Apply for funding to help communities address food insecurity: Local Food Security Initiatives
The Local Food Security Initiatives program helps vulnerable Nova Scotians access healthy, culturally appropriate and locally produced or prepared food by supporting projects that:
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build the capacity of organizations to provide healthy, culturally appropriate, and locally produced or prepared food
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work collaboratively to change food ecosystems and demonstrate a collective impact
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create food ecosystems and supporting collaborations that help organize, plan or address barriers and challenges to acquiring healthy, cultural appropriate and locally produced or prepared food for those who need it most
You need to use the funding to:
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buy food for distribution
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buy equipment to increase ability to distribute food
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collaborate on the distribution of food and creation of food networks
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Eligibility
Non-profit societies, community organizations and Mi’kmaq communities can apply for funding if the organization is:
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registered with Registry of Joint Stock Companies
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federally registered Charities or Not-for-Profit Corporations
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a Nova Scotian Mi’kmaw band
You need to apply for funding by 31 August 2026.
How to apply
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Review detailed program criteria in the Local Food Security Initiatives Guidelines.
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Complete the funding application.
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Check the application for details on all required supporting documents.
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Send your completed application and supporting documents by email or mail. Or drop them off at the Department of Communities, Culture Tourism and Heritage.
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Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage reviews your application after the submission deadline (this can take 2 to 3 months).
How long it takes
It should take 2 to 3 months for the program to review your funding application and let you know if your funding application is approved. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your application hasn’t been filled in correctly.
Cost
There is no cost to apply.
Before you start
Make sure you have:
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Registry of Joint Stock Companies ID (if you're a non-profit organization)
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plan to reach and engage your target group
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funding contribution secured, if applicable
Application form
Local Food Security Initiatives Application Form (PDF 452 kB)
Emergency Services Provider Fund (ESPF) – 2026-27 Applications Now Open
The Department of Emergency Management has officially launched the 2026-27 Emergency Services Provider Fund (ESPF).
The ESPF supports volunteer fire departments, ground search and rescue teams, hazardous materials units, and other emergency response organizations by helping fund equipment used directly in emergency response activities.
Eligible first responder organizations will receive an email advising them that applications are now open. Organizations are encouraged to apply early to ensure they have adequate time to complete the application process before the July 31 deadline.
Key Details
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Applications for the Individual Organization Stream are now open and will be accepted until July 31, 2026.
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Eligible organizations can apply for up to $30,000.
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A new online application process is now available, making it easier for organizations to apply.
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The Regional Stream will open September 1 and close October 31, 2026, with funding of up to $200,000 available for larger regional projects.
Resources
Program Information:
https://www.novascotia.ca/apply-funding-buy-equipment-thats-used-directly-response-fire-or-emergency-emergency-services-provider-fund
Online Application:
Emergency Services Provider Fund (ESPF)- NS Forms - Government of Nova Scotia
Questions:
ESPF@novascotia.ca
Housing Repair Program
Apply to the Housing Repair Program for help with the cost of home repairs.You need to use the funding for emergency repairs and health and safety repairs (like electrical, plumbing, structural, heating and fire safety) so you can continue to live safely in your principal residence. A principal residence is the home you own and live in.
You can apply for funding if:
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repairs are an emergency or required to maintain the safe occupancy of your home
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you own and live in your home where the where the repairs will be applied and have an annual pre-tax (gross) household income that’s not more than the income limits in the Housing Repair Program Guide
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you've lived in your home for at least 1 year and your home is at least 5 years old
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you haven’t received previous grants from the Housing Repair Program in the last 5 years, unless the repairs are eligible emergency repairs
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you haven’t received previous loans from the Housing Repair Program in the last 15 years, unless the repairs are eligible emergency repairs
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your property taxes are paid up to date or you have a payment plan in place with the local government for at least 3 months
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your property value is no more than $360,000 in Halifax Regional Municipality or $280,000 in other regions of Nova Scotia
Eligible Properties include:
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single-family detached house
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townhouse (semi-detached) or row house
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condominium property (interiors only, not common spaces)
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manufactured (mobile) home where ownership of the unit is verified
You also need to meet any additional eligibility criteria (like repair eligibility) outlined in the Housing Repair Program Guide.