News & Updates

Tree Planting: Green Municipal Fund (GMF) grant supporting large-scale tree-planting projects that expand and protect community tree canopies. Projects must deliver measurable environmental, social, and economic benefits.

• Up to $10 million in project funding
• Up to $1 million in infrastructure activity funding
• Deadline: June 16, 2026

Capital Project: Retrofit of Existing Municipal Buildings: Funding for municipalities to retrofit existing municipal and community buildings to improve energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions.

• Estimated amount per fund: Up to $10 million (combined loan + grant)
• Support ratio: Up to 80% of eligible costs (loan + grant)
• Grant portion: Up to 20% of the GMF loan
• Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round, though this offer may close when all funding has been allocated.

New Funding Opportunity Added to the Portal:

• Wellness Fund: Provincial grants of $500–$3,500 for community projects that address social determinants of health. Funded through Nova Scotia’s Community Health Boards, the program supports upstream health initiatives including intergenerational activities, food literacy, and social connection projects.
  • Application window: February 16 – April 15, 2026

Update to Existing Program:

• Energy Innovation Program – Off-Site Construction Challenge (Stream 2) is now open. Federal funding for projects demonstrating innovative off-site construction methods for energy-efficient multi-unit residential buildings. Phase 1 offers design grants up to $180,000; Phase 2 offers up to $10 million for finalists to bring designs to construction.
  • Deadline: March 27, 2026

• Recreation Facility Development Grant: Provincial funding for recreation facility projects over $30,000, including recreation centres, pools, rinks, athletic fields, parks, playgrounds, and large equipment. Includes the Rink Revitalization Fund for arena upgrades and repairs. Funding covers up to two-thirds of total project costs, to a maximum of $150,000.
  • Deadline: February 14, 2026

EcoAction Community Program – Stream 2 (Freshwater Sustainability and Innovation): Federal funding for projects that pilot innovative/clean-tech solutions, enable circular economy opportunities, or improve freshwater data access and interoperability, focused on initiatives with national relevance or scalability. Funding is $25,000–$200,000 and covers up to 50% of total project costs.

• Deadline (Application): January 20, 2026.

Connect2 Program: Provincial grants for community active transportation projects that improve connectivity within and between communities and support walking, biking, wheeling and shared mobility. Funding covers up to 75% of eligible costs, with grants up to $100,000 depending on project category.

• Deadline (Expression of Interest): January 9, 2026.

Applications are now open for:

• Community ACCESS-Ability Program: The program offers provincial grants covering up to two-thirds of eligible accessibility upgrades (to a maximum of $50,000) for community facilities, including improvements to the built environment, transportation, communications and assistive devices. Eligible applicants include municipalities, non-profits and registered charities.
  • Deadline: February 14, 2026, 11:59 PM.
• Community Facilities Improvement Program: The program provides support for repairs and improvements to existing community facilities, including building exteriors, interior features and energy-efficiency upgrades. Non-profits and registered charities are eligible.
  • Deadline: February 14, 2026, 11:59 PM.

New Funding Opportunities Added to the Portal:

• TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant: National charitable foundation supporting community-based environmental initiatives. Provides funding for schoolyard greening, park revitalization, community gardens, outdoor classrooms, tree planting, nature-based education, and other hands-on environmental projects.
  • Status: Open (rolling intake)
• RBC Community Investment Fund: Major corporate/philanthropic funding program supporting climate action, skills development, financial wellbeing, accessibility improvements, and inclusive community prosperity. Offers single- and multi-year investments ranging from small grants to large contributions up to $500,000 per year.
  • Status: Open (rolling intake)
• For the Good of Our Community Fund (NSLC): Corporate philanthropic program supporting food security, housing stability, mental health, physical accessibility, and environmental stewardship across Nova Scotia. Offers grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 for registered charities and non-profits.
  • Deadline: December 22, 2025

The Community Buildings Retrofit Initiative is open. The initiative provides grant funding for feasibility studies to help municipalities plan retrofit projects that reduce GHG emissions in community buildings by at least 50% within 10 years.

1. • Application deadline: December 19, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET

Stream 1: Community-led Freshwater Action across Canada of the EcoAction Community Program is now open. The program provides funding for community-led freshwater projects and innovative solutions to improve freshwater quality and ecosystem health.

• • Application deadline: December 4, 2025 (12:00 PT / 15:00 ET).
  • Stream 2: Currently closed.

New Funding Opportunities Added to the Portal:

• Community Recreation Capital Grant: Provincial funding up to $8,000 for small-scale indoor and outdoor capital recreation projects under $30,000. Supports permanent improvements to community recreation facilities including renovations, equipment and structural investments.
  • Deadline: December 1, 2025
• Recreation Facility Development Grant: Provincial funding up to $150,000 for recreation facility projects over $30,000. Supports development, upgrades and repairs of recreation centres, pools, rinks, athletic fields, parks, playgrounds and other facilities promoting active living.
  • Deadline: Closed. Next call for proposals TBD.

Update to Existing Program:

• Applications are now open for the Urban Forestry Plans and Studies funding stream under the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund. The program provides support for urban forest planning, management, and stewardship, and funds studies that strengthen the sustainability and resilience of community forests and trees.
  • Deadline: April 15, 2026