News & Updates

• Free to Play: Rural Communities Foundation funding ($5,000 to $75,000) supporting outdoor play projects for children in rural Nova Scotia. Deadline: February 24, 2026
  • Information Session: Free To Play | Outdoor Play 101
  • Date & Time: December 10, 2025 at 2:00 pm Atlantic
  • Presenter: Louise de Lannoy, Outdoor Play Canada
  • Free registration: Register here
• Science Horizons Youth Internship Program: Federal wage subsidy covering up to 80% of salary costs (maximum $25,000) for employers hiring post-secondary graduates (ages 15-30) in environmental STEM positions. Deadline: Rolling intake
• McConnell Foundation Grants: National philanthropic funding for Canadian charities, non-profits and municipalities advancing communities, reconciliation and climate solutions. Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round

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

New Funding Opportunities Added to the Portal:

• Community Sport Fund: Provincial funding up to $5,000 supporting quality, sustainable community sport programs through equipment purchases, programming enhancements and leadership development.
  • Deadline: Year-round acceptance (six bi-monthly intakes)
• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) Funding: Provincial funding supporting traditionally underrepresented communities’ participation in community-based sport programming across Nova Scotia. Partnership between sport organization and community service organization is mandatory.
  • Deadline: Contact Regional Sport Consultant for current intake periods
• Low Carbon Communities: Provincial funding up to $75,000 for preparatory work supporting cost-effective clean energy and low carbon solutions in buildings, electricity and transportation sectors. Supports community energy plans, feasibility studies, energy assessments and clean energy education.
  • Deadline: Closed. Next call for proposals TBD

Coastal Planning Support Program is inviting coastal municipalities to apply for consulting services to develop coastal protection plans and bylaws that address climate change. Each municipality is eligible for up to $20,000 in consulting services, with collaboration bonuses of up to 30% for joint applications.

• Deadline: February 11, 2026 at 11:59 PM
• Completion of consulting services: December 31, 2026
• Information sessions: NSFM will be hosting sessions across the province to introduce the program. Dates and times to be announced.

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