Community Revitalization Program - Rural Growth Initiative

The purpose of the Community Revitalization Program is to support the revitalization of rural communities through strategic investments in infrastructure that is important for rural culture, society, and economic development.

Who is eligible for funding assistance?

1. Incorporated non-profit organizations which have a mandate for community and/or economic development
2. Non-profit cooperatives that do not share dividends
3. Municipal governments
4. Band councils (or their development agency)

What funding assistance is available?

Under the Community Revitalization Program, two streams of funding are available: 

1. Small scale project stream: Maximum contribution of 75% up to $250,000 of total eligible costs.
2. Strategic project stream: Maximum contribution of 50% up to $2 million of total eligible costs. Projects must promote the strategic interest of the province and provide additional supporting documentation. These projects must be a regional initiative that have a strong impact on the community. 

Clients should normally contribute a monetary minimum of ten percent of the total project cost (in kind ineligible).

Stacking Rules may apply when other municipal and federal partners are contributors to the initiative.

Funding from CRP may be complemented with the following funds. Funds for these specific types of projects are also available on their own:

• For heat pump projects only, clients are eligible for financial assistance up to 100% funding of eligible costs up to a maximum of $20,000. This assistance includes any eligible rebate from EfficiencyPEI. An Energy Audit is highly recommended to access funding assistance. Heat Pumps must be installed by efficiency PEI's network of Excellence Contractors and be NEEP certified as found under: https://ashp.neep.org/#!/ database. For places of worship, please see Heat Pump Initiative for more information.
• For designated reception centres only, clients are eligible for funding up to 80% of eligible costs with a maximum of $50,000 to purchase the repair, purchase and installation of generators for their centers. See Reception Centre Resiliency Program for more information.

What are the eligible activities?

• Capital costs related to renovation and/or expansion of projects that support regional priorities to enhance the social, heritage, cultural, recreational, health & safety of Island communities.
• Capital projects that will promote economic initiatives with respect to regional development, diversification, innovation, and key sectors.

What is the application adjudication criteria?

• Extent of the project’s contribution to economic development.
• Extent of the project’s positive impact on rural PEI.
• Ability to leverage support from other partners.
• Project’s demonstrated value to the community, region, and province.
• Project’s value with regard to the strategic interest of the province.
• Proponent’s ability to confirm its share of the project costs.
• Proponent’s ability to demonstrate the financial sustainability of the project, with particular regard to operating and maintenance costs.
• The completeness of the project application.
• Demonstrated community support by other groups and organizations.

Projects may be required to provide additional information/documentation. 

Clients applying for the Strategic Projects Stream (50%, up to $2 million) will be required to provide supporting documentation demonstrating the value of the project to rural PEI. This could include providing a strategic/business/feasibility plan, proof of sustainability, and proof that the project can be completed in a timely manner. 

What activities are ineligible?

• Costs of an organization’s core operations (including wages).
• Plans (see Community Capacity Building Program for planning-related support).
• Activities which are not targeted at rural areas.

Ineligible projects and costs include but are not limited to:

• Religious buildings (churches, mosques, synagogues, etc.)
• Libraries,
• Bait sheds,
• Cemeteries,
• Funeral homes,
• Paving,
• Early learning centres,
• Dredging,
• Housing,
• Community care facilities,
• Land/building purchase.

Application Process

Applications are available from a Community Development Officer in your area. Please contact them for an application to help plan for your project (contact information below). 

Completed applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis until budget has been allocated for the fiscal year. 

Who do I contact for more information?

Please contact a Community Development Officer prior to preparing an application for funding: