Closed
Rural Ontario Development Program – Community Development
Funding for rural community development projects
Last Update: April 27, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000
Timeline
- Open Date : August 17, 2026
- Closing date : October 1, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides cost-share funding of up to $250,000 for projects that strengthen rural communities in Ontario. It supports strategies, workforce initiatives, business development, and community infrastructure enhancements.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
- Up to 35% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : August 17, 2026
- Closing date : October 1, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Public administration
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 1-20 employees
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Economic development strategies and plans
- Business retention, expansion, and competitiveness initiatives
- Workforce attraction, retention, and training projects
- Community infrastructure enhancements and asset transformation
- Capacity-building events and regional partnership activities
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Supporting documentation from partners, if applicable
- Quotes or estimates for costs over $10,000
- Feasibility studies, strategic plans, or other evidence supporting project need
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Municipalities
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Indigenous communities and Indigenous not-for-profit organizations
- Local services boards
- Small businesses with 1 to 20 employees
Who is not eligible
- Individuals
- Businesses not meeting the small business criteria
- Research institutions focused on research and development
- Unincorporated not-for-profit organizations
- Registered charities not in good standing
Eligible expenses
- New hires dedicated to the project, related wages and employer costs, and associated project tools or travel
- Professional fees, technology, marketing, and event costs linked to the project
- Minor capital costs for community infrastructure enhancements
- Training, workshop, and speaker costs for eligible stream activities
- Honorariums for Indigenous Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects already receiving other provincial funding
- Major capital costs, including new construction and major infrastructure
- Debt restructuring, fundraising, or lobbying activities
- In-kind contributions and normal operating costs
- Applications that are incomplete or outside the program period
Eligible geographic areas
- Rural Ontario
- Northern Ontario
- Eligible rural areas of Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first screened for eligibility after the intake closes.
- Eligible applications are scored against program criteria and reviewed by an advisory panel.
- The Minister makes the final funding decision.
- Successful applicants receive a letter of approval and must sign a Contribution Agreement before funds are released.
- Approved projects are monitored, claims are submitted online, and a final report is required to close the project.
Additional information
- Applications are currently closed.
- Multiple applications from the same applicant are allowed in one intake, but discouraged.
- Applicants may work with partners who provide financial or in-kind support.
- Successful applicants must sign a Contribution Agreement before receiving funds.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rural Ontario Development Program – Community Development Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Rural Ontario Development Program – Community Development. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Rural Ontario Development Program – Community Development?
This program provides cost-share funding of up to $250,000 for projects that strengthen rural communities in Ontario. It supports strategies, workforce initiatives, business development, and community infrastructure enhancements.
How much funding can be received?
Rural Ontario Development Program – Community Development Funds up to 35% of admissible expenses, capped at $250,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
Applications will open on August 17, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Rural Ontario Development Program – Community Development program?
To be eligible for the Rural Ontario Development Program – Community Development program, you must:
Eligible organization type
Project in rural Ontario
Eligible project stream
What expenses are eligible under Rural Ontario Development Program – Community Development?
Economic development strategies and plans
Business retention, expansion, and competitiveness initiatives
Workforce attraction, retention, and training projects
Community infrastructure enhancements and asset transformation
Capacity-building events and regional partnership activities
Who can I contact for more information about the Rural Ontario Development Program – Community Development?
You can contact Government of Ontario by email at RODprogram@ontario.ca or by phone at 1-877-424-1300.
Where is the Rural Ontario Development Program – Community Development available?
The Rural Ontario Development Program – Community Development program is available the province of Ontario.