Open
Community Enhancement Program — Rural Enhancement Funding Stream
Money to improve community facilities in rural communities
Last Update: June 10, 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.
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Full program guidelines
- Document checklist
Official resources
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
- Fire halls and related fire service projects
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.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Core infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water, and sewer
- Administrative space or office buildings
- Residential projects
- Operating expenses, including routine maintenance
- Stand-alone equipment, furniture, and studies
Eligible geographic areas
- Northern Ontario
Selection 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.
How to apply
- Step 1: Check regional eligibility
- Verify that the project location is within Northern Ontario.
- Step 2: Prepare your application
- Review the program guidelines and document checklist.
- Complete the application materials for submission.
- Step 3: Submit online
- Apply through the NOHFC portal using a My Ontario Account.
- Submit the application and supporting documents through the portal.
- Step 4: Follow up on review
- Provide any additional information requested during evaluation.
- Wait for the board’s final decision.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed to confirm they meet program guidelines.
- Additional information may be requested during evaluation.
- The final decision is made by the board of directors.
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.
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Community Enhancement Program — Enhance Your Community StreamFunding for Northern Ontario community projects
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Enhancement Program — Rural Enhancement Funding Stream Program
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.
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
Who are the financial supporters of the Community Enhancement Program — Rural Enhancement Funding Stream?
Community Enhancement Program — Rural Enhancement Funding Stream is funded by Government of Ontario, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)