Community Investment Fund
NB, Canada
Support for NB non-profits
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJuly 09, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateJuly 09, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of New Brunswick
- Regional Development Corporation
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grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a non-repayable contribution to cover eligible costs of community initiatives such as festivals, national events, volunteer recognition events, and community growth initiatives.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, there are several projects and activities eligible for this grant.
- Community spaces: Accessibility upgrades, kitchen upgrades, retrofits for energy, equipment for warming centres, event equipment
- Community planning: Community or regional development planning and design
- Access to recreation: Boat launches/slips, beach restoration & beautification
- Community appeal/aesthetics: Community gardens, downtown beautification, cemeteries
- Enhance civic pride or community well-being: Community volunteer group capital costs, recreational infrastructure
- Festivals: Any duration
- Recognitions: Volunteers, remembrance, special occasions
- Anniversaries: Incorporation, special occasions
- Other community events: Reunions, fundraisers
- Indigenous-led community cultural events: Same types of events as described in the Community Events & Festivals section
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$25,000
Halifax
Creating a community garden in downtown Halifax for urban beautification
$20,000
Moncton
Upgrading community kitchen facilities with energy-efficient appliances
$10,000
Toronto
Organizing an annual volunteer recognition event
$35,000
Vancouver
Beach restoration and beautification project
$45,000
Ottawa
Community hall accessibility upgrade
$40,000
Calgary
Organizing a summer festival featuring local artists and vendors
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Projects must align with specific objectives and be eligible under provided categories set forth by the grant. Applicants must also meet organizational and category-specific criteria as outlined below:
- Not-for-profit incorporated organizations
- Incorporated charitable organizations
- Municipalities, Regional Service Commissions, and First Nations communities
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Certain types of companies are not eligible for this grant. The following list includes the ineligible companies and organizational activities.
- Commercial or for-profit companies
- Organizations with ongoing operating costs including wages and salaries
- Fundraising campaign organizations
- Organizations aiming to cover deficits or retire debts
- Organizations looking to increase endowment funds
- Organizations with activities serving primarily religious or political purposes
- Individual applicants
- Organizations involved in tours or travel outside New Brunswick
- Organizations that have not completed terms of previous contributions
- Organizations looking to cover costs of land or related interests
- Organizations seeking to cover the cost of uniforms or licensed vehicles
- Organizations requiring firefighting equipment
- Organizations seeking sponsorship requests
- Organizations covering travel costs
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. The expenses vary based on the category of funding being applied for, such as community growth initiatives, events and festivals, and Indigenous-led community events.
- Accessibility upgrades
- Kitchen upgrades (e.g. stove, refrigerator)
- Retrofits for energy (e.g. heat pumps, insulated doors)
- Equipment for warming centres (including generators)
- Event equipment (e.g. tables, chairs, tents)
- Community/regional development planning and design
- Boat launches/slip
- Beach restoration & beautification
- Community gardens (landscaping)
- Downtown beautification
- Community cemeteries
- Community volunteer group capital costs
- Recreational infrastructure
- Festivals (any duration)
- Recognitions (volunteers, remembrance, special occasions)
- Anniversaries (for incorporation, special occasions)
- Other community events (reunions, fundraisers)
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant are within New Brunswick.
- Provincial Electoral Districts
- Indigenous Communities within the province
- Incorporated not-for-profit organizations in New Brunswick
- Incorporated charitable organizations in New Brunswick
- Municipalities and Regional Service Commissions in New Brunswick
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The proposals must meet eligibility requirements, demonstrate alignment with program objectives, and not be eligible for other provincial funding, except for SEED funding for students.
- Meet the eligibility requirements
- Demonstrate that the project is directly linked to one of the Program’s objectives
- Not be eligible to receive any other funding from the Province (except SEED funding for students)
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Identify Project Eligibility
- Review the CIF guidelines to ensure your project aligns with one of the funding categories: Community Growth Initiatives, Community Events & Festivals, or Indigenous-led Community Events.
- Ensure the project is not eligible for other provincial funding programs and falls under the objectives of CIF.
- Step 2: Prepare Application Documents
- Gather necessary documents and information, such as a detailed project description, budget, program of activities for events, and any other required paperwork.
- Ensure you have proof of non-profit or charitable incorporation, if applicable.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Submit the completed application with all required documents to the Regional Development Corporation (RDC) according to the specified procedures.
- Step 4: RDC Evaluation
- RDC officers will review your application, consult with line departments if needed, and ensure it meets all eligibility requirements.
- Your local MLA will be consulted to help identify funding priorities.
- Step 5: Funding Approval
- The President of the RDC will approve funding for projects based on merit and consultation with the local MLA.
- Step 6: Reporting
- Submit a final activity report, financial report, and any supporting documentation, such as invoices and proof of payments, after the project or event completion.
- Ensure all payments come from the applicant and cash transactions are not accepted.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The grant includes procedures for reporting requirements and management responsibilities.
- Supporting documentation required includes final activity report, financial report, audited financial statements, invoices and proof of payments, legal agreements, and any other necessary documentation.
- The Regional Development Corporation manages the CIF, handling application reception, assessment, and evaluation.
- The President of the Regional Development Corporation has the authority to approve funding for projects.
- The local MLA is consulted to identify funding priorities for their riding during the evaluation process, although projects can be approved based on merit if the MLA does not respond in a timely manner.
Apply to this program
Community Investment Fund Overview
The Community Investment Fund (CIF) aims to support communities by providing funding for eligible projects, events, and initiatives that enhance or support welcoming communities, provide economic and social benefits, or strengthen community infrastructure. This fund, managed by the Regional Development Corporation, offers non-repayable contributions to not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, and Indigenous-led projects.
In-Depth Guide to the Community Investment Fund
The Community Investment Fund (CIF) is designed to foster vibrant, welcoming communities by offering financial assistance to a variety of eligible projects, events, and initiatives that aim to deliver economic and social benefits. Funded and managed by the Regional Development Corporation (RDC), the CIF serves as a catalyst for community growth, cultural enrichment, and enhanced civic pride. Below is a comprehensive guide detailing the intricacies of the CIF, including the objectives, budget allocation, eligibility criteria, funding categories, levels of assistance, and ineligible expenditures.
Objectives of the Community Investment Fund
The CIF was established with clear objectives in mind. The fund aims to:
- Enhance or support welcoming communities, creating vibrant places for everyone to live.
- Provide substantial economic and social benefits to local communities.
- Enhance existing community assets to better serve the public.
- Develop initiatives that strengthen the fabric of the community.
By adhering to these objectives, the CIF helps to ensure that the funded projects contribute meaningfully to community well-being and development.
Budget Allocation
The CIF operates on an annual budget of $65,000 per Provincial Electoral District, managed on a fiscal year basis ending March 31st. The fund does not allow for the transfer of uncommitted or unclaimed funds to the next financial year. Contributions can be made individually by one Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) or combined by multiple MLAs to support common projects. Importantly, projects cannot span multiple fiscal years, necessitating careful planning and execution within a single year’s timeframe.
Evaluation Criteria
Every proposal submitted for CIF funding undergoes a rigorous evaluation process. Key criteria that each application must meet include:
- Eligibility under the CIF guidelines.
- Direct linkage to one of the CIF’s defined objectives.
- Ineligibility for other provincial funding programs (with the exception of SEED funding for students).
RDC Officers may collaborate with other line departments to gather additional information as required to make informed decisions.
Type of Contribution
All contributions made under the CIF are non-repayable, meaning recipients do not have to return the funds given for their projects, events, or initiatives.
Eligible Applicants
To apply for CIF funding, applicants must fall into one of the following categories:
- Not-for-profit incorporated organizations.
- Incorporated charitable organizations.
- Municipalities, Regional Service Commissions, and First Nations communities.
This ensures that the CIF supports a broad range of community-driven initiatives across different organizational structures.
Eligibility Criteria
The CIF supports a range of projects under three main categories: Community Growth Initiatives, Community Events & Festivals, and Indigenous-led Community Events. Each has its own specific focus and eligibility requirements.
Community Growth Initiatives
This category is open to projects that benefit local communities in areas such as:
- Community spaces: Accessibility upgrades, kitchen upgrades, energy retrofits, equipment for warming centres, event equipment.
- Community planning: Development planning and design.
- Access to recreation: Boat launches, beach restoration and beautification.
- Community appeal/aesthetics: Community gardens, downtown beautification, community cemeteries.
- Civic pride and well-being: Community volunteer group capital costs, recreational infrastructure.
Community Events & Festivals
This category funds various community events such as:
- Festivals of any duration.
- Recognitions for volunteers, remembrance ceremonies, special occasions.
- Anniversaries for incorporation or other special occasions.
- Other community events like reunions and fundraisers.
Indigenous-led Community Events
This category specifically supports cultural events led by Indigenous communities. The types of events eligible for funding are similar to those outlined in the Community Events & Festivals category. It's worth noting that contributions towards Indigenous-led events do not count against the local assigned Provincial Electoral District budget allocation.
Level of Assistance
The CIF specifies minimum and maximum contribution amounts based on the type of project:
Community Growth Initiative
Funding ranges between:
- A minimum contribution of $500.
- A maximum contribution of $20,000, either individually or combined from multiple sources.
For contributions of $7,500 or less, no matching funds are required. Contributions exceeding this amount will be reimbursed up to 75% of eligible costs.
Community Events & Festivals and Indigenous-led Community Events
Applicants must submit a proposed budget and activity program. The level of assistance is determined based on the event's total eligible expenses, as detailed in the proposed budget. The assistance scale is as follows:
- $1,000 - $3,000: $500
- $3,001 - $7,000: $1,000
- $7,001 - $12,000: $2,000
- $12,001 - $20,000: $3,000
- $20,001 - $29,000: $4,000
- $29,001 - $38,000: $5,000
- $38,001 - $47,000: $6,000
- $47,001 - $56,000: $7,000
- $56,001 - $64,000: $8,000
- $64,001 - $75,000: $9,000
- $75,001 and over: $10,000
Ineligible Expenditures
Certain types of expenditures do not qualify for CIF funding. For Community Growth projects, these include:
- Ongoing operating costs including wages and salaries.
- Fundraising campaigns.
- Debt repayment and deficit coverage.
- Endowment funds.
- Activities primarily serving religious or political organizations.
- Individual funding.
- Travels outside New Brunswick.
- Organizations that have not completed previous contributions.
- Land costs or related expenses.
- Uniforms and licensed vehicles.
- Firefighting equipment.
- Sponsorship and travel costs.
For Festivals and Events, ineligible expenses include in-kind contributions, donations, and ordinary operational expenses such as salaries.
Reporting Requirements
Recipients of CIF funding are required to submit appropriate documentation to support all CIF investments. This may include:
- Final activity reports.
- Financial reports and audited financial statements.
- Invoices and proof of payments.
- Legal agreements.
- Any other necessary documentation as required by the RDC.
Management of the CIF
The Regional Development Corporation (RDC) is responsible for the overall management of the CIF. Funding applications are received, assessed, and evaluated by the RDC, with the President of RDC having the authority to approve funding. Local MLAs are consulted to help identify funding priorities for their ridings, although RDC reserves the right to approve projects based on merit if an MLA does not respond promptly.
In summary, the Community Investment Fund provides robust support to eligible communities, ensuring a broad spectrum of initiatives can thrive, thereby fostering a vibrant, cohesive, and welcoming community environment across the region.
