Home > Funding Programs

Rural Enhancement Program

The Rural Enhancement Funding program is designed to support priorities of rural communities with a population between 1,500 and 30,000, that contribute to healthy and strong communities.

Funding

Funding is provided as a conditional contribution and will not exceed:

  • Up to 90% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $200,000, for communities with fewer than 1,500 people and Indigenous communities.
  • Up to 75% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $500,000, for communities with more than 1,500 people.

The NOHFC Board of Directors decides the funding for each project, and since funds are limited, not all eligible projects will receive funding.

NOHFC may refuse funding if another government program is better suited to support the project. However, NOHFC might still offer additional help after that other program makes its decision, at their discretion.

BACK TO PROGRAMS

Not sure what you’re looking for? Get in touch with our agents for a 1-on-1 conversation about your project.

Eligibility

Rural municipalities, Indigenous communities, not-for-profit organizations and Local Services Boards having or serving a population of less than 30,000.

Before you begin, check if you fall within the eligible region of Northern Ontario.

What is eligible?

Incremental improvements, repairs, and/or renovations to improve and extend the useful life of capital assets, including social and recreational facilities, municipal assets and community halls, that contribute to a healthy and vibrant community.

The NOHFC Board of Directors may consider exceptions to these eligibility criteria for projects that address a priority need in Northern Ontario.

What is not eligible?

  • Core infrastructure
  • Administrative space or office buildings
  • Residential projects
  • Operating expenses
  • Rolling stock
  • Stand-alone equipment and furniture purchases and stand-alone studies

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) has made a change to its Community Enhancement Program. Due to the sustained and overwhelming demand across NOHFC programs, funding eligibility is being better aligned with the economic development purpose of the program. This shift will ensure available resources are directed toward projects that create jobs and build and revitalize infrastructure that contributes to both local economic development and a stronger, more resilient Northern Ontario.

Effective February 3, 2026, fire halls and related fire service activities will not be eligible for NOHFC funding. This includes applications intended for construction, expansion, renovation, or upgrading of fire halls. Fire halls and related fire service activities are considered core community infrastructure. Communities with fire hall or fire station projects are encouraged to contact your local Northern Development Advisor to discus alternative funding programs designed to support municipal infrastructure and public safety investments.

Process

Applications to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation take the following path:

Apply

Submit your application and we’ll review it and make sure your project meets our program guidelines.

Evaluation

We’ll get some additional information on your project and review it in greater detail.

Decision

We’ll share our review with our board of directors, who will make the final decision on your application.

Documents

Download Full Program Guidelines

Download Brochure

Program Success Story

  • The Great Adventure
    Strategic Economic Infrastructure Program

    The Great Adventure

    The new Lake Superior Water Trail provides paddlers with the amenities and safety information needed for an epic adventure, following the opening of the universally accessible water trail access points and tourist information kiosks in July 2017.

Help & FAQ

My organization wants to pursue an important project, but it is not within any of our formal plans; can we still apply?2024-09-10T18:14:23-04:00

NOHFC recognizes that some projects develop quickly and will consider those projects on a case-by-case basis.

My non-profit organization requires operational funding support (i.e. money to maintain normal operations and activities such as salary and benefits, rent or leasing expenses, office equipment, travel, marketing, etc.). Can I apply to NOHFC for financial support for these types of costs?2024-11-23T14:49:27-05:00

No, operating expenses are not eligible for funding.

Based on the latest census, my community population was under 30,000 residents. Am I eligible for the Enhance Your Community program?2024-11-23T13:57:14-05:00

Yes. The Enhance Your Community propgram is open to all eligible applicants regardless of municipal, community, or catchment area population.

Can my organization apply for more than one project at a time?2024-09-10T18:15:50-04:00

NOHFC will accept multiple project applications from an applicant.

Our project includes some administrative and/or residential space. Does this mean that the entire project is ineligible?2024-09-10T18:15:21-04:00

No. Depending on the project and the percentage of ineligible space, NOHFC may consider part of the project to be eligible while the administration and/or residential space would be ineligible.

How do I demonstrate that funding from NOHFC is necessary to make the project viable?2024-09-10T18:15:06-04:00

You must show that you have investigated and / or applied to other relevant federal or provincial funding sources.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Get in touch with our agents for a 1-on-1 conversation about your project.

2026-02-20T14:01:19-05:00April 25th, 2024|
© King's Printer for Ontario,
Go to Top