Community Economic Development (CED) Funding Program
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Provides financial support to non-profit agencies for new or expanded projects that assist targeted residents (e.g., youth, newcomers, persons with disabilities) to overcome obstacles to creating new jobs and/or new enterprises.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a registered non-profit organization
- Must have been operating in Ottawa for a minimum of 2 years
- Project must create jobs and/or businesses for under-represented populations (e.g., youth, newcomers, persons with disabilities)
- Must be able to deliver services in the City of Ottawa
- Project must be a new or expanded initiative (not ongoing base operations)
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- $5,000 - $50,000
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Municipal
- Deadline
- 2026-02-13
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
See how this program compares on approval odds, difficulty, and competition — so you know if it’s worth your time. Unlock with Premium →
How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipContact Ian Scott (ian. [email protected]) early in December for a pre-application consultation — this is explicitly encouraged and helps you understand the jury's priorities before you write. Projects that demonstrate leveraged funding from other sources receive more favorable evaluation. The program prioritizes historically under-represented populations (Indigenous, newcomers, youth, racialized communities, persons with disabilities), so specificity about beneficiary demographics and measurable job/enterprise outcomes is critical to ranking well.
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Rejection Pitfalls 8
- Applicant is not a registered non-profit (for-profits are ineligible)
- Organization incorporated less than 2 years ago
- Project does not create new jobs or new enterprises for targeted populations
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Success Profile
Established Ottawa non-profit (2+ years operating) with a proven track record of serving under-represented populations, delivering a new or expanded project with measurable job creation or enterprise creation outcomes. Best performers leverage complementary funding and have strong Board governance. Social enterprises targeting newcomers, youth employment, or Indigenous entrepreneurship have appeared in recent recipient lists.
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Evaluation Criteria
Six-criteria jury scoring: Strength of Concept (alignment with economic development strategy), Objectives and Outcomes (measurability of job/enterprise creation targets), Implementation Ability (organizational capacity and track record), Sustainability (benefits beyond funding period), Budget (value for money and leveraged funding), and Submission Quality. Jury ranks all eligible applications; funding awarded from highest rank until $285,000 pool is exhausted.
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Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 6
Eligible Expenses 6
- Salaries for new positions created by the project
- Contractor and facilitator fees for project activities
- Training materials and program supplies
- Marketing and outreach to recruit beneficiaries
- Equipment or tools directly required for job creation activities
- Professional development for beneficiaries
Ineligible Expenses 6
- Core organizational operating costs (rent, utilities, existing staff salaries)
- Land improvements and major capital purchases
- Direct payments or cash transfers to participants
- Expenses already covered by another City of Ottawa program
- Work commenced before contribution agreement is signed
- Advocacy or lobbying activities
Deadline Notes
February 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET for the 2026 funding cycle. Application window opens January 2 annually. Deadline date varies year to year (has been as late as April in prior years). First disbursement expected April 2026. Spending must be completed by November 30, 2026.
Ineligible Organizations
- For-profit entities
- Politically affiliated organizations
- Faith-based organizations promoting specific religious beliefs
- Organizations incorporated less than 2 years ago
- Organizations not primarily serving Ottawa residents
- Organizations currently funded by City for the same activities
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Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Medium RiskModerate. Funds must be spent on approved activities by November 30, 2026. Unapproved budget changes or spending outside approved purposes can trigger repayment. Commencing project work before signing the contribution agreement may disqualify the application outright.
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How CED Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Economic Development (CED) ... | $5,000 - $50,000 | Moderate | Advance Payment | 2026-02-13 |
| Ontario Innovation Tax Credit | Up to 8% tax credit | Moderate | Tax Credit Offset | Ongoing |
| Commercial Façade Improvement Grant P... | Up to $12,500 (50% of costs) | Easy | Reimbursement | Annual Intake |
| Creative Industries Funding | Varies | Moderate | Reimbursement | Ongoing (multiple... |
| FedDev Ontario Funding | Varies | Hard | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
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