Innovative Communities Fund
Last Update: July 22, 2025
NS, Canada
Funding for economic growth projects in rural Atlantic Canada
Innovative Communities Fund at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Grant Providers
- Government of Canada
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Program status
Open
Overview of the Innovative Communities Fund program
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.
Eligible projects & activities
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 criteria of the Innovative Communities Fund program
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
Eligibility criteria of the Innovative Communities Fund program
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 to the Innovative Communities Fund program
1
Project Discussion
Contact your nearest ACOA office to discuss the project idea and its alignment with the ICF objectives.
2
Complete Application
- Obtain the Application for financial assistance form from ACOA.
- Fill out the application with detailed project information.
3
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.
Contact Government of Canada
1-888-576-4444
Apply to this program
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