Seed Funding provides financial assistance to help community housing providers cover the costs of early development activities related to building new affordable housing projects or renovating existing affordable housing. The program supports the predevelopment phase — the critical work that happens before construction begins.

CMHC offers two types of support: interest-free loans up to $350,000 and non-repayable contributions up to $150,000. These funds help cover essential early-stage expenses such as business planning, preliminary design concepts, environmental site assessments, feasibility studies and rezoning costs.

Eligible Project Types

• Indigenous community housing
• Community and affordable housing
• Mixed-use market/affordable rental units
• Shelters, transitional housing, and supportive housing
• Conversion of non-residential buildings to affordable multi-residential
• Renovation of existing affordable units

Eligible Activities (examples)

• Needs analysis and surveys
• Financial feasibility and business plans
• Incorporation and option to purchase
• Site surveys, appraisals, rezoning and planning fees
• Preliminary designs and project viability studies
• Environmental site assessments and geotechnical reports
• Accessibility or energy modelling studies

Minimum Requirements

• Proposed rents must be affordable as determined by the municipality, province, territory, Indigenous government, or as otherwise accepted through CMHC programs
• Minimum of 5 affordable housing units (beds)
• Primary use must be residential
• Projects must demonstrate affordability, economic sustainability, and housing for those in greatest need