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
- Projects that benefit only one individual business or organization.
- Projects that mainly involve research, debt refinancing, fundraising, or lobbying.
- Projects that are incomplete or do not benefit rural Ontario.
- Projects that are already receiving other provincial funding.
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, and lobbying activities.
- In-kind contributions and normal operating costs.
- Applications that are incomplete or outside the program period.
Eligible geographic areas
- Rural Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are screened for eligibility after the intake closes.
- Eligible applications are assessed and reviewed by the Rural Economic Development Advisory Panel.
- The Minister of Rural Affairs makes the final funding decision.
- Successful applicants receive a letter of approval and must sign a Contribution Agreement before any funds are paid.
- 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
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:
Project in rural Ontario
Complete application package
Meets program criteria
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.