Community Enhancement Program — Rural Enhancement Funding Stream

Up to $500,000
Type
GRANTS AND FUNDING
Application Difficulty
MEDIUM
Time To Complete4 weeksProgram Budgetno cap
See If You Qualify

Highlights

This program is a great opportunity for your business to enhance and extend the life of your community assets. By applying, you can receive significant financial support to improve social and recreational facilities, municipal assets, and community halls, contributing to a healthier and more vibrant community.

What You Get

  • Up to 90% of total eligible costs for communities under 1,500 and Indigenous communities, with a maximum of $200,000.
  • Up to 75% of total eligible costs for communities over 1,500, with a maximum of $500,000.

Why Apply?

  • Conditional contributions mean you receive funding without the burden of traditional loans.
  • Strengthen your community by optimizing existing infrastructure and ensuring long-term sustainability.
  • Easy application process with a response time of 2 to 4 weeks.

Applying for this program can provide the necessary funds to make your project viable, ensuring your community thrives.

Financing Details

Type of Financing: Conditional Contribution

Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:

  • There is no repayment term or interest rate for this funding. It is a conditional contribution, meaning the funds do not need to be repaid as long as the conditions of the funding are met.

Eligible Expenses:

  • Incremental improvements, repairs, and renovations to improve and extend the useful life of capital assets.
  • Social and recreational facilities.
  • Municipal assets.
  • Community halls.

Ineligible Expenses:

  • Core infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water, and sewer.
  • Administrative space or office buildings.
  • Residential projects.
  • Operating expenses, including routine and ongoing maintenance.
  • Rolling stock.
  • Stand-alone equipment purchases.
  • Stand-alone furniture purchases.
  • Stand-alone studies (feasibility, engineering, strategy, etc.).

Fees:

  • There are no fees associated with applying for or receiving this funding. However, the applicant may be required to reimburse the funding if assets financed are sold within the first three years after project completion.

Qualifications

  • Must be a rural municipality, Indigenous community, not-for-profit organization, or Local Services Board.
  • Must have or serve a population of less than 30,000.
  • All buildings, facilities, or land improved with funding must be owned by the applicant.

  • Disqualifications:

    • Core infrastructure such as municipal public services including roads, bridges, water, and sewer.
    • Administrative space or office buildings.
    • Residential projects.
    • Operating expenses, including routine and ongoing maintenance.
    • Rolling stock.
    • Stand-alone equipment purchases.
    • Stand-alone furniture purchases.
    • Stand-alone studies (feasibility, engineering, strategy, etc.).

Description

This program offers your business a great chance to improve and extend the life of your community facilities. You can receive up to 90% of total eligible costs, up to $200,000 if your community has fewer than 1,500 people or is an Indigenous community. For communities with more than 1,500 people, you can get up to 75% of total eligible costs, up to $500,000.

The funds can be used for incremental improvements, repairs, and renovations to social and recreational facilities, municipal assets, and community halls. These improvements help create a healthy and vibrant community.

The funding is a conditional contribution, meaning you may need to reimburse it if the assets are sold within three years of project completion. This program is a valuable opportunity to enhance your community's infrastructure and support its long-term growth.

Program Steps

  1. Create Your Account:

    • Visit the application portal.
    • Fill in the required fields: First Name, Last Name, User Name, Organization Name, E-Mail, Confirm E-Mail, and Password.
    • Click "Register" to create your account.
  2. Log In:

    • Use your registered email and password to log in to your account.
  3. Prepare Documentation:

    • Gather the following documents:
      • Community or organizational plan.
      • Detailed project plan including technical, managerial, and financial capacity.
      • Evidence of other funding sources investigated or applied for.
      • Proof of ownership for buildings, facilities, or land to be improved.
      • Any additional documents that demonstrate the necessity of NOHFC investment.
  4. Complete Application Sections:

    • Follow the onscreen instructions to fill out each section of the application.
    • Ensure all required fields and documents are completed and uploaded.
  5. Review and Submit Application:

    • Double-check all information and documents for accuracy.
    • Click "Submit application" once you are ready.
  6. Await Response:

    • The NOHFC will review your application.
    • You will receive a response within 2 to 4 weeks.
Visit Program Website