
Open
Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) in the Prairie provinces
Supports economic development and diversification for Prairie communities
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
Overview
The Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) program supports not-for-profit organizations with targeted investments for community economic development and diversification in the Prairie provinces. Eligible projects can include community development, community adjustment, and inclusiveness initiatives, with non-repayable contributions generally available and repayable contributions possible for commercial projects that generate revenue.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
Eligible Funding
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Language Minorities
- Youth (<40)
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- General public
- Children & youth
- Indigenous peoples
- People with disabilities
- Women & girls
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
- Community leaders
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Projects that stimulate economic growth or diversification by building on community strengths and opportunities.
- Initiatives to support Prairie communities adapting to economic challenges or recovering from economic shocks.
- Programs that foster inclusiveness by encouraging participation of underrepresented groups such as women, youth, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and official language minority communities in the economy.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form.
- Financial statements for the past 2 years.
- Interim financial statements for the past 6 months, if needed.
- Evidence of other funding sources.
- Supporting documents such as a project plan, letters of support, or board minutes.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated not-for-profit organizations (e.g., industry associations, economic development organizations, cultural organizations, societies)
- Post-secondary institutions
- First Nations (as led by Chief and Council, Tribal Councils, and Treaty Organizations)
- Métis Settlements
- Provincial/municipal crown corporations, organizations, ministries, or other provincial government entities (funds must be directed fully into the project)
Who is not eligible
- Private, for-profit businesses not engaged in community economic development or diversification activities.
- Organizations that are not legal entities capable of entering into legally binding agreements.
- Projects occurring outside Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba.
- Entities seeking funding for costs incurred prior to the project’s start date or before submitting an Expression of Interest.
Eligible expenses
- Operations and maintenance costs directly related to the project.
- Personnel expenses, including salaries and benefits for staff involved in the project.
- Purchase and lease of equipment necessary for project implementation.
- Information management and information technology acquisitions specific to the project.
- Legal, administrative, accounting, licensing, permits, and consulting fees associated with the project.
- Rent, leases, and leasehold improvements for project-specific spaces.
- Acquisitions of proprietary processes essential for the project.
- Interest charges, insurance, fees, and taxes related to eligible project expenditures.
- Project-related supplies and transportation costs.
- Capital improvements directly tied to the project.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Refinancing existing debt.
- Amortization, land, and building acquisition.
- Contingencies and goodwill.
- Costs incurred before the project start date or before submitting an Expression of Interest.
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
Processing and Agreement
- Expression of Interest submissions are reviewed first.
- Selected applicants are invited to submit a full application.
- Full applications undergo due diligence review.
- Applicants are informed if selected to proceed.
Additional information
- Applicants are encouraged to consult both the EOI help guide and the applicant guide before applying.
- It is recommended to seek advice from a qualified tax professional regarding the potential tax implications of government financial assistance.
- Costs incurred prior to submitting an Expression of Interest or funding agreement are not reimbursable and are at the applicant's own risk.
- There is no fixed deadline; applications are accepted on a continuous basis.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) in the Prairie provinces Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) in the Prairie provinces. 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.
What is the Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) in the Prairie provinces?
The Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) program supports not-for-profit organizations with targeted investments for community economic development and diversification in the Prairie provinces. Eligible projects can include community development, community adjustment, and inclusiveness initiatives, with non-repayable contributions generally available and repayable contributions possible for commercial projects that generate revenue.
How much funding can be received?
Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) in the Prairie provinces Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) in the Prairie provinces program?
To be eligible for the Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) in the Prairie provinces program, you must:
Not-for-profit organizations in the Prairies.
Project benefits must accrue primarily in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba.
Applicant must be a legal entity.
What expenses are eligible under Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) in the Prairie provinces?
Projects that stimulate economic growth or diversification by building on community strengths and opportunities.
Initiatives to support Prairie communities adapting to economic challenges or recovering from economic shocks.
Programs that foster inclusiveness by encouraging participation of underrepresented groups such as women, youth, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and official language minority communities in the economy.
Who can I contact for more information about the Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) in the Prairie provinces?
You can contact Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) or by phone at 1-888-338-9378.
Where is the Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) in the Prairie provinces available?
The Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) in the Prairie provinces program is available the province of Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan.
Is the Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) in the Prairie provinces a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) in the Prairie provinces is a Grant and Funding