Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund
Last Update: July 22, 2025
QC, Canada
Supports food sector initiatives in northern and Indigenous communities
Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Grant Providers
- Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
Program status
Open
Overview of the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund program
The Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund provides up to $14.9 million over three years to support food sector projects in Canada's North, including Nunavik, Quebec. The program aims to strengthen local food systems and supply chains through initiatives such as food production, processing, distribution, and the deployment of innovative technologies to improve regional food security.
Financing terms and conditions
- Total fund budget of $14.9 million over three years.
- In Quebec, $4.08 million is allocated for project delivery.
Eligible projects & activities
- Launching or expanding the production, processing, and distribution of food products using practical approaches.
- Strengthening local and regional food supply chains in northern communities.
- Implementing Indigenous, community-led, or innovative projects that improve local or regional food security.
- Initiatives focused on enhancing local food systems, increasing food production, or reducing barriers to food access in the North.
- Projects aimed at building capacity for local and Inuit food producers or introducing innovative methods in food systems.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 80,000
Renovate a rural cooperative grocery with local food processing space
$ 65,000
Launch a zero-waste food delivery service with electric vehicles
$ 40,000
Upgrade childcare facility with safe, accessible outdoor equipment
$ 50,000
Implement a cloud-based inventory management system for retail chains
$ 45,000
Develop accessible digital platform for seniors’ home exercise programs
$ 55,000
Modernize artisan bakery with energy-efficient ovens and eco-packaging
Eligibility criteria of the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund program
- The applicant must be a food or agriculture business, non-profit organization, sector association, local, regional, or Indigenous organization or government, cooperative, social enterprise, or economic development institution.
- The project must aim to strengthen and diversify economic activity in the North, with a focus on local or regional food systems.
- Priority is given to Inuit clients for projects that benefit their communities in Nunavik, Quebec.
- Eligible projects may involve starting or expanding food production, processing, or distribution, strengthening supply chains, or deploying innovative solutions to improve food security.
Who is eligible?
- Food and agriculture businesses
- Non-profit organizations
- Sector associations
- Local, regional, and Indigenous organizations and governments
- Cooperatives, social enterprises, and economic development institutions
Eligible geographic areas
- Nunavik region in Quebec
How to apply to the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund program
1
Consult eligibility criteria
- Review eligibility criteria for the NICI Fund
- Ensure your organization and project meet the program requirements
2
Read project submission guidelines
- Read the official guidelines for project submission
- Familiarize yourself with the required documentation and process
3
Prepare application documents
- Prepare all necessary documents as indicated in the guidelines
- Complete your project proposal and ensure it aligns with NICI objectives
4
Submit your project application
- Submit your completed project proposal and required documents following the process described in the guidelines
- Ensure all information is accurate and complete
Additional information
- The program prioritizes funding access for Inuit clients with projects benefiting their communities.
- Information services related to the fund are available only in English and French.
- Project proposal intake is currently open.
- Stay informed via CED newsletters and updates for ongoing advice and services.
Apply to this program
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