Innovative Communities Fund

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Innovative Communities Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Innovative Communities Fund is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Innovative Communities Fund?

Innovative Communities Fund is funded by Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Government of Canada

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Innovative Communities Fund?

You can contact Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) or by phone at 1-888-576-4444.

Q: Where is the Innovative Communities Fund available?

The Innovative Communities Fund program is available the province of NS.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Innovative Communities Fund program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Innovative Communities Fund program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

NS, Canada

Funding for economic growth projects in rural Atlantic Canada

At a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

Get a non-repayable financial contribution for strategic projects that build on the existing strengths of your community, leading to long-term employment and enhanced economic capacity.

Financing terms and conditions

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.

Activities funded

The Innovative Communities Fund supports community-based projects that aim to stimulate economic growth and strengthen the local economies in Atlantic Canada. These activities focus on developing industry sectors and enhancing rural infrastructure among others.

Development of thriving industry sectors.
Strengthening infrastructure in rural areas.
Investments in projects to help communities overcome economic challenges.
Projects enabling communities to capitalize on new economic opportunities.
Community projects undertaken by Indigenous groups and official language minority communities.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 150,000

Establishing a community-led agricultural hub to boost local food production

$ 140,000

Creating a local recycling center to enhance environmental sustainability and employment

$ 160,000

Developing a community arts center to enhance cultural engagement and tourism

$ 170,000

Upgrading the rural broadband internet infrastructure to boost digital inclusion

$ 180,000

Launching a startup incubator to foster innovation and entrepreneurship

$ 160,000

Establishing a tech training center to address workforce skill gaps

Eligibility

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

Selection criteria

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.

How to apply

Project Discussion

Contact your nearest ACOA office to discuss the project idea and its alignment with the ICF objectives.

Complete Application

Obtain the Application for financial assistance form from ACOA.
Fill out the application with detailed project information.

Submit the Application

Submit the completed application form to the ACOA office you contacted.
Ensure all necessary documents and information are included.

Additional information

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.

Contacts

1-888-576-4444

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Innovative Communities Fund Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Innovative Communities Fund. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Innovative Communities Fund?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Innovative Communities Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Innovative Communities Fund?

Who is eligible for the Innovative Communities Fund program?

To be eligible for the Innovative Communities Fund program, you must: The applicant must be a non-commercial or 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. Projects must have the potential to lead to economic growth and be above regular activities. The project proposal must demonstrate the skills and resources needed to manage related activities and have a clear end date.