Sector Transformation Fund

The Centre manages the Sector Transformation Fund (STF) supplied by CMHC as part of the National Housing Strategy. It includes three distinct support programs:

• Local projects
• Sectoral impact projects
• Community-Based Tenant Initiative (program not renewed by the federal government; funds exhausted)

This fund has provided strong support for numerous projects and the growth of the sector across the country. However, it is due to expire in 2028, which is why the Centre has decided to review its funding practices for FTS grants. Going forward, we’ll be paying particular attention to projects:

• With a large-scale impact, aiming at a sustainable transformation of the sector (the evolution of its infrastructures or the dynamics of the housing ecosystem, for example)
• With the potential for large-scale replication, if they have a smaller impact
• Leveraging the sector’s resources

Local Projects Grant

The Local Impact projects stream offers financial support to organizations to support transformative changes aimed at improving organizational resilience and fostering innovative housing solutions. It specifically supports local community housing providers, whether individually or in small clusters.

Projects should introduce new approaches, tools, or methods within the organization or sector that enhance the work currently being undertaken and build organizational capacity among recipients. The projects must offer realistic solutions to identified needs and be aligned with the organization’s mission.

Application deadlines for Sector Transformation Fund (STF) – Local Projects are:

• May 31, 2024
• October 31, 2024
• January 31, 2025

*11:59pm in the local time of the applicant.

Contact us

Contact one of our program managers before submitting an application at info@centre.support

Objectives

• Promote housing initiatives for Indigenous communities
• Leverage existing funds
• Support the sector in reducing its environmental footprint
• Develop tools that are accessible to all
• Support sector consolidation and partnerships of all kinds
• Reinforce organizational capacity
• Enhance the sector’s adaptive capacity
• Identify and address sectoral gaps in the provision of housing services
• Mobilize communities

Funding

The funding range may vary by project because of evolving specific conditions and needs. Proposals are evaluated according to two categories: projects up to and under $50,000 and projects over $50,000. Applications to the Sector Transformation Fund: Local Projects are limited to $150,000.

Eligibility Criteria

• Tools, initiatives and partnerships that can be adapted to benefit the entire sector
• Partnerships that strengthen the quality of services available in the sector
• New business models
• Services that address identified gaps in the sector
• Pilot projects and initiatives that build sector capacity
• Any other transformative initiatives that are consistent with the objectives of the Sector Transformation Fund

Sectoral Impact Projects Grants

The Sectoral Impact grants support either sectoral service providers, community housing providers or those who are responding to a large identified gap within the community housing sector. It is designed to enhance the service offering at the regional, provincial or national levels. Grants under this category support transformative projects that seek to provide new services to diverse communities in multiple regions, or enhance existing services. The project must provide a viable solution and contribute to strengthening the housing sector as a whole, in a specific region or for a specific type of housing.

Contact us

Contact one of our program managers before submitting an application at info@centre.support

Objectives

• Promote housing initiatives in Indigenous communities
• Leverage existing funds
• Engage the sector in reducing its environmental footprint
• Develop tools that are accessible to all
• Support sector consolidation and partnerships of all kinds
• Build organizational capacity
• Enhance the sector’s adaptive capacity
• Identify and address sectoral gaps in housing service provision
• Mobilize the community

Funding

The funding range may vary by project because of evolving specific conditions and needs. Proposals are evaluated according to two categories: projects up to and under $50,000 and projects over $50,000. There is no pre-determined limit to the amount of funding that can be granted from the Sector Transformation Fund: Sectoral Projects, but it must remain within the financial capacity of the Centre.

Eligibility Criteria

• Partnerships that strengthen the quality of services available in the sector
• Tools and initiatives that can be adapted to benefit the entire sector
• New business models
• Services that address identified gaps in the sector
• Pilot projects and initiatives that build sector capacity
• Any other transformative initiatives that are consistent with the objectives of the Sector Transformation Fund

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Funds and Grants

Here are answers to the questions we are most frequently asked.

Applying for funding

Can I submit more than one application?

An organization may submit more than one application for any given fund. Different teams within the same organization may also apply.

What measures has the Centre put in place to avoid the duplication of services?

Knowledge transfer and collaboration within the community are key principles promoted by the Centre. It is in keeping with these principles that a resource inventory has been created. We invite individuals applying for funding from the Centre to consult this inventory to ensure that the proposed service does not already exist.

What are the deadlines for submitting a grant application?

See application dates.

How long does it take to review an application?

The Centre will do its best to review your application and notify you of its decision within three months.

Details about the process

What populations or demographics will be prioritized by the Centre?

Currently, the Centre has identified ongoing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples as a priority, and therefore projects for and by Indigenous populations will be prioritized. Over time, the Centre will ensure an equitable distribution of funding among vulnerable populations and will prioritize projects that fill gaps in service provision at the regional, provincial and national levels.

Why might my project not be granted funding?

Not all eligible projects will necessarily be funded. In addition, a grant awarded for one given year does not guarantee that the funding will be renewed in subsequent years. Although all projects are judged on their relevance to the grant criteria, the Centre will make final decisions based on the funds available, the number of applications already received and the equitable distribution of funding across the country.

Does the use of funds have to be reported on?

For projects under $50,000 and lasting less than one year, a report will be required at the end of the project. For projects over $50,000 or lasting more than one year, several reports will be required throughout the project. Follow-ups will also be required by telephone at least twice a year, with all of our grant recipients.

What happens to intellectual property at the end of the project?

All materials and knowledge generated by the project are the property of the grant recipient. However, the Centre reserves the right to use these materials at no cost. If the use is for promotional or knowledge transfer purposes, the Centre will work with the organization to find a common ground.

If a grant is awarded, does the source of funding need to be acknowledged in relation to the project and project-related materials?

You must acknowledge the source of funding for your project in your project communications. This can be done in several ways:

• Electronically, through websites, e-newsletters, bulletins, blogs or social media;
• In print products (e.g., advertisements, brochures, posters, newsletters, annual reports, press releases, signage, correspondence, etc.);
• Publicly, at community gatherings or celebrations (e.g., event or exhibit).

Logos and messages to be used will be provided upon approval of your application.