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Source verified July 23, 2026
Not-for-profit affordable rental and co-op housing incentive (pilot)
Affordable housing support in Kitchener
Latest source updateLast Update: October 11, 2026Latest change: The newly available policy PDF clarifies eligibility, application, and milestone rules for the pilot housing incentive.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: October 11, 2026
Latest change: The newly available policy PDF clarifies eligibility, application, and milestone rules for the pilot housing incentive.
Policy details updated
The newly available policy PDF for the Not-For-Profit Affordable Rental & Co-op Housing Incentive clarifies that the subject property must not be in tax arrears and confirms the September 1, 2026 building-permit milestone. It also describes a different approval and agreement process, including City review and execution requirements before funding is released. The funding framework remains capped at $500,000, so the grant terms were not materially changed.
Funding available
$ 500,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
A corporation to which the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 applies, that is in good standing under that Act and whose primary objective is to provide housing.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Not-For-Profit Affordable Rental & Co-op Housing Incentive Program in Kitchener offers $10,000 per unit, up to 50 units per project, for Non-Profit Housing Developers. It supports non-capital upfront costs for new affordable rental or co-operative housing, including site design, development approvals, and related studies.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
- Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Kitchener
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Housing
Target groups
- Nonprofits / charities
- Low-income individuals / families
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Development of new not-for-profit affordable rental and co-operative housing units
- Advancing projects from idea or concept development through building permit review to being shovel ready
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- A corporation to which the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 applies, that is in good standing under that Act and whose primary objective is to provide housing.
- A corporation without share capital to which the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act applies, that is in good standing under that Act and whose primary objective is to provide housing.
- A non-profit housing co-operative that is in good standing under the Co-operative Corporations Act.
- An organization that is a registered charity within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) or a non-profit organization exempt from tax under paragraph 149 (1) (l) of that Act, and whose land is owned by the organization, all or part of which is to be used as affordable housing.
Eligible expenses
- Analysis of need and demand for the proposed project; project viability assessment plan/analysis - pro forma; preliminary financial feasibility; business plans
- Property appraisal; land surveys; planning analysis and studies; project drawings and specifications; environmental site assessments; geotechnical surveys; energy modelling; accessibility modelling studies; engineering studies
- Construction cost estimates; Quantity Surveyor; contract documents; legal fees associated with land development; interior design consultant services
- Other plans or studies, as required through a Planning Act application or building permit
- Municipal, development permit and other government agency fees not covered by the affordable rental housing fee waiver program; other items not on this list subject to City of Kitchener approval
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Capital costs
- Projects with a building permit already issued for the proposed units
- Units that are not new affordable dwelling units
Eligible geographic areas
- Kitchener, Ontario
Selection criteria
- Projects are subject to financial review to confirm project viability.
- Priority may be given to projects that include deeply affordable rental units and/or supportive housing units.
How to apply
- Download the application form and email to our planning team together with digital copies of the required supporting information as outlined on the application form.
- If your application is larger than 10 MB, please contact us to arrange for a file transfer.
Processing and Agreement
- If approved, a legal agreement will be prepared by the City Solicitor and executed by all parties prior to the release of funding.
- Funding will be released incrementally at key development application milestones and in conjunction with completion of each project milestone.
- A summary report will be required at each project milestone and will be outlined in an agreement.
- The City retains the right to ask for more detailed financial information.
Additional information
- City staff can assign a project manager to work closely with the applicant, coordinate issue resolution, and help meet funding deadlines and development timelines.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Not-for-profit affordable rental and co-op housing incentive (pilot) Program
What is the Not-for-profit affordable rental and co-op housing incentive (pilot)?
The Not-For-Profit Affordable Rental & Co-op Housing Incentive Program in Kitchener offers $10,000 per unit, up to 50 units per project, for Non-Profit Housing Developers. It supports non-capital upfront costs for new affordable rental or co-operative housing, including site design, development approvals, and related studies.
How much funding can be received?
Not-for-profit affordable rental and co-op housing incentive (pilot) Funds up to $500,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Not-for-profit affordable rental and co-op housing incentive (pilot) program?
To be eligible for the Not-for-profit affordable rental and co-op housing incentive (pilot) program, you must:
Applicant must be a Non-Profit Housing Developer
Project must create new Affordable Dwelling Units
Project must be in early ideation or concept development through building permit review
What expenses are eligible under Not-for-profit affordable rental and co-op housing incentive (pilot)?
Development of new not-for-profit affordable rental and co-operative housing units
Advancing projects from idea or concept development through building permit review to being shovel ready
Who can I contact for more information about the Not-for-profit affordable rental and co-op housing incentive (pilot)?
You can contact City of Kitchener by email at planning.applications@kitchener.ca or by phone at 519-741-2426.
Where is the Not-for-profit affordable rental and co-op housing incentive (pilot) available?
The Not-for-profit affordable rental and co-op housing incentive (pilot) program is available the province of Ontario.