The following funding opportunities are provided for your review. Please note the Municipality of the County of Richmond does not administer these applications. All questions should be directed to the designated funding body.
Community Trails Funding:
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. 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. Other occasions when it is appropriate to seek the advice of a professional engineer.
Deadline: Ongoing applications from April 1st, until fully allocated.
Contact: or your regional CCTH manager.
Website: Engineering Assistance Grant Program
The Trail Funding Program, Trail Infrastructure, and Major Repairs Stream –
Deadline DECEMBER 15
This funding was designed to develop and implement planning and construction projects along the Trans Canada Trail that will increase and improve the quality and value of the network, as well as improve the safety and comfort of users. Further, this stream will work to ensure both the sustainability and integrity of the network and work to minimise the Trail being closed or rerouted at any given time.
Direct link for first funding opportunity
https://tctrail.ca/trail-funding-opportunities/trail-infrastructure-and-major-repairs-stream/
The Minor Maintenance Stream:
The Minor Maintenance Stream was designed to support maintenance projects along the Trans Canada Trail to ensure the long-term sustainability and integrity of the network, as well as improve the safety and comfort of users. Further, this stream will support Trail groups as they increase and maintain the engagement of trail volunteers
Direct link for second funding opportunity:
TCT-TFP_Minor-Maintenance-Stream_12-Oct-2023.pdf (tctrail.ca)
Trail Maintenance Grant (TMG)
Deadline: Closes on February 15th, 2024
Description: The Trail Maintenance Grant is designed to support groups who are involved in regular maintenance, as well as emergency funding to groups who have experienced major maintenance issues due to fire, flooding, and hurricanes.
Website: https://cch.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/inline/trail_maintenance_guidelines.pdf
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: Ongoing applications from April 1st, until fully allocated.
Website: Community Trails Leadership Fund
Arts, Culture & Heritage:
Strategic Development Initiative
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Description: Supports projects that encourage and increase heritage/community cooperation including developing new revenue sources to increase financial sustainability; improving leadership and programming skills of existing heritage-related boards and workers through training. The department may contribute up to 75% of eligible project costs for a maximum of $10,000
Deadline: Ongoing intake from April 1st until fully allocated, must apply before December 31st, 2023.
Website: Strategic Development Initiative
Youth Canada Works
Department - Organization: Canadian Council of Archives
Description: The program provides funding to employers to create jobs for students and internships for graduates. 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: January 19th, 2024
Website: Youth Canada Works
Festival and Community Event Development
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Description: The objectives of the program are to improve the sustainability and event-hosting capacity of unique community events and to support home-grown events that promote or strengthen the unique character of the community. Up to $10,000. Applicants can apply for one festival or event per fiscal year.
Example(s): Supports major events being hosted in Nova Scotia that align with the Nova Scotia Events Strategy. Major sporting and cultural events as well as homegrown major events like DEVOUR Food Film Festival.
Deadline: Applications for 2024-25 open in January 2024.
Contact: Stephen MacDougall, Senior Events Advisor,
Website: Festival and Community Event Development
Diversity and Community Capacity Fund/ Community and Cultural Identities Fund
Department - Organization: NS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Description: The Diversity and Community Capacity Fund invests in capacity-building efforts of organizations that represent traditionally marginalized communities. Through this fund, municipalities should look to increase access to programs and services that support equity, diversity and inclusion. Increase public understanding, through education, of traditionally marginalized groups and communities in Nova Scotia. Build the capacity of your organization to host an event/activity that promotes social inclusion.
The Community and Cultural Identities Fund is a companion program that supports activities which recognize and celebrate the diversity of Nova Scotia’s new, emerging, and established cultural communities. Funding is available for up to $10,000. Larger requests may be considered. Funding requests cannot exceed more than 75% of eligible costs.
Deadlines: DCCF: April 15th, June 15th, September 15th. CCIF companion program: May 31st, August 31st, October 31st, December 31st.
Website: Diversity and Community Capacity Fund & Community and Cultural Identities 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
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
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
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
Digital Content Marketing Program
The Digital Content Marketing Program is open to tourism businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia. You can submit one application for digital marketing, content creation, or both. Participants will work with Tourism Nova Scotia to identify shared goals for projects through the Digital Content Marketing Program and determine a budget. The minimum partner investment for digital marketing partners is $7,500 plus a 15% media buying fee (total $8,625). The minimum partner investment for content creation is $10,000. Tourism Nova Scotia will match partner investments.
Deadline: December 15, 2023
Direct Link: https://tourismns.ca/digital-content-marketing-program
Climate Change & Sustainability
Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities Program
Department - Organization: Efficiency Nova Scotia
Description: The program will provide funding to enable communities and sectors to work collaboratively at a regional scale to overcome barriers and develop coordinated solutions to climate change risks (e.g. increasing sea level rise, coastal erosion, storm surge) in coastal regions.
Example(s): Revise land use plans and policies, e.g. restrict types of development in high-risk areas. Apply revised codes and standards, e.g. building designs that minimize damage. Implement nature-based approaches to prevent shoreline erosion and reduce the impact of coastal flooding. Plan for retreat of community assets, housing, or infrastructure away from coastal climate change hazards. Establish sustainable inclusive governance mechanisms. Determine financing approaches.
Deadline: December 13th, 2023
Website: Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities Program
Energy Innovation Program- Smart Grids
Department - Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Description: The program will provide support to the key technology, market, and regulatory innovations that address barriers in order to scale pilot projects into grid-wide deployments. The intended results include significant impacts to enhancing grid reliability, resiliency, and flexibility. Demonstration Stream: open to projects that request between $500,000 and $6,000,000 (comprising up to 50% of total project costs). Regulatory Innovation Capacity Building Stream: open to projects that request between $250,000 and $1,500,000 (comprising up to 75% of total project costs).
Deadline: Demonstration Stream January 10th, 2024. Regulatory Innovation Capacity Building Stream, January 31st.
Website: Energy Innovation Program
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
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
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
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 .
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)
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. 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 .
Example(s): Active transport (e.g. biking or pedestrian infrastructure). Construction of new buildings (wherein GHG emissions reductions are obtained relative to a hypothetical alternative new building). District energy systems for new construction. Electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure. Enhancing carbon sinks (e.g., carbon sequestration in forests or soils). Fuel transportation infrastructure. Light emitting diode (LED) lighting retrofits. Public transit infrastructure and vehicles. Purchase of new vehicles. Reductions based solely on behavioral change. Reductions based solely on products manufactured or sold by the applicant for market consumption (i.e. where GHG emissions reductions can only be realized upon purchase, installation and/or use of the product by an unidentified third party). Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) and ZEV infrastructure. Project types that explore possible methods of reducing GHG emissions but do not implement them are not eligible.
Deadline: Was scheduled for October 3rd, 2023, to January 12th, 2024 but is currently delayed.
Website: Low Carbon Economy Fund - Low Carbon Economy Challenge
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 landfill.
Deadline: February 1st, 2024
Website: Marine Debris Clean-Up 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
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
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
Website: The McLean Foundation Grant
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
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
Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund:
Now open for applications, deadline Feb 29. https://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/critical-minerals-in-canada/federal-support-for-critical-mineral-projects-and-value-chains/critical-minerals-infrastructure-fund.html
Economic Development Funding:
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
Community Economic Development Fund (Formerly Invest NS Fund)
The Community Economic Development Fund helps sectors and communities become more competitive by funding projects that have a broad impact on a sector or region. The fund considers projects that promote cooperation and partnerships. "
Deadline: January 31, 2024
Direct Link: https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-project-funding-community-economic-development-fund
Emergency Services & Safety
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)
Website: Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Grant Program
Funding for Employment Opportunities
Youth Canada Works
Department - Organization: Canadian Council of Archives
Description: The program provides funding to employers to create jobs for students and internships for graduates. 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: January 19th, 2024
Website: Youth Canada Works
Clean Foundation Workforce Development
Department - Organization: Clean Foundation
Description: Workforce Development offers a number of internship opportunities including the Science Horizons Internship Program, Green Jobs Internship Program, and the Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program. These programs offer significant wage subsidies for environmental-specific positions.
Example(s): New Glasgow hired an intern through the Science Horizons program with over a 75% wage subsidy for an 8-month contract.
Deadline: Continuous
Website: Workforce Development
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: January 10, 2024
Website: Canada Summer Jobs Wage Subsidy
The 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).
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.
Recreation & Health
Accessibility Funding:
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. Municipalities with less than 50,000 citizens can apply. Funding ranges from $500,000 to a maximum of $3,000,000 for a project that is up to 2 years in duration.
Deadline: December 13th, 2023
Website: Enabling Accessibilty Fund
Information Sessions: November 1st, 2nd (Fr), 7th, 8th (Fr), 2023, at 2:00 PM AST. If you would like to attend an information session, send an email. In your email, specify the date and your preferred language (English or French). If you require accommodations to participate, please let them know.
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/color contrasting for the visually impaired. Accessible portion of community playgrounds.
Deadline: February 14th (annually).
Website: Community ACCESS-Ability Program
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Grant Program
RFANS is extremely happy to announce the continuation of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Grant Program! The goal of this program is to increase the number of AEDs installed in sport and recreation facilities in Nova Scotia. Support for the AED Grant Program has come from the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage.
View the AED Grant Program Brochure here
Deadline: February 15th, 2024
Other:
The Seniors Care Grant:
The Seniors Care Grant helps low-income seniors with the cost of household services (like lawn care, snow removal, grocery delivery, transportation, small home repairs and phone service), healthcare services (like physiotherapy and mental health support) and home heating. Grants are $750 for each household.
Deadline: Apply until 31 March 2024
Direct link: https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-help-household-healthcare-and-home-heating-costs-seniors-care-grant
The Heating Assistance Rebate Program
This program helps low-and moderate-income Nova Scotians with the cost of home heating. Rebates are $600 for each household.
Deadline: Apply until 31 March 2024.
Direct Link: https://rb.gy/2i59fq
The Property Tax Rebate for Seniors
Property Tax Rebate for Seniors helps low-income seniors with the cost of municipal residential property taxes. Rebates are 50% of what you paid on last year’s property taxes, up to a maximum of $800.
You can apply until 31 December 2023"
Direct Link: https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-property-tax-rebate-property-tax-rebate-seniors