Closed
Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development
Funding for rural Ontario economic development projects
Last Update: April 27, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000 - $ 10,000
Timeline
- Open Date : June 24, 2025
- Closing date : September 24, 2025
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides cost-shared funding for projects that support rural Ontario communities and businesses. It covers strategies, workforce development, community infrastructure, and selected economic development activities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
- Minimum amount : 1,000 $
- Up to 35% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : June 24, 2025
- Closing date : September 24, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Wholesale trade
- Retail trade
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 1-20 employees
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Economic diversification and competitiveness projects.
- Workforce attraction, retention, and training initiatives.
- Community infrastructure improvement projects.
- Capacity-building events and training for rural economic development.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form.
- Quotes or estimates for goods and services over $2,500.
- Supporting budget details.
- Supporting documents relevant to the project.
Eligibility
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
Processing and Agreement
- 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.
Additional information
- 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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - 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 (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development?
This program provides cost-shared funding for projects that support rural Ontario communities and businesses. It covers strategies, workforce development, community infrastructure, and selected economic development activities.
How much funding can be received?
Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development Funds up to 35% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was September 24, 2025.
Who is eligible for the Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development program?
To be eligible for the Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development program, you must:
Currently operating business
1 to 20 employees
Located in Rural Ontario
What expenses are eligible under Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development?
Economic diversification and competitiveness projects.
Workforce attraction, retention, and training initiatives.
Community infrastructure improvement projects.
Capacity-building events and training for rural economic development.
Who can I contact for more information about the Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - 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 (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development available?
The Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - Community Development program is available the province of Ontario.