Grants

Grants can cover up to 80% of total project costs. A minimum of 20% of project costs must be provided through matching funds or in-kind contributions.

For Acceleration grants, the maximum funding is $75,000. For Catalyst grants, the maximum is $10,000.

The Acceleration Stream is primarily intended to help promising initiatives scale up and accelerate their impact.

Begin by filling out an online expression of interest (EOI).

• If needed, we will reach out to gather further information.

• We will conduct an initial review to assess alignment with our program.

• If your EOI is approved, you will be invited to submit a full proposal and budget.

• A review committee will assess the application and may offer constructive feedback for clarification or refinement.

• Following any changes that are requested, HCi3 will make a funding decision.  

Our Catalyst Stream has a streamlined application process designed to help organizations quickly bring their projects to life:  

• Begin by filling out an online expression of interest (EOI).

• We will conduct an internal review to assess alignment with our criteria.   

• If the EOI is accepted, we will invite you to submit a simplified application form and budget.

• We will aim to provide a funding decision within two weeks of application submission.

We welcome applications from a broad spectrum of organizations and companies, with the following exceptions:

• Individuals

• Individual schools or classrooms

• Provincially owned entities, including crown corporations

• Political parties

Applicants must be based in or actively engaged in Nova Scotia. As long as the primary applicant fits this criteria, out-of-province partners may join the application.

Projects led by or partnered with organizations or communities representing historically racialized or marginalized groups or communities will be viewed favorably.

Projects must:

1. Lead to direct and/or potential reductions in greenhouse gas emissions over a 20-year period.

2. Secure a minimum of 20% matching funds, which can include multiple sources. Note:

• There are some restrictions on matching funds from provincial and federal government sources, which can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

• Non-cash contributions or in-kind contributions, such as salaries, can be used as matching funds, provided they are an auditable expense and directly related to the project.

3. Occur primarily within the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). However, for projects led by First Nations or African Nova Scotian communities – or those significantly involving these communities – we will consider initiatives outside of HRM boundaries.

4. Demonstrate scalability or replicability, both within and beyond HRM.

5. Yield multiple community benefits, e.g., enhancing social equity, promoting Reconciliation, improving affordability, fostering job and skill development, enhancing biodiversity or strengthening community resilience.

6. Be completed within a maximum of 24 months from the start date.

For a detailed evaluation framework, please refer to our full granting scorecard here.

HCi3 grants do not fund:

1. Redistribution of funding as grants or rebates to other organizations.

2. Start up costs, restructuring costs, or organizational administration costs beyond reasonable overhead costs associated with direct project delivery.

3. Singular installations such as rooftop solar, building retrofits, or new building projects without a broader strategy for demographic or sector-wide scaling.

4. Ongoing operational costs for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, transit, or shared-mobility services, unless these represent an essential part of a new pilot project.

Catalyst Stream

• Applications accepted throughout the year until funds are allocated.

Acceleration Stream

• Spring: Expressions of interest due March 23

                Applications due: April 13.

• Fall: Expressions of interest due October 5

                 Applications due: November 2.