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Community Economic Development Fund

Q: How much funding can be received?

Community Economic Development Fund Funds up to $3,000,000 of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program was April 30, 2024.

Q: Who is eligible for the Community Economic Development Fund program?

To be eligible for the Community Economic Development Fund program, you must: The applicant must be a non-profit, industry association, sector organization, social enterprise, municipality, academic institution, or another organization that benefits the public. For-profit businesses are not eligible for funding.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Community Economic Development Fund?

You can contact Government of Nova Scotia.

Q: Where is the Community Economic Development Fund available?

The Community Economic Development Fund program is available the province of Nova Scotia.

Last Update: March 4, 2026

Nova Scotia, Canada

Funding for sectors and communities to become more competitive

Grant and Funding

Government of Nova Scotia

Overview

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.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Increasing community impact

Develop strategic partnerships

Research and experimental development

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 3,000,000 $

Timeline

Open Date : January 1, 2024
Closing date : April 30, 2024

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

All industries

Location

Nova Scotia

Legal structures

Non-profit
Public or Parapublic institution
Social economy enterprise

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

All groups

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

Research
Economic, Social and Community Development
Employment and Training
Business Associations

Target groups

General public
Rural / Remote communities
Nonprofits / charities
Academia / students
Community leaders

Revenue structures

All structures

Scope

Municipal
Regional
Provincial

Activities funded

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

$ 1,100,000

Create a digital literacy program for seniors

$ 1,450,000

Implement a job training program for Indigenous youth

$ 2,350,000

Establish a cooperative for sustainable fishing practices

$ 3,000,000

Launch a tech incubator hub to support local startups

$ 3,000,000

Initiate a renewable energy research and development project

Eligibility

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

Selection criteria

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

Review the Community Economic Development Fund Application Guide.

Complete the application form.

Check the application for details on all required supporting documents.

Complete a project proposal.

Send your completed application, supporting documents, and project proposal by mail, fax, or email.

Await confirmation of receipt from the Community Economic Development Fund within 1 week.

The Community Economic Development Fund Board assesses your application and supporting documents to determine if your project will receive funding.

It should take 10 to 12 weeks to find out if your project is approved for funding.

Follow-up on any additional information or corrections needed, if required.

Documents and links

Community Economic Development Fund

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Economic Development Fund Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Community Economic Development Fund. 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.