Apprenticeship Incentive Grant
Description: The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) helps you pay for expenses while you train as an apprentice in a designated Red Seal trade. The AIG is a taxable grant worth $1,000 per level, awarded to registered apprentices
You must complete your first year/level (or equivalent) to apply for the AIG
You can apply for this grant twice during your training (for a maximum of $2,000)
You can apply for your second AIG after completing your second year/level (or equivalent) of training
Deadline: 12 months from progression date
Deadline for submitting supporting proof document(s): 12 months from application deadline
Example: If your progression date is February 12, 2023, you have until February 12, 2024 to apply and until February 12, 2025, to provide supporting proof document(s).
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/apprenticeship-incentive-eligibility.html
Foreign Credential Recognition Program
Description: The Government of Canada provides funding to governments and organizations through the Foreign Credential Recognition Program (FCRP) to support foreign credential recognition in Canada.
Priorities for funding under the Foreign Credential Recognition Program include projects that:
are national in scope
address priority occupations and sectors representing skill shortages in Canada, and/or
have been identified as a priority by provincial and territorial governments
The FCRP does not provide money directly to individuals; it provides funding to provincial and territorial governments and other organizations. These other organizations may include regulatory bodies, national associations and credential assessment agencies. Governments and organizations use the funding for programs that contribute to the integration of skilled newcomers in their field or related field of study.
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/foreign-credential-recognition.html
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: Continous
Contact: Peter Kikkert, Coordinator, Public Policy an Governance Program,
Website: Public Policy and Governance Internship
Housing
CMHC - Affordable Housing and 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: Currently open for applications.
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.
Website: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/professionals/project-funding-and-mortgage-financing/funding-programs/all-funding-programs/affordable-housing-innovation-fund
National Housing Strategy Demonstrations Initiative
Department - Organization: Can
ada 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: Continuous intake.
Website: National Housing Strategy Demonstrations Initiative
Green Municipal Fund
Department - Organization: Infrastructure Canada/Federation of Canadian Municipalities
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: or book a meeting with an advisor.
Website: Green Municipal Fund
Information Sessions: Webinar for Nova Scotia Municipalities, local examples will be used. May 23rd, 11:00 am. Please click here to register.
Provincial Housing Emergency Repair Program
Description: This program is equally funded by the federal and provincial governments and offers financial assistance for homeowners to make emergency repairs to their homes.
The maximum amount of funding available is a $6,500 grant to help cover the cost of labour and materials.
Eligibility: development of future larger-scale capital projects. Eligible capital projects include buses, charging and refuelling infrastructure, and other ancillary infrastructure needs.
Deadline: Currently open for applications.
Contact: For more program information, call 1-844-424-5110 (toll-free).
Website:
https://housing.novascotia.ca/programs/financial-assistance-and-grant-programs-homeowners/provincial-housing-emergency-repair
National Housing Co-Investment Funding
Department - Organization: Canadian Mortgage and Housing Association
Description: This fund is for organizations that have partnered with another organization of a level of government and have secured some funding. The objective is to develop energy-efficient, accessible, and socially inclusive housing for mixed-income, mixed-tenure and mixed-use affordable housing. (Minimum 5 units). Community and affordable housing, shelters, transitional and supportive housing. Two streams: 1) New Construction and 2) Repair and Renewal. Within both streams, projects must achieve a minimum 25% decrease in energy consumption and GHG emissions as compared to the same project designed to 2015 National Building Code. Loans of up to 95% and contributions of up to 30%. Loans prioritized; contribution option only considered if loans are not feasible (i.e. shelters). Contributions are also available as a top-up for projects already receiving loans from other sources.
Deadline: Currently accepting applications
Website: National Housing Co-Investment Funding
Infratructure
Other
Recreation & Health
Visit Recreation Funding Opportunities for more information.
Visit Trails for funding opportunities for more information.
Seniors
Secondary and Backyard Suite Incentive Program
The Secondary and Backyard Suite Incentive Program helps homeowners create supportive housing for family members or affordable housing for tenants on their property. Homeowners can apply for a loan to build a secondary or backyard suite on the property of their primary residence. You can apply anytime.
Funding is available for up to 50% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $40,000. The applicant needs to fund the remaining balance of the project.
The funding provides a forgivable loan. Terms of up to 5 years are available. Funding for more than 1 secondary or backyard suite may be available if allowed by the municipality
Senior Citizens Assistance Program (SCAP) & Provicial Housing Emergency Repair Program (PHERP)
Department: Organization: Provincial Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Description: Maximum Assistance up to $6,500.
- If maximum funding is received, program is only available again after 5 Years.
- Must own & occupy home for at least one year.
- Deed to property must be in the name of the applicant(s) & registered with the NS Land Registration Office.
- Household income must be within Household Income Limits (HILS).
- Repairs shall be related to the housing unit & shall be permanently installed.
- Primary consideration shall be given to repairs related to health & safety
- standards, i.e., wiring, roofs, septic tanks, wells.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: Call one of the programs caseworkers at 1-844-424-5110.
Website: https://housing.novascotia.ca/programs/housing-programs-seniors/senior-citizens-assistance-program#
Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) / Disability RRAP (Dis-RRAP)
Department: Organization: Provincial Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Description: Maximum Assistance up to $18,000 for RRAP & $16,000 for Dis-RRAP.
Forgiveness period from 1 to 5 years depending on amount of assistance received.
If maximum funding is received, program is only available again after 15 Years.
Must own & occupy home for at least one year.
Deed to property must be in the name of the applicant(s) & registered with the NS Land Registration Office
Homeowners are eligible to apply if the total assessed value of your residential property is at or below $250,000 in Halifax Regional Municipality or $175,000 in the rest of the province. Also, your household income must be below a certain amount based on where you live and the size of your household.
Eligible properties either lack basic facilities, or require repairs in one or more of the following five categories:
- Structural
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Heating
- Fire safety
- Financial assistance may also be available to help with overcrowding.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: For more program information, call 1-844-424-5110 (toll-free).
Emergency Repair Progrm (ERP)
Department: Organization: Provincial Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Description: Maximum Assistance up to $7,000.
You live in a rural area (communities of less than 2,500 and larger communities over 2,500 that do not have a defined core area)
Your house requires emergency repairs so that you can continue to live in it safely
Your total household income is below the established income limit, which varies depending on household size and the area you live in Only certain repairs are considered to be emergency repairs. This includes repairs to:
- Heating systems
- Chimneys
- Doors and windows
- Foundations
- Roofs, walls, floors and ceilings
- Vents, louvres
- Plumbing
- Electrical systems
These repairs are not required to bring houses up to minimum standards.
One time only program.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: For more program information, call 1-844-424-5110 (toll-free).
Website: https://housing.novascotia.ca/programs/financial-assistance-and-grant-programs-homeowners/emergency-repair-program#:~:text=This%20program%20provides%20funding%20for,is%20for%20Canadian%20Aboriginal%20people
Home Adoptions for Senior's Indipendance (HASI)
Department: Organization: Provincial Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Description: This program helps homeowners pay for home adaptations so seniors with low incomes can stay in their homes independently for longer periods of time.
A forgivable loan of up to $3,500 is available, and does not need to be repaid as long as the homeowner agrees to live in their home for a minimum of six months after the adaptations are made.
The home repairs covered by this grant include minor items to help with age-related challenges. Some examples include:
- Handrails in hallways and stairways
- Easy-to-reach work and storage areas in the kitchen
- Lever handles on doors
- Walk-in showers and grab bars
- Bathtub grab bars and seats
- Any adaptions that are made should be permanent. Exceptions can be made for equipment like bath lifts that help to make accessing basic facilities easier. Other aids like walkers and household appliances are not covered by this funding.
To qualify for this program:
- You must be at least 65 years old
- You must experience difficulty with daily activities due to your age
- Your total household income is below the established income limit, which varies depending on household size and the area you live in
- You must be an owner and permanent resident of the home that will undergo repair/adaptation
- You must submit an application for approval before you can receive funding.
Any work that is completed before you have received approval is not eligible to be covered.
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: For more program information, call 1-844-424-5110 (toll-free).
Access-A-Home Program (AAH)
Department: Organization: Provincial Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Description: This program provides eligible clients with a non-repayable grant of up to $7,000 to help make their home wheelchair accessible. The amount of the grant varies based on household income.
To qualify for the program, you must meet the following criteria:
- You or a family member must be a wheelchair user because of a long term disability
- You or a family member must be expected to be a wheelchair user within the next six months because of a long term disability
- The modifications must be made to your main/primary home
- If you do not own your home, you must provide written approval from the owner for the modification
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: For more program information, call 1-844-424-5110 (toll-free).
Small Loan Assistance Program
Department: Organization: Provincial Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Description: The Small Loans Assistance Program provides Nova Scotian homeowners with low interest loans to help improve their housing conditions through home repairs, additions or renovations.
Qualifying applicants can apply to receive a loan of up to $20,000 to be repaid over a maximum period of 10 years. If a chattel mortgage is used to secure the loan, the repayment term is a maximum of six years.
Funding is available to applicants that meet the following criteria:
- Your total gross annual income does not exceed $60,000
- You must own and live in the home you want to renovate
- You have a favourable credit rating
Eligible costs may include:
- Materials and equipment rental
- Contractor labour and related costs
- Provincial sales tax and goods and services tax
- Legal costs (up to $1,500)
Deadline: Continuous intake
Contact: Before you apply, download and review the program policy provided below in its entirety. To start your application or for more program information, call 1-844-424-5110 (toll-free).
Transportation
Nova Scotia Transit Research Incentive Program
Department - Organization: NS Joint Regional Transportation Agency
Description: Provides funding to develop or enhance transit in underserved areas. Feasibility Study (100% up to a maximum of $15,000), Business Plans (75% up to a maximum of $20,000). Pre-Implementation (75% up to a maximum of $25,000). Pilot (75% up to a maximum of $50,000)
Deadline: May 23rd, 2025.
Website: Nova Scotia Transit Research Incentive Program
Canada Public Transit Fund: Metro-Region Agreement
Department - Organization: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Description: A Metro-Region Agreement offers a new way for the Government of Canada, provinces, municipalities and other key partners, such as transit agencies and Indigenous communities to collaborate together. These agreements will encourage long-term integrated planning within large urban areas and will support a wide variety of projects, from transformational investments that build new subways and dedicated bus lines, to maintaining and sustaining the health of an existing transit system.
Deadline: Open for EOI.
Website: Metro-Region Agreements
Green Municipal Fund
Department - Organization: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada /Federation of Canadian Municipalities
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.
- Municipal Fleet Electrification:Funding for the electrification of municipal and transit fleets to help municipalities achieve net-zero transportation emissions.
Deadline: Continuous
Contact: or book a meeting with an advisor.
Website: Green Municipal Fund
Electrify Nova Scotia MHZEV Rebate Program
Department - Organization: EVAssist Nova Scotia
Description: Offered through the Province of Nova Scotia, the Electrify Nova Scotia Medium and Heavy-duty Electric Vehicle Program provides rebates for the purchase or lease of qualifying MHZEVs on or after April 1st, 2024.
Deadline: Rebates are provided on a first-come, first-served basis and will remain available until the program budget is exhausted or the program is terminated.
Website: Electrify Nova Scotia MHZEV Rebate Program
Canada Public Transit Fund: Metro-Region Agreement
Department - Organization: Infrastructure Canada
Description: A Metro-Region Agreement offers a new way for the Government of Canada, provinces, municipalities and other key partners, such as transit agencies and Indigenous communities to collaborate together. These agreements will encourage long-term integrated planning within large urban areas and will support a wide variety of projects, from transformational investments that build new subways and dedicated bus lines, to maintaining and sustaining the health of an existing transit system.
Deadline: Open for EOI.
Website: Metro-Region Agreements
Community Transportation Assistance Program
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Public Works
Description: The program provides an operating grant to community transit operators in rural NS. To find out how your municipality can become eligible, please contact Gregory Sewell.
Deadline: There is no annual application for this program, once a community transit operator is approved for funding under this program they continuously receive funding as long as they meet their reporting requirements.
Contact:
Website: https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-funding-operating-costs-community-based-transportation-service-community-transportation-assistance-program
Green Freight
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: The program will help fleets reduce their fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from on-road freight through fleet energy assessments, fleet retrofits, engine repowers, best-practice implementation and the purchase of low-carbon vehicles. There are two streams, municipal governments are listed as eligible applicants on both streams. Stream 1 of the program provides grant funding up to a maximum of $250,000 per Applicant. Stream 2 contributes up to 50% of total project costs, up to a maximum of $5 million per project.
Deadline: Stream 1 is a continuous intake
Website: Green Freight Program