Community Economic Development (CED)

• Total program funding of up to $285,000 per year, distributed among selected proposals.
• Individual project funding requests must range from $5,000 to a maximum of $50,000.
• All awarded funding must be spent by November 30, 2026.

• The applicant must be a registered non-profit organization with a minimum of two years since registration.
• The organization must operate in a non-discriminatory manner, in compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
• The organization must be governed by a democratically elected Board of Directors.
• The applicant must be in good financial standing with the City of Ottawa and demonstrate fiscal responsibility through the last two annual financial statements.
• The proposed project must create jobs in Ottawa, assist historically under-represented populations, and demonstrate lasting economic benefits beyond the funding period.

Who is eligible?

• Non-profit organizations supporting economic development in the City of Ottawa
• Organizations working with under-represented populations (e.g., newcomers, youth, indigenous peoples, racialized communities, persons with disabilities, residents of low-income neighborhoods, rural residents, older adults)
• Agencies developing social enterprises or supporting entrepreneurship
• Organizations focused on job creation or business enterprise creation for targeted populations

Who is not eligible

• For-profit organizations or ventures.
• Non-profit organizations sponsoring for-profit organizations.
• Organizations with political affiliation or those participating in political activities.
• Faith-based organizations where programs include promotion or required adherence to a specific faith.
• Organizations whose programs are within the legislated mandate of other governments or City departments.

Eligible expenses

• Personnel costs directly attributable to the project, with regular staff costs eligible only in proportion to time devoted specifically to the project and with official Board approval of diversion from regular duties.
• Purchase of goods and services required for implementing project activities, ensuring value for money and adherence to ethical procurement.

Eligible geographic areas

• Organizations serving residents of the City of Ottawa.

• Strength of concept: Alignment with the City of Ottawa’s economic development strategy and addressing identified community needs.
• Objectives and outcomes: Clear, realistic, and measurable results, with a specific focus on addressing and overcoming impediments faced by targeted populations.
• Ability to implement: Demonstrated organizational capability and experience, including financial capacity to deliver the project.
• Project sustainability: Potential for the initiative to continue and generate benefits after the funding period ends.
• Project budget: Demonstrated value for money, including realistic costs and consideration of additional funding sources or in-kind contributions.

• Step 1: Early Consultation
  • Contact the CED Program Coordinator, Ian Scott (ian.scott@ottawa.ca or 613-580-2424 x 29607), for an early consultation on your project idea between December 1, 2025, and February 13, 2026 (optional but recommended).
• Step 2: Obtain Application Form
  • Request the Community Economic Development Funding Program application form from the CED Program Coordinator at ian.scott@ottawa.ca.
• Step 3: Prepare Application Package
  • Complete the application form in full.
  • Develop a detailed project plan and budget, specifying the number of beneficiaries, recruitment/selection methods, planned activities, person-hours, budgeted expenses, and anticipated project outcomes.
  • Ensure the project plan is linked to your budget and includes completion timelines.
  • Gather all supporting documents required as listed in the application form (e.g., recent financial statements, official Board Meeting minutes for staff time allocation).
• Step 4: Review Application for Completeness
  • Review the application to ensure all information is accurate, concise, and complete.
  • Prepare one application per organization.
• Step 5: Submit Application
  • Send the completed application form and all supporting documents electronically by email to ian.scott@ottawa.ca.
  • Include a scanned page of signatures if required.
  • Submit the application no later than Friday, February 13, 2026, at 4 pm. Only electronic submissions will be considered; late applications will not be accepted.
• Step 6: Receive Confirmation
  • Upon receipt, the Economic Development Services will notify applicants that their application has been received.
• Step 7: Await Assessment and Decision
  • Your application will be reviewed by the CED Program Coordinator for eligibility and then evaluated by a jury panel based on the program’s assessment criteria.
  • Applicants may be contacted for clarification or to provide additional information if required.
• Step 8: Execute Funding Agreement (if selected)
  • If approved, receive an acceptance letter and a Funding Agreement outlining conditions, including reporting requirements.
  • Ensure the agreement is signed by both your organization and the Economic Development Services Director.
• Step 9: Start Project and Reporting
  • Begin project activities within two months of executing the funding agreement or as agreed.
  • Use funds strictly for purposes approved in the application; inform Economic Development Services of any changes.
  • Submit an activity and financial report detailing fund usage by December 11, 2026.

• Only one application will be accepted per organization, even if more than one organization is involved in service delivery for a project.
• All awarded funding must be fully spent by November 30, 2026, with final reporting due by December 11, 2026.
• Applications may be approved with the condition of providing clarification or additional information upon request.
• Starting project work before executing a funding agreement may render the application ineligible for funding.