Innovative Communities Fund

The Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) supports projects that build the economies of communities in Atlantic Canada.

Children sitting in desks, viewing laptops in a classroom.

Gros Morne Summer Music, Corner Brook, N.L.



Through the ICF, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) works with communities to find opportunities for growth. We invest in initiatives that lead to long-term employment and a stronger local economy.

The fund enables communities to:

ACOA also fosters economic development in communities facing specific circumstances. Through the ICF, the Agency supports community projects undertaken by Indigenous groups and non-profit organizations in official language minority communities (OLMCs). 

Project requirements

To be considered for ICF funding, your project proposals must:

Financial assistance

Investments under the ICF do not have to be repaid. The amount we provide is based on the level of funding each project needs to proceed. 

Who can apply

Eligible recipients include:

How to apply

Contact your nearest ACOA office to discuss your project and then complete and submit the Application for financial assistance.

Contact us today!

Looking for more information? If you still have questions about the ICF or other programs, reach out to ACOA Business Information Services. We’ll help you figure out your next move. Call 1-888-576-4444 today!

Or contact us by email:

Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (Atlantic time)

Grants and Contributions Awarded

Past recipients of the Innovative Communities Fund can be found on the Open Government Portal. You can search contributions by using the keyword ”ICF” in the search field.

Business impact stories

When COVID-19 first hit, marketing organization Discover Saint John could not imagine the full impact and complete loss of the 2020 tourism season. Amidst the chaos, its Executive Director Victoria Clarke and her team continued to work from home, developing strategies to salvage the season for their city and region.

Celtic Colours is one of Canada's premier musical events. This nine-day festival normally takes place in more than 50 communities across Cape Breton Island. It extends the tourism season and contributes $18.7 million to the local economy.

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