This grant program provides funding of up to $40,000 to support social and environmental projects that produce measurable community benefits. It is intended to foster sustainable community development initiatives by eligible social enterprises and co-operatives operating in Nova Scotia.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Increasing community impact

Reduce the ecological footprint

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 40,000 $
Minimum amount : 10,000 $

Timeline

Closing date : October 31, 2025

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

All industries

Location

Canada

Legal structures

Non-profit

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

All groups

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

All industries

Target groups

All the groups

Revenue structures

All structures

Scope

All dimensions

Activities funded

Implementing community-based social or environmental programs.
Developing sustainable business models that prioritize impact.
Conducting research or activities that measure community benefit.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 20,000

Community recycling education program to promote sustainable waste management

Documents Needed

Proof of registration as a co-operative or social enterprise, project proposal, budget plan, and impact measurement plan.

Eligibility

Be a registered co-operative or social enterprise and operate in Nova Scotia.

Who is eligible?

Social enterprises registered in Nova Scotia.
Co-operatives operating within Nova Scotia.

Who is not eligible

Organizations not registered as social enterprises or co-operatives.
Applicants outside Nova Scotia.

Eligible expenses

Project activities that create social or environmental impact, operational costs, and capacity building expenses.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

Activities unrelated to social or environmental impact goals.
Projects outside Nova Scotia.
Costs for activities not directly linked to project implementation.
Expenses for activities that do not produce measurable impacts.

Eligible geographic areas

Nova Scotia

Selection criteria

Innovativeness and potential impact of the project.
Feasibility and clarity of the implementation plan.
Alignment with community impact objectives.
Capacity of the organization to deliver results.

How to apply

Create an account or access the application portal.Prepare a detailed project proposal outlining objectives and expected outcomes.Gather required supporting documents such as proof of registration and impact plans.Submit the application through the designated platform before the deadline.Await review notification and respond to any requests for additional information or clarification.

Processing and Agreement

Applicants submit their project proposals through the designated portal or submission process.
Proposals are reviewed for eligibility and impact potential.
Selected projects receive notification of approval and must sign an funding agreement.
Disbursement of funds occurs according to the terms specified in the agreement, often linked to project milestones or reporting schedules.
Progress and final reports are required to ensure compliance and evaluate project outcomes.

Additional information

Applicants should ensure their projects align with social or environmental impact objectives and demonstrate measurable outcomes.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Compass Grant Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Community Compass Grant. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.