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Community Enhancement Program — Rural Enhancement Funding Stream
ON, Canada
Money to improve community facilities in rural communities
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateFebruary 11, 2021
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
- Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get funding to improve community facilities — up to $200,000 to cover up to 90% of the costs in communities with less than 1,500 people, and up to $500,000 to cover 75% of the costs in communities with populations of 1,500 to 30,000 people.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Rural Enhancement Funding Stream offers conditional contributions designed to support improvements in rural community infrastructure, with specific funding caps based on community size. The funding enables communities to enhance their facilities while ensuring efficient use of resources.
- Conditional contribution model, where funding for communities under 1,500 and Indigenous communities can cover up to 90% of total eligible costs, to a maximum of $200,000.
- For communities over 1,500, funding can cover up to 75% of total eligible costs, with a cap at $500,000.
- Funding is determined by the NOHFC Board of Directors, based on the availability of limited funds.
- NOHFC funding may be declined if the project falls within another federal or provincial program's mandate, but additional assistance might be offered post-decision from other programs at NOHFC's discretion.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant supports incremental improvements and renovations aimed at enhancing the longevity and efficiency of community infrastructure. It targets projects that add value to social, recreational, and municipal facilities, fostering a healthier and more vibrant community environment.
- Incremental improvements to social and recreational facilities.
- Repairs to municipal assets and community halls.
- Renovations to extend the useful life of capital assets.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 150,000
Upgrades to the community park including new playground equipment and better accessibility
$ 187,500
Renovation of the Maple Community Center's gym and installation of new HVAC system
$ 150,000
Expansion and repair of the public library's children's section
$ 300,000
Repair and energy-efficient upgrades to the historic town hall
$ 300,000
Repairs and modernization of the municipal water treatment plant
$ 225,000
Renovation and expansion of the seniors' recreation center
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the Rural Enhancement Funding Stream, applicants must meet specific criteria related to their organizational type and the populations they serve.
- The applicant must be a rural municipality, an Indigenous community, a not-for-profit organization, or a Local Services Board.
- The applicant must serve a population of less than 30,000.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for the Rural Enhancement Funding Stream include rural municipalities, Indigenous communities, not-for-profit organizations, and Local Services Boards that have or serve a population of less than 30,000.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain types of projects and entities based on their characteristics and activities that do not align with the program's focus. The restrictions are designed to ensure funding supports community enhancements in line with its strategic objectives.
- Entities seeking funding for core municipal infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, water, and sewer systems.
- Organizations or projects involving administrative office buildings or residential projects.
- Entities aiming to fund operating expenses, routine maintenance, or similar costs.
- Applications involving stand-alone purchases of equipment, furniture, or unrelated feasibility or engineering studies.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports projects that enhance the quality and longevity of community assets to build healthier and more vibrant rural areas. Eligible activities focus on making incremental improvements to existing facilities.
- Incremental improvements to social and recreational facilities.
- Repairs or renovations to extend the life of municipal assets.
- Upgrades to community halls that contribute to community vitality.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is open to entities based in areas with a population under 30,000 as identified by the funding body. The primary focus is on supporting rural communities in Northern Ontario and similar regions.
- Rural municipalities in regions with populations less than 30,000.
- Indigenous communities within the designated areas.
- Organizations operating in the Northern Ontario region, respecting the priority needs identified by NOHFC.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the Rural Enhancement Funding Stream's objectives of contributing to healthy and strong rural communities.
- Identification and alignment with a planning process such as a community or organizational plan.
- How the project builds on and optimizes the capacity and efficiency of existing infrastructure.
- Strength of the 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.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Create My Ontario Account
- Visit the NOHFC portal and click on the link to create a My Ontario Account.
- Follow the instructions to set up your account, ensuring you provide all requested personal and organizational information.
- Step 2: Access the NOHFC Portal
- Log into the NOHFC portal using your newly created My Ontario Account credentials.
- Step 3: Prepare Application Materials
- Draft a comprehensive project proposal including objectives, expected outcomes, and how it aligns with community or organizational plans.
- Gather supporting documents such as budgets, timelines, technical, managerial, and financial capacity information.
- Ensure documentation demonstrates why NOHFC investment is crucial for the project's viability.
- Step 4: Complete Online Application Form
- Navigate to the application section in the NOHFC portal.
- Fill out the required fields in the application form, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Upload all necessary documents as per the application requirements on the NOHFC portal.
- Review the application thoroughly to confirm all details are correct.
- Submit the completed application via the portal before the submission deadline.
- Step 6: Receive Confirmation
- Wait for an automated confirmation email indicating the successful submission of your application.
- Keep this confirmation for your records, noting your application reference number if provided.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- All buildings, facilities, or land improved with NOHFC funding must be owned by the applicant.
- Applicants may need to reimburse NOHFC if funded assets are sold within three years after project completion.
