Eastern Ontario Development Fund — Community economic development projects

Communities across eastern Ontario looking to strengthen their local economies often face a common challenge: turning big-picture development plans into investable, job-creating projects. The Eastern Ontario Development Fund’s Community Economic Development Projects stream is designed to help bridge that gap by supporting large, collaborative initiatives that can deliver long-term regional impact. Administered by Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, the program backs projects that go beyond day-to-day operations and instead focus on infrastructure or strategies that attract private investment and stimulate business growth.

This funding stream is geared toward projects led by municipalities, economic development organizations, and sector-focused nonprofits working closely with the private sector. Supported initiatives often align with regional priorities, such as developing employment lands, strengthening key industry clusters, or implementing economic strategies that make a community more competitive. Funding can cover a significant portion of eligible project costs, with support reaching into the millions for larger, high-impact initiatives, making it possible to move forward on projects that might otherwise stall at the planning stage.

The program is currently accepting applications and is best suited for organizations with well-defined projects, committed partners, and clear economic outcomes in mind. For communities and nonprofits in eastern Ontario considering a transformative development initiative, learning more about how this fund works could be an important next step.