Apply now for Community Grants Program (Canada)

Deadline: 13-Aug-2026

The Community Grant Program provides funding of up to $25,000 for registered organizations in Nova Scotia to develop innovative, community-based projects that improve mental health, address addictions challenges, and strengthen community connections. The programme supports initiatives that promote wellbeing, belonging, support networks, education, and evidence-based solutions for diverse and vulnerable populations.

The grant prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable community impact, strong partnerships, responsible financial planning, and alignment with the goal of creating healthier and more compassionate communities across Nova Scotia.

Overview of the Community Grant Program

The Community Grant Program supports organizations developing projects that respond to mental health and addictions needs within Nova Scotia communities.

The programme focuses on initiatives that:

• Improve mental health and wellbeing.
• Address addictions-related challenges.
• Build community connections.
• Strengthen support networks.
• Provide education and intervention opportunities.
• Reach underserved and vulnerable populations.

The programme encourages innovative approaches that respond to emerging community needs and improve access to support services.

Purpose of the Community Grant Program

The main purpose of the grant is to strengthen community-based responses to mental health and addictions challenges.

The programme aims to:

• Promote connection and belonging.
• Create stronger circles of community support.
• Encourage compassionate responses to mental health needs.
• Support evidence-based community initiatives.
• Improve wellbeing outcomes across Nova Scotia.

Projects should contribute to long-term community resilience and help individuals access meaningful support.

Funding Amount and Grant Details

The Community Grant Program provides:

• Maximum funding available: Up to $25,000 per project.
• Project duration: Maximum 12 months.

Funding supports projects that demonstrate:

• Clear community benefit.
• Practical implementation plans.
• Measurable outcomes.
• Responsible use of resources.

Projects must be completed within the approved 12-month timeframe.

Types of Projects Supported

The programme supports a wide range of community-based mental health and addictions initiatives.

Eligible project activities may include:

Connection and Community Support Projects

Examples include:

• Community-building activities.
• Peer support initiatives.
• Programmes that reduce isolation.
• Projects that strengthen belonging.

Mental Health Intervention Projects

Examples include:

• Support programmes.
• Early intervention activities.
• Community-based responses to mental health challenges.

Education and Awareness Projects

Examples include:

• Mental health education.
• Addiction awareness programmes.
• Training initiatives.
• Information-sharing activities.

Innovation and Community Solutions

Examples include:

• New approaches to addressing unmet needs.
• Pilot projects.
• Evidence-informed community interventions.

Projects should demonstrate how they improve wellbeing and respond to identified community needs.

Who Can Apply?

The grant is open to registered organizations located in Nova Scotia.

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered charities.
• Non-profit organizations.
• Other registered community organizations.

Preference is given to charities and non-profit organizations with experience delivering community-focused programmes.

Partnership Applications

Partnerships and joint applications are encouraged.

Collaborating organizations may work together to:

• Combine expertise.
• Expand project reach.
• Improve community outcomes.
• Strengthen service delivery.

For partnership applications:

• One lead organization must be identified.
• The lead organization is responsible for grant administration.
• The lead organization manages reporting requirements.

Project Requirements

Successful projects must demonstrate:

• A clear connection to mental health or addictions needs.
• Community benefit.
• A realistic implementation plan.
• Measurable outcomes.
• Financial responsibility.
• Evaluation methods.

Applicants should clearly explain how their project contributes to community wellbeing.

Evaluation and Impact Measurement Requirements

Applicants must provide an evaluation plan showing how project success will be measured.

Evaluation plans should include:

• Expected outcomes.
• Measurement methods.
• Data collection approaches.
• Reporting processes.

Where appropriate, applicants are encouraged to use standardized measurement tools to assess project impact.

Budget Requirements

Applicants must submit a detailed and itemized project budget.

The budget should explain:

• Planned expenses.
• Resource requirements.
• Funding allocation.
• Financial contributions from other sources.

Strong applications demonstrate:

• Fiscal responsibility.
• Realistic cost estimates.
• Efficient use of funding.

How to Apply for the Community Grant Program

Applicants should follow a structured application process.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Organizations should confirm that they:

• Are registered in Nova Scotia.
• Meet programme requirements.
• Have the capacity to deliver the proposed project.

Step 2: Identify a Community Need

Applicants should clearly describe:

• The mental health or addictions issue being addressed.
• The community affected.
• Why the project is needed.
• How the project responds to existing gaps.

Step 3: Develop a Project Plan

The application should include:

• Project goals.
• Activities and timeline.
• Target participants.
• Expected outcomes.
• Delivery approach.

Step 4: Prepare the Budget and Evaluation Plan

Applicants should provide:

• Detailed project costs.
• Funding breakdown.
• Evaluation methods.
• Outcome measurement approach.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Applicants should submit a complete application with:

• Organization information.
• Project description.
• Budget details.
• Evaluation plan.
• Partnership information, if applicable.

Incomplete applications may affect assessment outcomes.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed based on several factors.

Community Need and Relevance

Assessors consider:

• Whether the project addresses an identified need.
• How well the project supports community wellbeing.

Project Design and Delivery Plan

Applications should demonstrate:

• Clear objectives.
• Practical implementation methods.
• Appropriate timelines.

Expected Impact

Projects should show:

• Measurable benefits.
• Positive outcomes for participants.
• Potential to strengthen community support systems.

Financial Responsibility

Assessors consider:

• Budget accuracy.
• Appropriate use of funds.
• Overall value for investment.

Sustainability and Collaboration

Strong applications demonstrate:

• Long-term thinking.
• Community partnerships.
• Potential continuation beyond grant funding.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

• Clearly explaining the community problem.
• Using evidence to demonstrate need.
• Creating measurable goals.
• Including strong evaluation methods.
• Building partnerships.
• Showing how the project can continue after funding ends.
• Providing a detailed and realistic budget.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting unclear project descriptions.
• Failing to explain community impact.
• Providing incomplete budgets.
• Not including evaluation plans.
• Proposing projects without evidence of need.
• Applying without a clear delivery strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Community Grant Program

What is the Community Grant Program?

The Community Grant Program provides funding to Nova Scotia organizations for community-based mental health and addictions projects that improve wellbeing and strengthen connections.

How much funding is available?

Eligible projects can receive up to $25,000.

Who can apply for the grant?

Registered organizations based in Nova Scotia can apply, with preference given to charities and non-profit organizations.

Can organizations submit joint applications?

Yes. Partnerships and joint applications are encouraged, but one lead organization must be responsible for administration and reporting.

How long can funded projects run?

Projects must be completed within 12 months.

What types of activities are supported?

The programme supports projects involving mental health and addictions connection, support, intervention, education, community development, and innovative wellbeing solutions.

Is an evaluation plan required?

Yes. Applicants must provide an evaluation plan explaining how project outcomes will be measured.

Conclusion

The Community Grant Program provides important support for Nova Scotia organizations creating innovative solutions for mental health and addictions challenges. By funding projects that build connection, belonging, education, and community support, the programme helps create stronger and more compassionate communities.

Registered organizations with evidence-based projects that improve wellbeing and address community needs are encouraged to apply for funding of up to $25,000.

For more information, visit Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.