Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development

• Completed application form.
• Quotes or estimates for goods and services over $2,500.
• Supporting budget details.
• Supporting documents relevant to the project.

Who is eligible?

• Rural Ontario municipalities and local service boards.
• Not-for-profit organizations.
• Indigenous communities or organizations.
• Businesses and other organizations undertaking eligible rural development projects.

Who is not eligible

• Projects that benefit only a single business or organization.
• Projects seeking support for major capital works.
• Projects aimed at lobbying government.
• Projects mainly focused on tourism events or general community events.
• Projects receiving other provincial funding for the same costs.

Eligible expenses

• Project-related professional services, including legal, technical, project management, marketing, and accounting fees.
• Training and software or service costs tied to approved project activities.
• Minor capital costs, materials, equipment, subcontracting, and labour for eligible improvements.
• Travel, meals, and accommodation in Ontario for eligible market development activities.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Projects that are incomplete or do not align with the program streams.
• Projects that do not benefit rural Ontario or that receive other provincial funding.
• Debt refinancing, fundraising, financing, and lobbying activities.
• Major capital projects such as new buildings, roads, bridges, utilities, broadband, or water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Projects focused mainly on tourism events, broad community events, or a single business or organization.

Eligible geographic areas

• Rural Ontario

• Complete application and mandatory documents submitted on time.
• Meets applicant eligibility requirements.
• Meets project eligibility requirements.
• Project takes place in Rural Ontario or benefits Rural Ontario.
• Alignment with government priorities may be considered.

• Step 1: Download and complete the application form.
• Step 2: Email the completed application and required quotes or estimates to RODprogram@ontario.ca.
• Step 3: Wait for confirmation and an application number by email.

• Applications are reviewed after submission to confirm completeness and alignment with the selected stream.
• Small projects with up to $25,000 in provincial funding use a simplified review process.
• The selected project stream affects the funding share, maximum provincial amount, and eligible expenses.
• Applicants must indicate the program stream and project type in their application.

• Applications are reviewed after the intake period closes.
• The program uses a contribution agreement with the Province of Ontario.
• Applicants may be asked to discuss flexibility with program staff, especially Indigenous businesses.
• The Province may publish project and funding information if an application is found eligible.