Using the Funding Portal

Where does information about these grants come from?

The Fund Navigator curates all grant information on the Portal. This includes federal, provincial, municipal and private foundation programs relevant to municipalities, non-profits and community organizations in Nova Scotia. As the Portal grows, we hope funders will begin submitting programs directly.

Are all grants in Nova Scotia on the Funding Portal?

Not yet. The Portal focuses on grants available to municipalities, municipal-owned organizations, non-profits, community groups, registered charities, First Nations and research organizations. We’re continuously adding new programs and working to make the Portal as comprehensive as possible.

Can I subscribe to updates about new grants?

Yes. You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter, which includes new grants, reopened programs, upcoming deadlines for the next three months, information sessions and other important funding news. 

Can I apply for a grant through the Funding Portal?

No. The Portal hosts information about grant opportunities from different funders. You’ll find details on how to apply for each program, but applications must be submitted through the funders’ own websites.

How can I search for grants?

You can search by keywords, categories, status (Active, Closed, Forecasted, Closing Soon), eligible applicants, fund provider and deadlines. The search is designed to get you from the homepage to the right grant in just a few clicks.

How are categories determined?

Categories are based on thorough research of each grant’s purpose, eligibility criteria, requirements and provider. The Fund Navigator assigns categories to ensure programs are easy to find and accurately reflect their focus.

Can I save or print grant details?

Not directly through the Portal at this time, but you can use your browser’s print or save-as-PDF function.

Will there be a glossary of terms?

Not right now, but it’s something we may add in the future based on user feedback.

Do you have grants for individuals?

No. The Portal focuses on grants available to organizations: municipalities, municipal-owned organizations, non-profits, community groups, registered charities, First Nations and research organizations.

How often are grants updated?

Grants are updated daily. We work hard to add new programs as soon as they’re announced, especially when deadlines are tight.

How many grants are on the Portal?

You can see the total number of grants listed and the number of new grants added in the past week at the bottom of the homepage.

About the Portal & How It Works

Why was the Funding Portal created?

Municipalities and non-profit organizations were missing funding opportunities because grant information was spread across dozens of websites with no central place to track deadlines or compare programs. The Department of Municipal Affairs and the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities created the Fund Navigator role and eventually built the Funding Portal to solve this problem, giving you one searchable, regularly updated resource for grants in Nova Scotia.

Who is the Funding Portal for?

The Portal was built primarily for municipalities, but it also serves municipal-owned organizations, non-profits, community groups, registered charities, First Nations and research organizations across Nova Scotia.

What does a Fund Navigator do?

The Fund Navigator curates and updates grant information, answers funding inquiries, helps users identify the best funding options for their projects and—for municipalities—provides support with the application process. Think of the Fund Navigator as a strategic funding advisor, not just a database manager.

Who built the Portal?

The Portal was designed and built by NSFM’s team based on feedback from users who needed a faster, more searchable tool. It’s grounded in real-world experience helping municipalities and community partners navigate funding.

Getting Help & Support

I have a question about a specific grant. Who can I ask?

Each grant listing includes contact information for the funder. You can reach out to them directly with program-specific questions.

If you need help finding the right grants for your project, understanding eligibility or developing your funding strategy, contact the Fund Navigator at fundnavigator@nsfm.ca or use the inquiry form.

Can I get help with my application?

Yes, if you’re a municipality. NSFM provides application support to municipalities as part of its mandate. For other organizations, the Fund Navigator can help you identify the best funding options, but application support is limited to municipal projects.

For Funders

How do I get my grant program listed on the Funding Portal?

If you administer a grant program that would benefit municipalities or community organizations in Nova Scotia, contact the Fund Navigator with program details. If the program aligns with the Portal’s goals and eligibility, we’ll make sure it’s included.

Have a question we didn’t answer?

Reach out to the Fund Navigator at fundnavigator@nsfm.ca or use the inquiry form. We’re here to walk you through the funding process.