Community Economic Development Fund
Last Update: July 22, 2025
NS, Canada
Funding for sectors and communities to become more competitive
Community Economic Development Fund at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $3,000,000
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2024
- Closing date : April 30, 2024
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Grant Providers
- Government of Nova Scotia
Program status
Closed
Overview of the Community Economic Development Fund program
Get up to $3 million to cover the cost for your community-based project that sparks innovation and collaboration and builds stronger, more competitive sectors and regions.
Eligible projects & activities
There are eligible projects for this grant:
- Projects that increase economic competitiveness and productivity in Nova Scotia.
- Projects that promote cooperation and partnerships with other organizations.
- Initiatives for sector development, economic diversification, workforce competitiveness, applied research and development, and pilot projects.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 1,900,000
Develop an eco-tourism initiative to attract more tourists
$ 3,000,000
Initiate a renewable energy research and development project
$ 1,100,000
Create a digital literacy program for seniors
$ 1,450,000
Implement a job training program for Indigenous youth
$ 3,000,000
Launch a tech incubator hub to support local startups
$ 2,350,000
Establish a cooperative for sustainable fishing practices
Eligibility criteria of the Community Economic Development Fund program
Non-profits, industry associations, sector organizations, social enterprises, municipalities, academic institutions, and other organizations that benefit the public are eligible to apply for funding from the Community Economic Development Fund. For-profit businesses are not eligible.
- Non-profits, industry associations, sector organizations, social enterprises, municipalities, academic institutions, and other organizations that benefit the public can apply
- For-profit businesses are not eligible for funding
Who is eligible?
Non-profits, industry associations, sector organizations, social enterprises, municipalities, and academic institutions that benefit the public are eligible for the Community Economic Development Fund grant. For-profit businesses are not eligible.
- Non-profits
- Industry associations
- Sector organizations
- Social enterprises
- Municipalities
- Academic institutions
Who is not eligible
For-profit businesses are not eligible for the Community Economic Development Fund grant.
- For-profit businesses
Eligible expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant. Eligible expenses include:
- Costs related to project development and implementation
- Consulting fees and professional services
- Equipment and supplies directly related to the project
- Labor costs for project-specific activities
- Travel expenses for project-related activities
- Evaluation and monitoring costs
Eligibility criteria of the Community Economic Development Fund program
The Community Economic Development Fund uses several evaluation criteria to assess project proposals:
- Proposals must aim to improve Nova Scotia’s competitiveness and increase productivity.
- Partnerships with other organizations are required, including the private sector, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations.
- Projects should generate widespread benefits for a specific sector or industry within Nova Scotia.
- Metrics for success and progress monitoring methods need to be described.
- Long-term benefits for a particular sector or industry within Nova Scotia should be demonstrated.
- Projects must exhibit proven leadership, financial capital, and human capital.
How to apply to the Community Economic Development Fund program
1
Review the Community Economic Development Fund Application Guide.
2
Complete the application form.
3
Check the application for details on all required supporting documents.
4
Complete a project proposal.
5
Send your completed application, supporting documents, and project proposal by mail, fax, or email.
6
Await confirmation of receipt from the Community Economic Development Fund within 1 week.
7
The Community Economic Development Fund Board assesses your application and supporting documents to determine if your project will receive funding.
8
It should take 10 to 12 weeks to find out if your project is approved for funding.
9
Follow-up on any additional information or corrections needed, if required.
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