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Source verified September 14, 2026
On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program (Section 95)
Affordable housing financing for First Nations communities
Latest source updateLast Update: September 16, 2026Latest change: CMHC has added an official explanation of how Section 95 financial assistance is calculated for post-1996 projects versus the pre-1997 method.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 16, 2026
Latest change: CMHC has added an official explanation of how Section 95 financial assistance is calculated for post-1996 projects versus the pre-1997 method.
Section 95 subsidy calculation details added
A new CMHC source now explains that for post-1996 projects, financial assistance is determined when CMHC commits to the project and is calculated by subtracting revenues from eligible operating costs. The same source also contrasts this with the pre-1997 subsidy method, which was based on eligible capital costs at the mortgage interest rate versus a 2% over 35 years calculation, with renewal-related changes affecting the subsidy amount.
Funding available
Up to 100% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program (Section 95) supports First Nations communities in reserves with financing for affordable rental housing. Funding can be used to construct, buy, or rehabilitate non-profit housing in reserves and to operate it under Section 95, with project preparation financing and direct loans covering up to 100% of eligible capital cost.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase production or service capacity
- Renovate or adapt facilities
Eligible Funding
- Up to 100% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Construct affordable rental housing in reserves.
- Buy housing in reserves.
- Rehabilitate housing in reserves.
- Operate and administer non-profit housing.
Documents Needed
- A document indicating the existence of any charge or agreement registered on the title.
- An external appraisal report confirming the value of the land parcel or leasehold interest, zoning, permitted uses, land-use restrictions, and commercial attractiveness.
- Financial statements for three years.
- A letter of credit.
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- All First Nations communities.
Eligible geographic areas
- First Nations reserves
Processing and Agreement
- Before the application review begins, CMHC requires your lawyer or notary to review the application and confirm that the security meets CMHC requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions about the On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program (Section 95) Program
What is the On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program (Section 95)?
On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program (Section 95) supports First Nations communities in reserves with financing for affordable rental housing. Funding can be used to construct, buy, or rehabilitate non-profit housing in reserves and to operate it under Section 95, with project preparation financing and direct loans covering up to 100% of eligible capital cost.
How much funding can be received?
On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program (Section 95) Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program (Section 95) program?
To be eligible for the On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program (Section 95) program, you must:
The applicant must be a First Nations community.
The project must support affordable rental housing in reserves.
What expenses are eligible under On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program (Section 95)?
Construct affordable rental housing in reserves.
Buy housing in reserves.
Rehabilitate housing in reserves.
Operate and administer non-profit housing.
Who can I contact for more information about the On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program (Section 95)?
You can contact Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Where is the On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program (Section 95) available?
The On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program (Section 95) program is available across Canada.