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CBDC Community Development Fund
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Nova Scotia, Canada
Financial assistance for Atlantic Canadian non-profit associations
Other Support
Loans and Capital investments
Overview
You could get bridge financing, or a loan of up to $225,000, if your non-profit organization is involved in community development.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increasing community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 225,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Activities funded
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 70,000
Upgrading the IT infrastructure of a community health clinic
$ 85,000
Developing a new mobile app to improve accessibility for visually impaired users
$ 45,000
Expanding community garden operations and purchasing new equipment
$ 120,000
Launching an after-school tutoring program for underprivileged students
$ 90,000
Creating a food bank expansion project to serve more families
$ 130,000
Purchasing solar panels for an energy cooperative
Eligibility
Eligibility for the Community Development Fund (CDF) loans includes specific criteria related to the type of organization applying.
- The applicant must be a business seeking additional financial assistance.
- The applicant may also be a non-profit association eligible for loans or bridge financing.
Who is eligible?
The Community Development Fund (CDF) Loans are available to businesses seeking additional financial assistance, as well as to non-profit associations requiring loans or bridge financing in Canada.Who is not eligible
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant. Eligibility criteria may vary, but generally, the following types of businesses are not eligible:
- Businesses engaged in speculative activities
- Businesses that are not legally registered entities
- Businesses involved in illegal activities
Eligible expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include:
- Business expansion costs
- Capital investments
- Equipment purchases
- Operating costs
- Marketing and advertising expenses
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Community Development Fund (CDF) grant. The criteria include:
- Business viability
- Job creation or retention
- Community economic development impact
- Financial need
How to apply
1
Contact Your CBDC
- Find your local Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) using the provided contact information.
- Reach out to them to discuss your eligibility and the application process.
2
Gather Required Documentation
- Prepare business plans, financial statements, and any other documents requested by your local CBDC.
- Ensure all documents are up-to-date and accurately reflect your business or project needs.
3
Complete Application Form
- Fill out the application form as provided by your CBDC, ensuring all sections are completed.
- Review the application for completeness and accuracy before submission.
4
Submit Your Application
- Submit your completed application form and all supporting documentation to your local CBDC.
- Follow the specified submission guidelines provided by your local CBDC, which may include email, mail, or online submission.
5
Await Response
- Wait for a response from your CBDC regarding the status of your application.
- They will inform you if additional information is required or if your application is approved.
Additional information
Further relevant details for the Community Development Fund (CDF) include:
- The fund primarily targets projects that demonstrate strong community involvement and potential for significant local economic benefits.
- Fund applicants may be required to provide financial statements or business plans to assess the feasibility and impact of the proposed project.
- Applicants should plan for a detailed budget that outlines how the loan or financing will be allocated across different project components.
- There may be conditions attached to the loan repayment terms, which can vary based on the project's timeline and success.
- Successful applicants might gain access to networking opportunities and workshops aimed at maximizing the effectiveness of their funded projects.
Contacts
1-888-303-2232
