Innovative Communities Fund
Canada
Funding for economic growth projects in rural Atlantic Canada
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
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- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
- Government of Canada
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grant_card_status|open
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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.
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This fund is specifically targeted towards fostering economic development in communities located in Atlantic Canada. The eligible regions are selected to support local projects that can lead to sustainable growth and employment.
- Communities within Nova Scotia.
- Communities within New Brunswick.
- Communities within Prince Edward Island.
- Communities within Newfoundland and Labrador.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$150,000
Halifax
Establishing a community-led agricultural hub to boost local food production
$140,000
Victoria
Creating a local recycling center to enhance environmental sustainability and employment
$160,000
Vancouver
Developing a community arts center to enhance cultural engagement and tourism
$170,000
Saskatoon
Upgrading the rural broadband internet infrastructure to boost digital inclusion
$180,000
Toronto
Launching a startup incubator to foster innovation and entrepreneurship
$160,000
Edmonton
Establishing a tech training center to address workforce skill gaps
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Non-commercial and non-profit organizations, Indigenous bands, Indigenous-controlled non-profit entities, co-operatives, local development associations, municipalities, educational institutions, industry or sector associations are eligible for the grant.
grant_single_labels|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.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Project Discussion
- Contact your nearest ACOA office to discuss the project idea and its alignment with the ICF objectives.
- Step 2: Complete Application
- Obtain the Application for financial assistance form from ACOA.
- Fill out the application with detailed project information.
- Step 3: Submit the Application
- Submit the completed application form to the ACOA office you contacted.
- Ensure all necessary documents and information are included.
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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.
grant_single_labels|contact
1-888-576-4444
Apply to this program
Empowering Atlantic Canada's Economies Through the Innovative Communities Fund
The Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) provides crucial financial assistance to support projects that stimulate economic growth and development in communities across Atlantic Canada. This fund aims to foster long-term employment and strengthen local economies by investing in collaborative initiatives that address community-specific challenges and opportunities.
In-Depth Insights into the Innovative Communities Fund
The Innovative Communities Fund, managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), plays a pivotal role in bolstering the economic infrastructure of Atlantic Canadian communities. By leveraging this fund, communities can pursue projects that invigorate local industry sectors, enhance rural infrastructure, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Crucially, these investments are geared towards driving sustainable economic growth and addressing unique regional challenges that hinder development.
The ICF is accessible to a diverse array of eligible recipients, including non-commercial organizations, Indigenous bands, co-operatives, municipalities, educational institutions, and sector associations. The goal is to enhance collaboration and partnership within communities, ensuring that the initiatives undertaken are not only transformative but also inclusive and representative of the community's needs. Projects eligibility hinges on the potential for economic impact, strategic partnerships, and a clear path to completion with demonstrable outcomes.
Furthermore, the fund underscores the importance of effective resource management, supporting projects that are well-planned, resourceful, and innovative. By providing non-repayable financial assistance, the ICF grants organizations the freedom to explore ambitious initiatives without the burden of debt. This financial support is tailored to meet the specific needs of each project, ensuring that funding matches the scale and objective of the initiatives proposed.
Notably, the ICF extends its reach to support Indigenous groups and projects within official language minority communities, recognizing the unique cultural and economic contributions these groups make to the fabric of Atlantic Canadian society. This inclusive approach ensures that all sectors of the community can benefit from economic initiatives, promoting equality and diversity within project outcomes. By focusing on strategic growth areas, this fund contributes to the creation of a vibrant economic environment across Atlantic Canada, where every community, from urban centers to rural locales, can thrive.
Past successes, such as the revitalization efforts led by Discover Saint John amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight the ICF's impact. Organizations have been empowered to navigate challenging times, adapting and strategizing to ensure their regions remain economically vibrant and competitive. Similarly, the support given to prominent cultural events like Celtic Colours demonstrates the fund's role in extending tourism seasons and ensuring significant economic contributions to the local economy.
