Northern Ontario Development Program — Community Economic Development
Last Update: June 4, 2025
ON, Canada
Funding for Northern Ontario community economic development
Northern Ontario Development Program — Community Economic Development at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Up to 33% of project cost
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Utilities
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
Grant Providers
- Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)
- Government of Canada
Status
Open
Overview of the Northern Ontario Development Program — Community Economic Development program
Get a contribution to cover the eligible costs of projects that help develop the economy in key sectors such as mining and forest industries, tourism, agri-food, information and communications technology, renewable energy and manufacturing.
Financing terms and conditions
- FedNor may provide up to 33% of eligible capital costs and up to 50% of eligible non-capital costs for approved projects.
- Eligible applicants are required to contribute a minimum of 10% of total project costs.
- Assistance is available as both repayable and non-repayable contributions; projects generating profits are typically subject to repayable contributions.
Eligible projects & activities
- Strategic and business planning to support economic development.
- Analyses and studies targeting key economic sectors such as mining, forestry, tourism, agri-food, ICT, renewable energy, and manufacturing.
- Strengthening economic foundations, including development of industrial or commercial zones, downtown revitalization, and waterfront projects.
- Implementation of priority initiatives outlined in local economic development plans.
- Youth internships related to community economic and business development.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 80,000
Creating a strategic plan for the mining sector
$ 60,000
Creating a marketing strategy for a new line of agri-food products
$ 64,000
Implementation of a community investment readiness plan
$ 400,000
Development of a renewable energy plant to supply green energy to the local community
$ 112,000
Implementation of a workforce retention strategy for the local manufacturing sector
$ 80,000
Feasibility study for a new tourism development
Eligibility criteria of the Northern Ontario Development Program — Community Economic Development program
- The applicant must be a not-for-profit organization, an Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, or Inuit) community or organization, or a municipality or municipal organization located in Northern Ontario.
- The project must support community economic development and contribute to economic growth, diversification, or competitiveness in Northern Ontario.
- The applicant must contribute a minimum of 10% of the project costs.
- The project must demonstrate alignment with community economic priorities and present a clear economic benefit to Northern Ontario.
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) communities and organizations
- Municipalities and municipal organizations
Who is not eligible
- Companies involved in infrastructure for social goals, such as educational or health care facilities (e.g., hospices, long-term care facilities, health centres).
- Businesses focused on infrastructure for retail, wholesale, accommodation, or administrative purposes.
- Organizations whose primary activities are of a social or recreational nature, including museums, libraries, cultural centres, recreation centres, tourist information/welcome centres, arenas, and waste management disposal.
- Entities delivering general government services.
Eligible expenses
- Fees for professional and technical services, including project implementation and engineering services.
- Costs related to community engagement and planning, such as facilitation and facility rentals.
- Expenses for producing and disseminating results of studies or plans.
- Marketing costs, including design, promotional materials, advertising, product demonstrations, and trade show participation.
- Travel expenses and labour costs directly linked to the project.
- Capital costs such as servicing of industrial lands, waterfront development, leasehold improvements, and acquisition of machinery, equipment, and technology.
Eligible geographic areas
- Northern Ontario
Eligibility criteria of the Northern Ontario Development Program — Community Economic Development program
- Net economic benefit to Northern Ontario, especially in the short- to medium-term (up to five years).
- Development, growth, and increased competitiveness of SMEs.
- Creation and retention of jobs in Northern Ontario.
- Alignment with community economic priorities.
- Opportunities to leverage investment from other funding sources.
How to apply to the Northern Ontario Development Program — Community Economic Development program
1
Contact FedNor
- Call 1-877-333-6673 to discuss your project proposal with a FedNor Officer.
- Gather insights and feedback on your project’s eligibility and potential fit with current funding priorities and constraints.
2
Draft Application
- Outline your project by detailing objectives, scope, expected results, and alignment with FedNor goals.
- Include information on eligible activities, costs, and required budget contributions.
- Prepare all necessary supporting documents, including plans, studies, or economic forecasts.
3
Review and Finalize
- Ensure all sections of your application are thoroughly completed and meet the guidelines provided by FedNor.
- Double-check figures, forecasts, and supporting documents for accuracy and completeness.
4
Submit Application
- Send your completed application and all supporting documents to FedNor as directed by your FedNor Officer.
- Confirm submission through any provided means (e.g., email confirmation, receipt notice).
Additional information
- The program currently faces limited budget availability due to high demand.
- Applicants must discuss their project with a FedNor officer before submitting an application.
- Projects may need to address the requirements of the Impact Assessment Act, 2019, and reflect the spirit and intent of the Official Languages Act.
- Applicants are required to use a fair, competitive, and transparent procurement process for purchasing supplies, equipment, or hiring personnel.
Contact Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)
1-877-333-6673
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