Program Updates

For the 2027 granting year

OVERVIEW

Northern Development is undertaking a program refresh of our Community Development and Capacity Building funding programs. This work will take place throughout 2026 and will inform the 2027 granting cycles and beyond.

This page will serve as a central hub for updates related to the program refresh process. As changes are developed and implemented, we will post information here to keep all funding applicants and interested community members informed about what’s changing. All of the funding program updates listed below will take effect in the 2027 granting year.

We encourage you to check this page regularly for the most current information as the program refresh progresses.

Community Places

Updated:07/24/26

This program supports the creation, restoration or enhancement of community spaces that will improve amenities and enhance overall quality of life.

AT A GLANCE

  • The maximum grant amount available is increasing to $50,000

Main Street Revitalization Capital

Updated:07/13/26

Funding is provided to complete strategic public investments in above-ground public infrastructure within main street areas.

AT A GLANCE

  • One (of three) deliverables must measure incremental monetary value.

Economic Development Capacity Building

Updated:07/13/26

Up to $50,000 per calendar year is available to local governments to assist with the costs of hiring or maintaining, or contracting, an economic development officer or equivalent.

AT A GLANCE

  • Eligible costs are for staff or contract wages to support an economic development position
  • Economic development activities are no longer eligible costs

Business Facade Improvement

Updated:05/17/26

Eligible costs through the Business Facade Improvement program are expanding to include exterior security features.

AT A GLANCE

  • New external security features are now eligible costs

Economic Infrastructure
Cultural Infrastructure
Recreation Infrastructure

Updated:05/10/26

All three of the Trust’s Infrastructure grant programs (Economic Infrastructure, Cultural Infrastructure and Recreation Infrastructure) will have additional application requirements to demonstrate project readiness and organizational capacity.

AT A GLANCE

  • Applications will require a business case and asset management plan
  • Maximum grant amount remains $300,000

Grant Writing Support

Updated:04/24/26

Changes are underway to streamline the reporting requirements for the Grant Writing Support funding program. The only required reporting documents will be a reporting form and list of grants applied for throughout the calendar year (template provided).

AT A GLANCE

  • Streamlined reporting
    Fewer supporting documents will be required

Marketing Initiatives
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Northern Housing Incentive

Updated:03/06/26

The Marketing Initiatives and Northern Housing Incentive funding programs will be retired at the end of the 2026 triannual granting intakes (effective August 1, 2026).

AT A GLANCE

  • The final intake for funding through the Marketing Initiatives funding program will close July 31, 2026.
  • The final intake for the Northern Housing Incentive funding program will close July 31, 2026.

Fabulous Festivals and Events

Updated:02/23/26

The Fabulous Festivals and Events funding program has been revised to no longer require reporting from applicants after their grant request is approved. Funding is disbursed to the successful applicant upon approval.

This update lightens the administrative burden on event organizers and provides funding up front.

AT A GLANCE

  • Grant funding disbursed sooner
    Funding will be disbursed upon approval
  • Reporting is no longer required
    Applicants can focus on organizing and hosting a top-tier event – no need for reporting back to Northern Development (although, we always appreciate seeing your photos)

CONTACT US

If you’d like to discuss your project in further detail with Northern Development staff, please contact us by email, phone, or filling out the form below. Also, we encourage you to reach out to us if you think you are eligible for funding for categories that are not specified here.

    *REQUIRED FIELDS

    LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS AND APPLICATION PROCESS

    community development application process
    View PDF

    northern development funding program matrix
    View PDF
    success stories from our communities
    View Success Stories
    simple 3-step questionnaire for your eligible programs
    Find Out Your Eligibility