Community Economic Development Fund

📋 Eligible Entities - Community organizations and non-profit societies - Social enterprises - Indigenous communities and organizations - Municipal governments and regional authorities - Cooperative organizations - Community development corporations - Local economic development agencies - Partnerships involving community stakeholders - Exclusions: For-profit corporations operating solely for shareholder profit (unless structured as social enterprises) ### 💰 Funding Details - Maximum Grant Amount: Up to $3,000,000 per project - Funding Type: Non-repayable grant (contribution-based) - Matching Requirements: Typically requires leveraging of additional community or private sector investment - Cost Sharing: Generally 50-75% grant funding with remaining costs from other sources (in-kind contributions accepted) - Disbursement: Funding released upon achievement of agreed milestones and submission of progress reports ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Infrastructure development for community hubs and facilities - Innovation and technology adoption initiatives - Skills training and workforce development programs - Market research and feasibility studies - Equipment and digital tools for sector advancement - Business planning and advisory services - Marketing and promotion of regional sectors - Collaborative projects spanning multiple organizations - Community engagement and stakeholder consultation activities - Project management and administrative costs (capped at reasonable percentage) ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Project Alignment: Must demonstrate clear innovation, collaboration, and sector competitiveness benefits - Community Impact: Requires documented community need assessment and stakeholder consultation - Performance Metrics: Establishment of measurable outcomes (job creation, business growth, community engagement targets) - Reporting Requirements: Quarterly or bi-annual progress reports with financial documentation and outcome tracking - Audit Rights: Funder reserves right to audit financial records and project activities - Timeline Compliance: Projects must be completed within agreed timeframe (typically 2-5 years) - Accountability: Funds must be used only for approved purposes; any variance requires written approval - Sustainability Plan: Demonstration of how project benefits will be sustained beyond funding period