Community Enhancement Program — Enhance Your Community Stream
At a glance
- Max. $2,000,000
- 50% of project cost
- Open Date : February 11, 2021
- All industries
- Government of Ontario
- Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation
Overview
Eligibility criteria
The Enhance Your Community Funding Stream is open to municipalities, Indigenous communities, not-for-profit organizations, and Local Services Boards located in Northern Ontario. Eligible projects include incremental improvements to capital assets, repairing or renovating social and recreational facilities, municipal assets, and community halls to enhance community well-being and economic development.
- Applicants must be located in Northern Ontario and fall under the categories of municipalities, Indigenous communities, not-for-profit organizations, or Local Services Boards
- Projects that are eligible include incremental improvements, repairs, and renovations to capital assets such as social and recreational facilities, municipal assets, and community halls
- Priority economic development initiatives that respond to an economic opportunity and contribute to the improved quality of life for a community or region are also eligible
Who is eligible
Municipalities, Indigenous communities, not-for-profit organizations, and Local Services Boards located in Northern Ontario are eligible to apply for the Enhance Your Community Funding Stream grant.
Eligible expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant. Eligible expenses include:
- Incremental improvements, repairs, and/or renovations to extend the useful life of capital assets
- Priority economic development initiatives like business strategies, investments, or community development projects
Eligible projects & activities
There are projects and activities eligible for the Enhance Your Community Funding Stream:
- Incremental improvements, repairs, and renovations to extend the useful life of capital assets like social and recreational facilities.
- Implementation of priority economic development initiatives that respond to economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for a community or region.
Evaluation & selection criteria
The evaluation criteria for the Enhance Your Community Funding Stream are as follows:
- Identification and alignment with a planning process such as community or organizational plan.
- Support for the sustainability and well-being of communities.
- How the project builds on and optimizes the capacity and efficiency of existing infrastructure.
- Strength of project plan that identifies the technical, managerial and financial capacity for implementing the project and sustaining the facility.
- Applicant should demonstrate how an NOHFC investment is necessary to make the project viable.
Enhance Your Community Funding Stream Summary
The Enhance Your Community Funding Stream by NOHFC is a grant program aimed at supporting northern communities and organizations in Northern Ontario. Eligible projects include improvements to capital assets, economic development initiatives, and projects aligned with NOHFC's strategic initiatives.
Enhance Your Community Funding Stream Detailed Overview
The Enhance Your Community Funding Stream offered by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is designed to enhance the well-being and vitality of communities in Northern Ontario. Eligible applicants include municipalities, Indigenous communities, not-for-profit organizations, and Local Services Boards located in the region.
Projects eligible for funding under this stream include incremental improvements, repairs, and renovations to extend the useful life of capital assets such as social and recreational facilities, municipal assets, and community halls. Additionally, priority economic development initiatives that respond to economic opportunities and contribute to the region's quality of life are considered eligible.
The evaluation criteria for applications focus on alignment with community or organizational plans, support for community well-being and sustainability, optimization of existing infrastructure capacity, and the strength of the project plan in terms of technical, managerial, and financial capacities. Applicants must convincingly demonstrate the necessity of NOHFC funding to make their projects viable.
Funding for projects is provided in the form of a conditional contribution and generally does not exceed 50% of eligible costs or $2,000,000. The NOHFC Board of Directors determines the funding amount for each project, considering the available limited funding. Not all projects meeting the criteria are guaranteed to receive funding, and NOHFC may decline funding for projects falling within the mandate of other government programs.
While core infrastructure projects like public services, administrative space, residential projects, and operating expenses are not eligible for funding, airport-related projects may qualify if they demonstrate their economic impact, alignment with planning processes, necessity of NOHFC investment, optimization of existing infrastructure, and the technical and financial capacity to sustain the facility.
All buildings, facilities, or land improved with NOHFC funding must be owned or leased by the applicant, and reimbursement to NOHFC may be required if assets financed through the grant are sold within three years after project completion. The Enhance Your Community Funding Stream provides valuable support to Northern Ontario communities seeking to improve their infrastructure and economic development initiatives.
