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Community Facilities Improvement Program (Canada)

Deadline: 14-Feb-2025

The Government of Nova Scotia is pleased to announce its Community Facilities Improvement Program to supports community-led projects which enhance the public use of existing facilities.

This includes repairs and improvements to building exteriors, and interior features that are integral to the long-term sustainability of the facility. In alignment with the Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage’s Climate Change Adaption Strategy, applying organizations are encouraged to incorporate a longterm view of facility improvements that decrease their building’s environmental impact.

Communities, Culture, Tourism & Heritage supports their communities to thrive by promoting active living, tourism, and Nova Scotia’s diverse culture, heritage, and languages. They pride themselves in helping to grow communities and organizations by providing programs and services that support these areas.

They are committed to ensuring that their programs and services are free of discrimination and barriers, and value equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA). By applying this lens, and ensuring it is a core value in their programs and decision-making processes, they are taking steps to address the long-standing systemic barriers that impact many communities in their province.

Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage is committed to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility across Nova Scotia, and they support partners who share in this commitment.

Funding Information
  • The department’s contribution will not normally exceed 75% of total estimated project costs, and not exceed a maximum of $50,000.
Eligible Projects
  • Exterior facility improvements, such as siding, gutters, roofing, or other projects.
  • Interior facility improvements, including kitchen upgrades. Large appliances may be eligible if they are part of a larger kitchen renovation, subject to approval by the Department.
  • Improvements related to the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations, including electrical upgrades.
  • Improvements to building efficiency such as insulation, windows, doors, or heat pumps.
  • Energy Efficiency Upgrades: If you are applying to energy efficiency upgrades, such as heat pumps, you are strongly encouraged to contact Efficiency NS to determine if you can get a rebate. This rebate should be named on your application in ‘funding sources’.
Ineligible Projects
  • New construction or improvements to the new construction of a facility or extension.
  • Paving or general landscaping projects.
  • Costs associated with preparation of the grant application.
  • Improvements not directly related to the physical structure of the facility, such as generators, solar panels, seating, and storage.
  • Public wharfs, playground equipment, parks, and trails.
Eligibility Criteria
  • Joint Stocks-registered Not-for-Profit Societies in good standing.
  • Federally registered Charities or Not-for-Profit Corporations in good standing.
  • Nova Scotian Mi’kmaw bands. All applicants must:
    • Operate primarily for the benefit of community, culture, and diversity.
    • Provide programs that serve a broader community and not strictly the organization’s membership.
    • Own the property where the work will take place OR maintain a long-term lease of at least 5 years with the owner of the property where the work will take place.
Ineligibility criteria
  • Organizations who have received funding from this program in 2024-25
  • Private sector organizations
  • Federal, provincial, regional, municipal governments, counties, towns, villages, etc.
  • Hospitals or health facilities
  • Education institutions (public and private)
  • Individuals
  • Religious or faith sanctuaries (consideration may be given to improvements within a place of worship that is used primarily by eligible not-for-profit organizations, such as a church hall)
  • Legions
  • Sport, recreation and fitness facilities
Review Criteria
  • Eligible applications will be reviewed against the following program criteria:
    • Applying organization– overall mandate and purpose; how welcoming the organization is to your local community, and Nova Scotians at large. Preference may be given to those who have not yet received funding under this program.
    • Facility – how the facility supports a variety of activities and services needed by communities, organizations and individuals.
    • Project Rationale– why the project is important or urgent for the long-term sustainability of the facility and development of the organization(s) who use it.
    • Project work and budget – how the applicant demonstrates the capacity to complete the project work on time and within scope; quotes are provided, project costs are reasonable, and applicant demonstrates sources of revenue; the budget is detailed and balanced.
    • Community outcomes, engagement and benefits – how the project will help sustain, improve or expand participation in activities and services by a broad section of the community; how the facility will help support a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive community.
    • Environmental Impact – how the project may reduce the facility’s environmental impact.

For more information, visit Government of Nova Scotia.