Rural Association Partnership Program

Who is eligible?

• Rural business organizations such as Chambers of Commerce and Business Improvement Areas
• Organizations operating rural fairs
• Organizations that operate farmers’ markets

Who is not eligible

• Individuals
• Educational or religious institutions
• Government agencies
• For-profit organizations or business ventures
• Political parties

Eligible expenses

• Cash expenses that are directly related to the approved project activities.

Eligible geographic areas

• Organizations based in rural Ottawa.

• Merit of the project, including clear goals, alignment with organizational mandate, effective strategies, and demonstrated project management success.
• Economic and community impact, such as potential benefits for rural Ottawa businesses and residents, demonstrated local support and partnerships, and ability to attract visitors with measurable results.
• Organizational effectiveness, covering long-term planning capacity, fiscal responsibility, diverse funding sources, and strength of management and board leadership.
• Demonstrated financial need based on financial stability, ability to access other revenue sources, and community support.

• Step 1: Obtain Application Form
  • Request the application form by contacting the Rural Affairs Office at ruralaffairs@ottawa.ca or by calling 613-580-2424, ext. 24541.
  • If you need the form in Word format, email the Rural Affairs Office to request it.
• Step 2: Complete the Application
  • Fill out all sections of the application form with accurate and complete information about your organization and project.
  • Attach all required documentation as indicated in the application guidelines.
  • Ensure two authorized members, including one Board member, sign the application.
• Step 3: Compile Supporting Materials
  • Gather optional support materials that provide evidence of past activities, such as media coverage, promotional material, program brochures, photos, annual reports, publications, or web content (provide only one copy).
  • If you wish to have these materials returned, include a self-addressed envelope with appropriate postage.
• Step 4: Submit the Application
  • Submit your completed and signed application form, required documentation, and support materials by mail, fax, email, or hand-delivery to the Rural Affairs Office at the address provided in the guidelines:
  • City of Ottawa, Rural Affairs Office, Rural Association Partnership Program, 110 Laurier Avenue West, 4th Floor, MC 01-15, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1J1
  • Fax: 613-560-6026
  • Email: ruralaffairs@ottawa.ca
  • Applications must be received or postmarked by 4 PM on the deadline date. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Step 5: Await Confirmation and Assessment
  • The Rural Affairs Office will confirm receipt of your application.
  • Applications are reviewed for eligibility and then evaluated by a peer assessment jury based on established criteria.
• Step 6: Respond to Requests for Additional Information
  • Be prepared to provide additional information or clarification if requested by the Program Coordinator during the review process.
• Step 7: Receive Notification of Results
  • If your application is approved, you will receive a formal letter with funding details and the Terms and Conditions form.

• Financial need is considered in addition to assessment criteria, with priority given to demonstrated financial need.
• Applications from startup organizations will be assessed with less importance placed on historical performance.
• Recipients are required to acknowledge the support of the City of Ottawa in their communications and materials.
• Jury members and assessors are selected to ensure balanced representation across sector experience, official languages, gender, and geographic areas.