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Source verified July 9, 2026
Community Buildings Retrofit (CBR) initiative
Funding for community building retrofits
Latest source updateLast Update: April 27, 2026Latest change: The Community Buildings Retrofit page now includes the funding application guide, with additional details on funding structure, eligibility, and how to apply.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: April 27, 2026
Latest change: The Community Buildings Retrofit page now includes the funding application guide, with additional details on funding structure, eligibility, and how to apply.
Community Buildings Retrofit updated
The Community Buildings Retrofit page has been expanded with the GMF Funding Application Guide, adding more detail on eligible applicants, eligible buildings and projects, supporting documents, and submission steps. The updated content also states a different initiative funding total and adds new funding notes, including stackability with other programs and support for standalone retrofits, so the funding terms now appear more detailed than before.
Funding available
$ 10,000,000
Deadline
December 19, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
Community Buildings Retrofit Initiative supports Canadian municipal governments and municipal government project partners with up to $10 million per project, including a grant of up to 25%, to retrofit community buildings. It funds feasibility studies, phased Green Buildings Pathway projects, and retrofits that lower energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000,000 $
- Up to 80% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Feasibility studies for Green Buildings Pathways.
- Multi-measure retrofit projects that reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions over time.
- Green Buildings Pathway capital projects conducted in phases toward near-net zero.
- Single-building or portfolio projects, including multiple community buildings within the same municipality and similar types across multiple municipalities subject to GMF review.
Documents Needed
- Completed pre-application form
- Completed application form
- Project workbook
- Supporting documents requested by GMF
Official resources
Supporting document
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- All Canadian municipal governments.
- Municipal government project partners.
Who is not eligible
- Low Carbon Cities Canada (LC3) namesake municipalities.
Eligible expenses
- Consulting fees for application preparation.
- Professional and technical services.
- Staff time directly linked to the project.
- Supplies, materials, and equipment rental.
- Travel, printing, communications, and required permits.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs incurred before the application is received, except application preparation consulting costs.
- General overhead and ordinary business expenses.
- Hospitality, promotional items, and entertainment.
- Costs for unrelated business activities or donated in-kind goods and services.
Selection criteria
- Environmental impact
- Implementation capacity
- Transformative potential
- Innovation and replication potential
- Stakeholder engagement and planning
How to apply
- Download and review the application guide.
- Review the eligibility criteria and required document sections.
- Reach out to a GMF representative to discuss your project at gmfinfo@fcm.ca or 1-877-417-0550.
- Visit the FCM funding portal and follow the portal instructions to prepare and submit your application.
- Eligible projects will be invited to submit a full application.
Processing and Agreement
- Eligible projects will be invited to submit a full application.
Additional information
- Funding for municipally-owned buildings is now available through GMF’s Sustainable Municipal Buildings (SMB) offer.
- The guides for applying to this offer have recently been updated.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Buildings Retrofit (CBR) initiative Program
What is the Community Buildings Retrofit (CBR) initiative?
Community Buildings Retrofit Initiative supports Canadian municipal governments and municipal government project partners with up to $10 million per project, including a grant of up to 25%, to retrofit community buildings. It funds feasibility studies, phased Green Buildings Pathway projects, and retrofits that lower energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
How much funding can be received?
Community Buildings Retrofit (CBR) initiative Funds up to 80% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Community Buildings Retrofit (CBR) initiative program?
To be eligible for the Community Buildings Retrofit (CBR) initiative program, you must:
The project must include at least one community building owned by a municipality or not-for-profit organization.
Retrofit projects must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30% compared to baseline levels.
Green Buildings Pathway capital projects must be supported by a Green Buildings Pathway feasibility study or equivalent feasibility study.
What expenses are eligible under Community Buildings Retrofit (CBR) initiative?
Feasibility studies for Green Buildings Pathways.
Multi-measure retrofit projects that reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions over time.
Green Buildings Pathway capital projects conducted in phases toward near-net zero.
Single-building or portfolio projects, including multiple community buildings within the same municipality and similar types across multiple municipalities subject to GMF review.
Who can I contact for more information about the Community Buildings Retrofit (CBR) initiative?
You can contact Green Municipal Fund (GMF) by email at gmfinfo@fcm.ca or by phone at 1-877-417-0550.
Where is the Community Buildings Retrofit (CBR) initiative available?
The Community Buildings Retrofit (CBR) initiative program is available across Canada.
Is the Community Buildings Retrofit (CBR) initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Community Buildings Retrofit (CBR) initiative is a Grant and Funding