Innovative Communities Fund (ICF)

• The applicant must be a non-commercial or non-profit organization, Indigenous band or Indigenous-controlled non-profit entity, co-operative, local development association, municipality or its agency, educational institution, or industry/sector association.
• The project must demonstrate clear links and partnerships within the community.
• The project must address specific challenges and opportunities in the community.
• The project must have the potential to generate economic growth and be over and above the applicant's regular activities.
• The applicant must show the skills and resources required to manage the project and define a clear project end date.

Who is eligible?

• Non-commercial organizations
• Non-profit organizations
• Indigenous bands and Indigenous-controlled non-profit entities
• Co-operatives and local development associations
• Municipalities and their agencies
• Educational institutions
• Industry or sector associations

Who is not eligible

There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for the Innovative Communities Fund grant. Eligible recipients include non-commercial and non-profit organizations, Indigenous bands and Indigenous-controlled non-profit entities, co-operatives and local development associations, municipalities and their agencies, educational institutions, and industry or sector associations.

• Non-commercial and non-profit organizations
• Indigenous bands and Indigenous-controlled non-profit entities
• Co-operatives and local development associations
• Municipalities and their agencies
• Educational institutions
• Industry or sector associations

Eligible expenses

This grant supports initiatives aimed at enhancing the economic vitality and resilience of communities in Atlantic Canada. The eligible projects focus on industrial development, infrastructure improvement, and addressing socio-economic challenges.

• Development of thriving industry sectors within communities.
• Strengthening infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
• Projects helping communities overcome economic issues and leverage new opportunities.
• Support for community projects by Indigenous groups and non-profit organizations in official language minority communities.

Eligible geographic areas

• Communities located in Atlantic Canada, including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

• Clear explanation of links and partnerships within the community.
• Directly addresses challenges and opportunities in the local area.
• Demonstrates potential to lead to economic growth.
• Proposal goes beyond the organization's regular activities.
• Project has a clear end date and demonstrates the applicant has the necessary skills and resources to manage activities.

• Recipients are encouraged to review past ICF-funded projects on the Open Government Portal using the keyword "ICF" for further insight.
• Business impact stories highlighting the outcomes of funded projects are available for reference.
• Support is available for projects led by Indigenous groups and organizations serving official language minority communities (OLMCs).