Closed
Source verified September 22, 2026
CMHC - National Housing Strategy Solutions Labs
Funding for innovative housing solutions
Get notified when CMHC - National Housing Strategy Solutions Labs reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: September 16, 2026Latest change: New grant-specific material now identifies a Toronto Solutions Lab, its priority populations, the October 25, 2021 application launch, and the contact email innovation-research@cmhc.ca.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 16, 2026
Latest change: New grant-specific material now identifies a Toronto Solutions Lab, its priority populations, the October 25, 2021 application launch, and the contact email innovation-research@cmhc.ca.
Solutions Labs scope and launch details updated
New grant-specific material now describes a Toronto Solutions Lab focused on rental-housing disrepair and housing quality in older apartment buildings, with tenants, apartment owners and managers, municipal staff, and other stakeholders involved in the work. The same source also identifies October 25, 2021 as the call-for-applications launch date and lists innovation-research@cmhc.ca as the program contact. The newly available 2021 intake information also says proposals were prioritized for racialized groups, women and children fleeing domestic violence, LGBTQ2+ people, veterans, and people dealing with mental health or addiction issues.
Funding available
$ 25,000 - $ 250,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Overview
National Housing Strategy Solutions Labs provide up to $250,000 to support collaborative work on complex housing challenges. The program funds the development, testing, and scaling of innovative housing solutions through labs and expert consultant support.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
- Minimum amount : 25,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Develop, implement, operate and administer a Solutions Lab project that leads to the development of solution(s) that address barriers to scaling and supporting the Community housing provider’s sector.
- Co-develop innovative, bottom-up solutions to specific problems that have not been able to be solved using traditional approaches.
- Develop roadmaps for the rapid implementation and scaling of the solution(s) designed and tested in the Lab.
Documents Needed
- Online application form
- Applicant profile in the CMHC portal
- Project proposal
- Portal guide review
- Solutions Lab consultant information
Official resources
Program guide
Supporting document
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Eligible Canadian individuals, corporations and organizations
- Government agencies, affordable housing providers and Indigenous organizations
- Agencies and non-governmental organizations involved in National Housing Strategy priority area activities
- Private sector stakeholders, including builders, developers, designers and planners
- People with lived experiences that can provide firsthand expertise to co-development of solutions
Eligible expenses
- Funding for Solutions Lab activities and project delivery
- Expert Solutions Lab consultant support
- Project team costs related to developing and testing solutions
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Prairies
- Atlantic Canada
- The North
Selection criteria
- Alignment with NHS priority areas or priority populations.
- Ability to bring together diverse stakeholders, including lived experience.
- Practical, replicable, implementable, and deliverable approach.
- Use of innovation methods and tools.
How to apply
- Step 1: Create a profile in the CMHC portal
- Register and create an account before submitting an application.
- Review the portal guide before starting.
- Step 2: Prepare the application
- Work with a Solutions Lab consultant to design the lab proposal.
- Complete the online application in the portal.
- Step 3: Submit online
- Submit the application through the CMHC online portal.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through a proposal evaluation process.
- External government and non-government experts adjudicate submissions.
- CMHC recommends projects for funding and decides whether the solution is in scope.
- Successful applicants enter into agreements with CMHC.
Additional information
- The National Housing Strategy Solutions Labs has now reached its full budget commitment, and the application portal is closed and no longer accepting applications.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the CMHC - National Housing Strategy Solutions Labs Program
What is the CMHC - National Housing Strategy Solutions Labs?
National Housing Strategy Solutions Labs provide up to $250,000 to support collaborative work on complex housing challenges. The program funds the development, testing, and scaling of innovative housing solutions through labs and expert consultant support.
How much funding can be received?
CMHC - National Housing Strategy Solutions Labs Funds up to $250,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the CMHC - National Housing Strategy Solutions Labs program?
To be eligible for the CMHC - National Housing Strategy Solutions Labs program, you must:
Affordable housing focus
NHS priority areas
Multi-stakeholder project team
What expenses are eligible under CMHC - National Housing Strategy Solutions Labs?
Develop, implement, operate and administer a Solutions Lab project that leads to the development of solution(s) that address barriers to scaling and supporting the Community housing provider’s sector.
Co-develop innovative, bottom-up solutions to specific problems that have not been able to be solved using traditional approaches.
Develop roadmaps for the rapid implementation and scaling of the solution(s) designed and tested in the Lab.
Who can I contact for more information about the CMHC - National Housing Strategy Solutions Labs?
You can contact Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) by email at innovation-research@cmhc-schl.gc.ca or by phone at 1-800-668-2642.
Where is the CMHC - National Housing Strategy Solutions Labs available?
The CMHC - National Housing Strategy Solutions Labs program is available across Canada.
Is the CMHC - National Housing Strategy Solutions Labs a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CMHC - National Housing Strategy Solutions Labs is a Grant and Funding