Innovative Communities Fund

The Innovative Communities Fund provides financial assistance without the requirement for repayment, supporting economic growth initiatives in Atlantic Canadian communities. The funding is tailored to cover the necessary financial needs for each specific project.

• Financial assistance provided under the ICF does not require repayment from recipients.
• The funding amount is determined based on the specific financial requirements necessary for each project to proceed.

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the type of organization applying.

• The applicant must be a non-commercial and non-profit organization, Indigenous band or Indigenous-controlled non-profit entity, cooperative, local development association, municipality or its agency, educational institution, or industry or sector association.

Who is eligible?

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.

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

This grant is designed for community projects in the Atlantic Canada region. It focuses on encouraging economic growth and development in these specific areas.

• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Prince Edward Island
• Newfoundland and Labrador

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) focus on criteria that assess the project's potential for community economic growth and capacity to address regional challenges and opportunities.

• Clear explanation of links and partnerships within the community.
• Ability to address challenges and opportunities in the community.
• Potential to lead to economic growth.
• Extent to which the project is over and above regular activities.
• Defined project end date.
• Proven skills and resources to manage related activities.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• Financial assistance provided under the ICF does not require repayment, which can be a significant advantage for applicants seeking funding.
• The fund supports community projects by Indigenous groups and non-profit organizations in official language minority communities, highlighting a focus on inclusive economic development.
• Projects must demonstrate community linkages and partnerships to be eligible for consideration.
• There is a specific emphasis on projects that provide long-term employment opportunities and strengthen local economies.
• The fund requires the project to be over and above the regular activities of the applicant, ensuring new value creation.
• Clear project management skills and resources are necessary for successful application and management.