Open
Community Enhancement Program — Rural Enhancement Funding Stream
Money to improve community facilities in rural communities
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 500,000
Timeline
- Open Date : February 11, 2021
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
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.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
- Up to 90% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : February 11, 2021
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Sports
- Other Recreation and Social Clubs
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- General public
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
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.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
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.Who is not eligible
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.
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.
Eligible geographic areas
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.
Additional information
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.
Documents and links
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Enhancement Program — Rural Enhancement Funding Stream Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Community Enhancement Program — Rural Enhancement Funding Stream. 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 Enhancement Program — Rural Enhancement Funding Stream?
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.
How much funding can be received?
Community Enhancement Program — Rural Enhancement Funding Stream Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses, capped at $500,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Community Enhancement Program — Rural Enhancement Funding Stream program?
To be eligible for the Community Enhancement Program — Rural Enhancement Funding Stream program, you must:
The applicant must be a rural municipality, Indigenous community, not-for-profit organization, or Local Services Board serving a population of less than 30,000.
What expenses are eligible under Community Enhancement Program — Rural Enhancement Funding Stream?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Community Enhancement Program — Rural Enhancement Funding Stream?
You can contact Government of Ontario (ON).
Where is the Community Enhancement Program — Rural Enhancement Funding Stream available?
The Community Enhancement Program — Rural Enhancement Funding Stream program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Community Enhancement Program — Rural Enhancement Funding Stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Community Enhancement Program — Rural Enhancement Funding Stream is a Grant and Funding