The Fund will provide non-repayable grants between $75,000 and $1,000,000 per project that range from 60 – 80% of eligible project costs. An applicant must make a financial contribution to the project, and their overall contribution may be a combination of cash and in-kind according to the cost-sharing requirements below. The required contributions depend on the value of total eligible project costs. Projects with higher eligible costs are expected to make a larger contribution, which can include other funding sources.
A minimum of 20% of eligible project costs must be contributed by the applicant. The financial contribution may be made by project partners or alternate funding sources such as federal funding. In-kind contributions such as staff time can count toward the applicant’s contribution to a maximum of 10%. All applicants must make a cash contribution to their projects.
Projects with total eligible costs of:
- Up to $249,999 will require a contribution of at least 20% of eligible project costs
- $250,000 – $499,999 will require a contribution of at least 30% of eligible project costs
- $500,000 + will require a contribution of at least 40% of eligible project costs
For example:
- A project with total eligible costs of $100,000 will require the applicant to contribute at least 20% or $20,000. The Fund will provide a grant no greater than 80% or $80,000.
- A project with total eligible costs of $400,000 will require the applicant to contribute at least 30% or $120,000. The Fund will provide a grant no greater than 70% or $280,000.
- A project with total eligible costs of $1,000,000 will require the applicant to contribute at least 40% or $400,000. The Fund will provide a grant no greater than 60% or $600,000.
In-kind contributions
In-kind contributions can constitute a maximum of 10% of the total eligible project costs. These can include donated material, equipment, or labour. Applicants will be required to disclose in-kind contributions within the budget at the application stage.