Grants

HCi3 has up to $400,000 allocated for grants in 2024. Grants can cover up to 80% of total project costs. We encourage community engagement and resource sharing, with a minimum of 20% of project costs covered by matching funds or in-kind contributions, reinforcing our dedication to sustainable and shared efforts. 

Our partnership stream is rooted in a co-creation approach, designed to cultivate impactful partnerships and innovative initiatives.   

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

• HCi3 will reach out to schedule an initial discussion.

• HCi3 will conduct an initial review to ensure mutual goals align and the proposed projects are viable.   

• If the EOI is approved, applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal and budget, with support from HCi3 if needed.

• 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 grant stream has a streamlined application process designed to empower organizations to quickly bring their projects to life:  

• Applicant submits an online inquiry or has a conversation with our team.     

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

• Provisionally approved projects will co-develop a short project plan and budget with HCi3.

• Final decisions are communicated to applicants within 2 weeks of project plan development.  

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

If an application involves partnership, the primary partner must be based in or actively engaged in Nova Scotia.

Projects led by or partnered with organizations or communities representing historically racialized, marginalized and excluded groups or communities will be viewed favorably, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and equity.

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 Indigenous or African Nova Scotian communities – or those significantly involving these communities – we will consider initiatives outside of HRM boundaries if they offer meaningful benefits to HRM.

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

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

6. Be completed within a maximum of 24 months from the start date, although proposals for shorter durations are also encouraged.

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

HCi3 grants do not fund:

1. Redistributing the funding as grants or rebates to other organizations.

2. Organizational administration costs, start-up costs, or restructuring.

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

4. Operational costs for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, transit, or shared-mobility services.