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Regional Development Fund — Regional Development Program - NL - Canada

Regional Development Fund — Regional Development Program

Last Update: January 24, 2025
NL, Canada
Funding for regional development in Newfoundland and Labrador

Regional Development Fund — Regional Development Program at a glance

Eligible Funding
  • Max. $10,000
  • Up to 25% of project cost
Timeline
  • Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Grant Providers
  • Department of Industry, Energy and Technology (NL)
  • Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Status
Open

Overview of the Regional Development Fund — Regional Development Program program

Non-repayable contributions for economic initiatives focused on regional and sectoral development, diversification, and key emerging sectors.

Financing terms and conditions

The Regional Development Fund offers non-repayable contributions that support economic initiatives and capacity building across various sectors. The financing modalities are structured to facilitate project implementation and sustainable development.
  • Non-repayable contributions up to a maximum of 25% of total eligible costs for the Regional Development Program.
  • Client contribution requirement of at least 10% of the total project cost.
  • Non-repayable contributions for Community Capacity Building, capped at $5,000 for regional organizations and $10,000 for provincial organizations per year.

Eligible projects & activities

The Regional Development Program under the Regional Development Fund supports non-commercial initiatives that aim to drive regional economic development and diversification. Eligible projects focus on sectors like infrastructure and innovation, with the added goal of building capacity and advancing marketing efforts.
  • Development and enhancement of regional infrastructure projects.
  • Initiatives for capacity building that support local communities and organizations.
  • Marketing projects that promote regional economic growth.
  • Research activities that catalyze innovation and sectoral development.
The Community Capacity Building component focuses on enhancing the skills and capabilities of non-profit organizations, linking them directly to economic and business development.
  • Training sessions focusing on strategy and planning for non-profit organizations.
  • Workshops aimed at improving relationship-building skills and networks.
  • Development initiatives to strengthen organizational skills and management capacity.
  • Co-operative development projects that bring economic benefits to communities.
Examples of admissible projects:

$ 10,000

Launching a market research initiative to support local artisans

$ 10,000

Developing a new digital marketing strategy for a small business

$ 10,000

Developing a community solar energy project

$ 10,000

Creating a new vocational training program for unemployed youth

$ 10,000

Organizing a series of industry development sessions for the tech sector

$ 10,000

Expanding a local food cooperative's distribution network

Eligibility criteria of the Regional Development Fund — Regional Development Program program

Organizations must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the Regional Development Fund.
  • The applicant must be a non-profit organization.
  • The applicant must not be a federal or provincial government department or agency.
  • Eligible applicants include industry associations, municipalities, public educational institutions, and other non-profit groups.
  • The organization must be incorporated.

Who is eligible?

Non-profit organizations, excluding federal and provincial government departments and agencies, are eligible to apply for this grant. This includes industry associations, municipalities, public educational institutions, cooperatives, economic development organizations, and other non-profit groups. All applicants must be incorporated.

Who is not eligible

This grant program sets clear boundaries on eligibility to ensure applicants align with the intended goals. Based on the provided information, there are specific restrictions related to governmental and corporate status.
  • Federal and provincial government departments and agencies.
  • Private, for-profit companies.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports economic development, innovation, and capacity building projects in various regions through non-repayable contributions. Eligible projects aim to advance regional and sectoral development, diversification, and key emerging sectors while strengthening community capacities.
  • Development and implementation of economic initiatives focusing on regional development.
  • Projects aimed at sectoral diversification through innovative approaches.
  • Infrastructure projects that support economic diversification and business development.
  • Capacity building projects that enhance skills and organizational capabilities.
  • Marketing initiatives that promote regional economic opportunities and strengths.
  • Research activities that explore new economic opportunities and innovations.
  • Community capacity building modules and industry development sessions focusing on strategic planning, relationship building, and management.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to organizations throughout all regions of the province, as it aims to support regional economic development. The eligible geographical areas are therefore based on inclusion within the province served by the funding body.
  • All regions within the province served by the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology.

Eligibility criteria of the Regional Development Fund — Regional Development Program program

The evaluation and selection criteria for this grant include the following:
  • Alignment with the project themes of infrastructure, capacity building, marketing, and research
  • Demonstrated link between non-commercial activities and economic diversification/business development
  • Soundness of the project proposal and its potential for positive economic impact
  • Feasibility, sustainability, and scalability of the proposed activities
  • Financial contribution from the applicant organization

How to apply to the Regional Development Fund — Regional Development Program program

1
Review Applicant Guidelines
  • Download and thoroughly review the "Applicant Guidelines for Writing Regional Development Program Proposals" if applying for the Regional Development Program.
  • Download and thoroughly review the "Applicant Guidelines for Writing Community Capacity Building Proposals" if applying for the Community Capacity Building component.
2
Prepare Application
  • Identify the applicable application form: "Application for Non-Commercial Programs" or "Application for Non-Commercial Programs – Fillable PDF".
  • Draft your project proposal based on the guidelines, detailing the objective, scope, and intended outcomes.
  • Prepare a budget outlining total project costs and source of funds, ensuring to meet minimum financial contribution requirements.
  • Gather necessary documents, such as incorporation documentation and letters of support if required.
3
Submit Application
  • Complete the chosen application form accurately and thoroughly.
  • Ensure that all required supporting documents are attached and labeled correctly.
  • Submit the completed application form and all accompanying documents to the appropriate Industry, Energy and Technology (IET) office.
4
Contact IET Office
If additional assistance is needed or for submission confirmation, contact the IET office nearest to you.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
  • Non-profit organizations must be incorporated to be eligible for funding.
  • Applicants should demonstrate a minimum contribution of ten per cent of the total project cost.

Apply to this program

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