Closed
District Recreation Fund
Funding for community recreation facility improvements
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
The District Recreation Fund supports maintenance and enhancements to recreation facilities owned or operated by eligible not-for-profit community organizations. Funding is available for projects such as trails, playgrounds, sport and recreation facilities, community halls, facility grounds, equipment, assessments, and emergency repairs.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Sports
- Other Recreation and Social Clubs
Target groups
- General public
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Trail, park, and playground development.
- Improvements to indoor and outdoor sport and recreation facilities.
- Upgrades to community halls and recreation centres.
- Facility ground improvements and maintenance equipment purchases.
- Accessibility, needs assessments, and emergency repairs.
Documents Needed
- Proof of incorporation and active registration.
- Charitable registration proof, if applicable.
- Most recent financial statement.
- Project plan with budget, quotes, and funding confirmations.
- Insurance proof and property access documents.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit community-based organizations.
- Registered Nova Scotia Joint Stock companies.
- Registered Canadian charitable organizations.
Eligible expenses
- Project-related planning time.
- Volunteer labour and skilled labour.
- Equipment, materials, and professional services.
- Maintenance equipment and facility improvement costs.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs incurred before project approval, except eligible planning costs.
- Projects that have not received prior approval for scope changes.
- Building, expanding, or repairing a religious sanctuary.
Eligible geographic areas
- Municipality of East Hants, Nova Scotia
Selection criteria
- Projects that support municipal strategic plans.
- Projects serving multiple districts or a wider area.
- Projects with strong community support.
- Projects that directly advance municipal plans.
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare the application
- Complete the application and project plan.
- Gather required corporate, financial, insurance, and property access documents.
- Obtain quotes and funding confirmations.
- Step 2: Submit the application
- Submit the completed application by the deadline.
- Ensure all requested information is included for processing.
- Step 3: Council review and decision
- The Municipality reviews the application and Council makes the funding decision.
- If approved, the project may proceed within the approval period.
- Step 4: Project completion and reporting
- Complete the project within 12 months of approval.
- Submit the final report with receipts, in-kind tracking, and photos.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the Municipality and require Council approval.
- Applications must be complete before they can be processed.
- Approved projects must start within the 12-month approval period.
- A final report is required before the last payment is released.
Additional information
- Applications are reviewed and approved by Council.
- Funding approval is valid for 12 months.
- The Municipality may audit an organization’s records.
- Successful projects are announced publicly once a year.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the District Recreation Fund Program
What is the District Recreation Fund?
The District Recreation Fund supports maintenance and enhancements to recreation facilities owned or operated by eligible not-for-profit community organizations. Funding is available for projects such as trails, playgrounds, sport and recreation facilities, community halls, facility grounds, equipment, assessments, and emergency repairs.
How much funding can be received?
District Recreation Fund Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the District Recreation Fund program?
To be eligible for the District Recreation Fund program, you must:
Registered non-profit or charity
Facility in East Hants
Long-term property access
What expenses are eligible under District Recreation Fund?
Trail, park, and playground development.
Improvements to indoor and outdoor sport and recreation facilities.
Upgrades to community halls and recreation centres.
Facility ground improvements and maintenance equipment purchases.
Accessibility, needs assessments, and emergency repairs.
Who can I contact for more information about the District Recreation Fund?
You can contact Municipality of East Hants by email at none or by phone at none.
Where is the District Recreation Fund available?
The District Recreation Fund program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the District Recreation Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
District Recreation Fund is a Grant and Funding