Community Funding

Eligibility

To be eligible for Community Funding, an organization must:

• Be a registered charity in good standing with the Canada Revenue Agency, or a non-profit society in good standing with the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stock Companies.
• Be governed by current bylaws, a functioning board of directors, and an active conflict of interest policy.
• Maintain appropriate financial oversight and reporting practices.
• Deliver activities that provide community benefit.

The following organizations are not eligible:

• Individuals
• Businesses
• Public schools
• Volunteer fire departments
• Religious organizations
• Political organizations
• Organizations with inadequate governance or financial oversight
• Organizations with outstanding reporting requirements related to previous municipal funding
• Organizations with outstanding debts to the Municipality

Funding Categories

The Community Funding Program includes four funding streams.

Projects

One-time initiatives with a defined beginning and end that create or improve a community asset. Typical activities include facility construction or renovation, equipment purchases, accessibility improvements, studies, plans, and assessments.

Apply for Project Funding

Programs & Events

Planned activities delivered over a defined period or one-time or recurring community events that provide direct community benefit. Typical activities include festivals, cultural celebrations, recreation programs, educational activities, wellness initiatives, and public events.

Apply for Program & Event Funding

Operations

Funding that supports the ongoing governance and administrative capacity of eligible organizations. Typical expenses include personnel, utilities, rent, insurance, bookkeeping, office supplies, governance, and routine operating costs.

Applications are currently closed.

Property Tax Exemption

Community or charity-owned property used for community or charitable purposes may be eligible for a full or partial exemption on their property taxes. This program is governed by the Municipal Government Act, the Assessment Act, and enacted by Municipality of Inverness County Bylaw No. 35. If an organization is not being exempted from all or a portion of their property taxes and believes it should be, please contact the Community Funding Coordinator.

Activities that are not eligible

Community Funding is not available for:

• Activities that primarily benefit an individual or an ineligible organization.
• Fundraising activities.
• Gambling activities.
• Compensation not directly related to the funded activity.
• Operating deficits, accumulated debt, or prior debt obligations.
• Payment of municipal taxes.

Program Rules

The following rules apply to all Community Funding requests.

Funding is discretionary

Community Funding is awarded at Council’s discretion and is subject to annual budget approval and the availability of funds. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.

One application per category

Organizations may receive only one allocation of funding per funding category in each fiscal year, unless otherwise approved by Council.

Municipal contribution

For requests over $1,000, municipal funding will normally not exceed 50% of eligible project costs, unless otherwise approved by Council.

Applicant contribution

The remaining project cost may be funded through:

• Cash contributions
• Funding from other organizations
• Eligible in-kind contributions

In-kind contributions may be counted toward the applicant’s share, provided they do not exceed 90% of the required contribution.

Supporting documentation

Applications must include all required supporting information and be endorsed by the organization’s highest signing authority. Additional information may be requested during the review process.

Deadlines

Applications are being accepted at any time during the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Beginning in fiscal year 2027-28, there will be deadlines for different funding categories. These deadlines will be announced well in advance.

Emergencies

Council may consider emergency funding requests submitted outside established intake periods where an unforeseen event has materially disrupted an eligible organization’s operations or financial stability.

Reporting

Organizations receiving funding must submit a final report within 60 days of completing the funded activity.

Unused or misspent funds

Any unused or misspent funds must be returned to the Municipality.

Failure to follow rules

Any organization that does not follow Community Funding rules may be deemed ineligible for future funding.

How It Works

Applying for Community Funding is straightforward.

1. Choose a funding category that best matches the proposed activity.
2. Complete the online application and submit all required supporting documentation.
3. Staff review the application to confirm eligibility and may request additional information if needed.
4. Council considers eligible applications and makes funding decisions in accordance with the Community Funding Policy. Requests of $500 or less may be approved administratively where authorized by the policy.
5. Applicants are notified in writing of the funding decision and any applicable conditions.
6. Approved organizations complete the funded activity and submit a final report within 60 days of completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

An organization has never applied before. Can it still apply?

Yes. New organizations are welcome to apply, provided they meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the Community Funding Policy.

What if an organization is unsure which funding stream is appropriate?

The Community Funding Administrator can help determine which funding stream best matches the proposed activity before an application is submitted.

Can more than one funding stream be used?

Organizations may apply to different funding streams for different activities, provided each request meets the requirements of the applicable funding stream. The same expenses should not be submitted under multiple funding requests.

Can more than one project be included in a single application?

Applications should relate to a single project, program, event, or operating request, unless the organization hosts a season of programs or events, in which case they can include details of those activities.

Separate initiatives should generally be submitted as separate applications unless they are part of one coordinated project.

What if a project changes after funding is approved?

If there is a significant change to the project scope, budget, timeline, or organization, the Municipality should be contacted as soon as possible.

Can funding be used for expenses that have already been incurred?

Generally, funding is intended to support future activities. Organizations should contact the Community Funding Coordinator before applying if a project has already begun or expenses have already been incurred.

Can organizations apply every year?

Yes. Eligible organizations may apply each year, provided they meet the eligibility requirements and have fulfilled any reporting requirements from previous municipal funding.

What happens if the final project costs less than expected?

The Municipality may adjust the final funding amount or require repayment of unused funds in accordance with the Community Funding Policy.

What happens if a final report is not submitted?

Organizations that do not submit required reporting may become ineligible for future Community Funding until the reporting requirements have been satisfied.

Is assistance available with the application?

Yes. Organizations are encouraged to contact the Community Funding Administrator before submitting an application. Staff can answer questions about eligibility, funding streams, documentation requirements, and the application process.

What makes a strong application?

Strong applications clearly explain:

• what the organization plans to do;
• why it is needed;
• who will benefit;
• how success will be measured; and
• how the requested funding will be used.

Providing complete, specific information helps staff and Council understand the request and assess it fairly.

Resources

Community Funding Policy

The official policy governing eligibility, funding streams, application requirements, evaluation, and reporting.

Download the Community Funding Policy (PDF)

Applicant Guide

A plain-language guide explaining the Community Funding Program, funding streams, application process, and reporting requirements.

Coming soon!

Application Forms

Apply online using the appropriate application form.

• Projects/Programs & Events
• Operations — requests are closed for this year.

Budget Templates

Sample budgets to help prepare realistic and complete funding requests.

• Project Budget Template — Coming soon!
• Program & Event Budget Template — Coming soon!
• Operating Budget Template — Coming soon!

Sample Applications

Examples demonstrating the level of detail expected in a strong application.

• Sample Project Application — Coming soon!
• Sample Program & Event Application — Coming soon!

Webinar & Information Session

Watch a recorded overview of the Community Funding Program and learn how to complete the application.

Coming soon!

Final Report Template

Organizations receiving funding can use this template to complete their required final report.

Coming soon!

Questions?

Organizations are encouraged to contact the Community Funding Coordinator before applying. Staff can help determine the appropriate funding category, explain eligibility requirements, and answer questions about the application process.

Lisa Organ
Community Funding Administrator
1-866-258-0223 ext. 7
lisa.organ@invernesscounty.ca