Northern Ontario Development Program — Community Economic Development

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.