Rural Association Partnership Program

• Maximum funding per project is generally capped at $7,500.
• Financial assistance is provided on a matching basis, covering up to 50% of eligible project expenses.
• Only one approved project per organization per year is eligible for funding.

• The applicant must be a not-for-profit organization based in rural Ottawa.
• The organization must have an ongoing presence in rural Ottawa or activities that significantly benefit rural Ottawa.
• The organization must contribute to rural economic development, such as a rural business organization, a farmers' market, or an organizer of rural fairs.
• The organization must have a publicly accountable structure, including an active Board of Directors that meets regularly.
• The project must offer new or enhanced initiatives that support Ottawa's rural area economic development.

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.

• 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.