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Community Buildings Retrofit (CBR) initiative

Funding for community building retrofits

Offered by
Green Municipal Fund (GMF)
Official source: greenmunicipalfund.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 10,000,000
Up to 80% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Who can apply
All Canadian municipal governments.
See full eligibility

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.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$10,000,000
Maximum share of project costs
80%
Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Implement environmental initiatives
  • Increase operational productivity
  • Reduce environmental footprint
  • Develop workforce skills
  • Strengthen organizational capacity
  • Renovate or expand facilities
  • Ensure financial sustainability
  • Renovate or adapt facilities

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Canada
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
All groups
Legal structures
All legal structures

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Community Buildings Retrofit updated

The Community Buildings Retrofit page now includes the funding application guide, with additional details on funding structure, eligibility, and how to apply.

See more

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.

Official source: greenmunicipalfund.ca
April 27, 2026

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.

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.

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.

Documents Needed

  • Completed pre-application form
  • Completed application form
  • Project workbook
  • Supporting documents requested by GMF

Selection criteria

  • Environmental impact
  • Implementation capacity
  • Transformative potential
  • Innovation and replication potential
  • Stakeholder engagement and planning

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

gmfinfo@fcm.ca
1-877-417-0550

Official sources

greenmunicipalfund.ca

Program guide

GMF Funding Application Guide

Supporting document

Achieving Energy and Carbon Reduction in Community Buildings Through Asset Management PlansGHG Reduction Pathway Feasibility Study Guidance DocumentGreen Buildings Pathway Guidance DocumentMeasurement and Verification for Energy-Efficient Community BuildingsPlanning an Emissions Reduction Pathway for Community Buildings
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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?

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.

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