affordable housing handbook affordable housing programs in the halifax area

Affordable

Housing

Handbook

Affordable Housing Programsin the Halifax areaMarch 2005

You or your group may already know aboutthe extent of the shortage of affordablehousing in Canada. You probably also havecompassion for the needs of people whowant to acquire or rent safe, affordablehousing, and help them break free of thepoverty cycle. In fact, your group may havealready committed to the delivery ofaffordable housing to low and moderateincome earners.

Many different groups, such as non-profit,faith and fraternal groups, ethnic, cultural orcommunity organizations, builders anddevelopers, are involved with the productionof affordable housing. This document offersencouragement and advice to groupsstarting out or getting reorganized, anddescribes the different federal, provincial,municipal, corporate and private foundationprograms that may be useful in creatingaffordable housing.

There are some details to remember as youuse this handbook. Acceptance in someprograms may restrict your group fromapplying for another program, and wherethis matters is not noted in this handbook.These restrictions also apply for private andcorporate charities. Groups are encouragedto contact the different programadministrators and ask them to explain allthe rules and requirements. This handbookdoes not describe each of the programsexhaustively, but instead offers a briefdescription and contact information.

Getting Start ed 3Basic Information 4 - 5

Municipal Information 6 - 7

Federal Housing Programs

Seed Funding 8Consultation 8

Proposal Development Funding 9Capital Replacement Planning 9Mortgage Loan Insurance 9

CMHC Capacity Development Training 10Home Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grants 10Supporting Communities Partnership 10Initiative

Nova Scotia Housing Programs

The Home Ownership Preservation 11ProgramThe Rental Housing Preservation 11ProgramThe New Home Ownership/ Purchase 11ProgramThe New Rental Housing Initiative 11

Parent Apartment Program 12Small Loan Assistance Program 12Shelter Enhancement Program 12Senior Citizens Assistance Program 12Provincial Housing Emergency Repair 12Program

Home Adaptations for Seniors’ 13IndependenceRent Supplement Program 13Family Modest Housing Program 13Access-A-Home 13

Residential Rehabilitation and 14Assistance Programs (RRAP)

Community ACCESS-ability Program 15Community Wellness Fund 15

Halifax Regional Municipality Programs

HRM Community Grants Program 16 - 17

Residential Property Tax Exemption 17ProgramLand Donations & Below Market Value Sales 17

Property Tax Exemption for Non-Profit 18OrganizationsCouncillors District Activity Fund 18

Private Charitable Foundations 19 - 20

Corporate Charitable Foundations 21 - 2 3

Internet Links for Affordable Housing 24

Foreword Table of Contents

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Notes

This section is intended for new non-profitgroups, existing non-profit groups getting re-organized and non-profit groups partneredwith a government or a private company.These tips may confirm what you alreadyknow, but also may bring certain ideas toyour attention.

Goals and Mission Statements

Your group has a purpose, such as providingaffordable housing, that has caused you toget organized. Clarifying this purpose isimportant. You need to establish a groupidentity. Consider a written MissionStatement, outlining your organization’spurpose. Group decision-making is easierwith a clear Mission Statement, as it canprovide guidance for whether your groupactions support your purpose. Missionstatements are also helpful in applying fordifferent types of funding, because thegroup’s purpose is clearer.

Mission Statements are generally tied toachieving a goal. Remember to keep yourshort and medium term goals within a rangethat can be reasonably accomplished. Manygroups are fuelled by caring, enthusiasm andidealism, but concrete goal setting requiresa realistic analysis of what can beaccomplished. Attainable goals need to beelaborated.

Group Skills

When groups form for specific purposes,several individuals pool their skills,education and experiences. The combinedskills of a non-profit group may bescrutinized by lenders and programmanagers when applying for funding.Document the skills, work experience andeducational backgrounds of the people inyour group. Keep resumes on hand, anddocument all the skills that each person canbe expected to undertake. After determiningthe strengths and skills of people within yourgroup, tasks can be assigned to people withthe appropriate background. Responsibilitydelegated to the right person helps theefficiency of your group.

Organization

Even the smallest groups need to payattention to their organizational form and theway they conduct their meetings. Goodrecord keeping and organizationalmanagement can help small groups toachieve big goals. Meetings need goals andgeneral rules, so one person has to take theinitiative to create an agenda before themeeting, and records the meeting event(keeping minutes) so a record of groupdecisions exists.

Your affordable housing group may wish toenhance their fundraising by applying as acharitable organization registered byCanada Customs and Revenue Agency. Moreinformation about charitable status can befound on this website:

http://bsa.cbsc.org/gol/bsa/site.nsf/en/su06811.html#a1Partnerships

Record keeping

Basic record keeping skills are crucial.Organize all deeds, legal documents,planning documents, property records,application forms, expenses, assessments,permission letters and other relevantdocuments in a way that they can beaccessed quickly and stored securely. Storedocuments in file folders and storagebinders. By using file boxes, all yourimportant documents are organized,portable, and easily accessible because theyare all in one place. You never know whencertain documents are needed in differentmeetings, and having them close-by andorganized helps move the applicationprocess along quicker. It may be useful toassign record keeping duties to one person,instead of having different documents withdifferent people.

Public Communication

After a certain point, your affordablehousing project needs to be communicatedto a wider audience, and it is worth spendingthe time to create a good communicationspackage. Many businesses specialize in

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Getting Started

Before starting, it is worthwhile to becomeacquainted with the features of yourproperty. Investigate how the site has beenused in the past, and search for evidence ofpollution. Check for the present zoning, whatservices are available for your site or if thereis a lien against the property.

Proposal Information

A Call for Proposals may require applicantsto provide a wide variety of informationincluding:

w Location information, such asdescribing nearby commercial areas,public transportation, zoning, publicservices or health-care services

w Detailed demographic informationabout the area, future tenants andaverage market rents and evidenceof need

w Compliance with NS ResidentialTenancy Act, Human RightsLegislation, NS Building Code, NSFire Code

w Design requirements, such as apercentage of units with Barrier-FreeDesign

w Environmental assessments, buildingcondition reports, letters ofconditional financing, incorporationdocuments or building or landappraisals

w Outlining how the project is costeffective or conforms to ModestyStandards of floorspace for the areawhere you are building

Modesty Standards

Affordable housing must be modest in floorsize. These area measurements are providedby the Province of Nova Scotia (2004):

Type sq. meters sq. feet

Bachelor 41.8 450 1 Bedroom 60.4 650 2 Bedroom 79.2 853 3 Bedroom 92.9 1000

Basic Informationcommunicating ideas to the public andwould be a wise investment if your group hasmoney available, or can recruit them asvolunteers.

Affordable housing groups have manyoptions in the way they communicate theirgoals to the public. Consider creating apamphlet, scale models or detailed drawingsthat show your project. Much of the moredetailed information can be placed on aninternet website for the public to see. Clearwriting, public speaking, photography anddesktop publishing become valuable skillswhen you want to communicate your idea tothe public.

Perhaps your group may wish to bringattention to yourselves through the media.Newspaper, radio and television newsdepartments typically have assignmenteditors and program directors who may bereceptive if you approach them with a storyidea.

Successful communications is important toolin winning approval for your project if thereare local questions or objections to yourproject (See NIMBY).

Partnerships

Non-profit housing providers might want toconsider the benefits that differentpartnerships bring to their projects. Privatesector partnerships create opportunities forinnovative financing mechanisms, sharedresources, providing equity and minimizingrisks. Partnerships need to be explicit in whois responsible for what commitment. Groupsworking together should decide on the legalarrangement that the relationship takes,such as the difference between general orlimited partnerships. Affordable housinggroups might want to take advantage of thevarious training programs for boarddevelopment listed elsewhere in thisbooklet.

Know Your Property

Some groups are fortunate enough to have aparcel of land donated for their project.

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Financial Viability

Non-profit organizations are communityfocused, so they are good at defining needand explaining what their project is for, butmust also emphasize the business case fortheir project. Affordable housing groups willhave to determine the cost and revenues ofoperating a property, for both lendinginstitutions and government staff overseeingprograms. Development takes time andexpenses do not occur in a lump sum, socash flow projections are needed whenapplying for some programs. Groups willneed first year revenue-expense plans, alongwith five and ten year projections. The firstyear of operation is critical, and a planshould show how revenue, costs andexpenses are expected to occur in first year.Affordable housing projects may fail to gainapproval when the financial arrangementsare weak.

Facility Management

Funding applicants must demonstrate someknowledge and experience in propertymanagement. Any housing project will facedeteriorating conditions over time, andsooner without good property management.With some programs, an administration fee isincluded for non-profit groups to hirecapable management staff. Affordablehousing providers need to address propertymanagement within their applications.

Community Support

Affordable housing providers are commonlyasked to document their efforts to raise localawareness for their project when applyingfor funding. It is a good idea to keep track ofpeople that support your project, becauseyou may need to call on their support lateron. Documented support counts, so takecare to save all your testimony, letters to theeditor, newspaper clippings, municipalcouncil meeting minutes, etc. Your groupmay need to prove how community orientedthey are.

Ask Your Municipal Councillor

Councillors are helpful in providing advice orguiding groups through the various meetingsand procedures. When dealing with amunicipal government, there is almost nosubstitute for the efforts of an effective,supportive municipal councillor. Affordablehousing providers would be wise to involvetheir councillor in the early planning stagesof their projects.

NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard)

Local resistance to higher density housingor housing designed for lower incomehouseholds may limit the potential forbuilding affordable housing. Associateddelays by local residents can increase costs,lengthen or complicate the approval processand sometimes results in the cancellation ofprojects. Residents are usually concernedthat a poorly designed, badly operatedhousing project will be built, resulting indecreased property values and increasedtraffic and property crime. Communicationstrategies are important in this case, to buildcommunity understanding and acceptanceof affordable housing projects.

Some preliminary precautions can stopNIMBYism before it begins. Localconsultation helps dispel myths, spreads theideal goals of the development and evenbrings ideas about what local residents wantthe housing design to reflect. An approvalprocess that attempts to placateneighbourhood residents and does notconsult in good faith may face opposition.Good consultation includes involving morepeople in the design and planning process.When citizens feel that they have contributedand been listened to, they may turn frombeing opponents into neighbourhoodadvocates. The attempt to educate andeffectively communicate the ideals of yourgroup to the wider general public is anonerous task, but in the longer term helpsgain neighbourhood support and increaseyour claim to being community-oriented.

Basic Information

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Municipal Information

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Municipal Planning and Land Zoningin Halifax Regional Municipality(HRM)

Housing groups, to make their projectsaffordable, spend considerable effort andresources securing federal or provincialfunding. While securing land and resourcesfor capital and operating expenses isimportant, the municipal land use anddevelopment approval process is sometimesmore consuming than some groups expect.This section outlines the general structure ofHRM approval process, what yourorganization can do to avoid commonpitfalls, and what options exist when theproject does not comply with existing by-laws and regulations.

Local governments, such as HRM, areempowered to regulate land use by the NovaScotia Municipal Government Act (sections 8and 9). The municipality uses a number oftools to exercise that power, such as aMunicipal Planning Strategy, whichdesignates land use zones and policy, andland use by-law, which specifies detailedzoning requirements such as use, setbacks,lot coverage, parking requirements, andother important details. Local governmentsuse land use zoning to control permitteduses and densities over entireneighbourhoods. Zoning is determined inconsultation with local communities andtakes into consideration factors such asexisting municipal infrastructure (sewer,water, roads), direction for growth andexisting or abutting land uses.

As Of Right, Or Not?

Ideally, a housing project should pursuedevelopment ‘as of right’, which means thatland dedicated for the project meets theexisting zoning and land use by-lawrequirements. Only the development permitand building permits need to be issuedbefore construction begins. Sometimes anaffordable housing group may wish todevelop their project anonymously, and ‘as

of right’ development is clearly preferablehere because the development applicationproceeds with less public attention.

Currently there are over 30 PlanningStrategies in HRM with their correspondingLand Use By-laws and secondary strategies,so what may be permitted in one area ofHRM may not be permitted in another. Insome areas the policy may not accept anymulti-unit dwellings, and rezoning may not bean option.

The new HRM Regional Plan, when it isadopted by municipal council, should makethe land use policies more consistent acrossthe region. In any case, it is wise for groupsdeveloping affordable housing to request azoning confirmation letter from HRM beforededicating any financial resources to theproject. The letter will confirm the zone ofyour land parcel and its specificrequirements. HRM planning staff can alsobe consulted about the different zoningrequirements.

Discretionary Approval

If land cannot be developed ‘as of right’,then housing projects must begin anapplication under the discretionary approvalprocess. Depending on the relation of theproject to the overall policy and land usebylaw, a project may require rezoning, adevelopment agreement, a policy change orany combination of the three. Thediscretionary approval process may vary inlength and procedure, depending on thesize, location and complexity of the project.

The local Community Council considers theplanning application, and they present theidea to the public at a public hearing. In atypical application, HRM Planning staff studyexisting policy and the neighbourhoodcontext of the application request, thenconsult with municipal advisory boards,committees, agencies and (if needed)provincial and federal departments, forfeedback. Planning staff makesrecommendations to council in a report

Municipal Information

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project requires lot grading, a lotgrading plan must be included.

♦ A building plan, which is a detailedfloor plan of the housing project.Building plans list all the dimensionsof the building interior and describerelevant building constructiondetails.

♦ NS Department of Environmentdesign approval for on-site sewagedisposal systems.

HRM Planning and Development officers andtechnicians will explain anything you need toknow about the development approvalprocess, so contact them early in yourplanning stages. There are three planningand development offices in HRM, eachdealing with a different region. The areasthat each region covers, and their phonenumbers, are:

Eastern Region

Dartmouth, Eastern Passage,Musquodoboit, LawrencetownPreston and area (902) 490-4490

Central Region

Bedford, Hammonds Plains,Beaverbank, Fall RiverWaverley and area (902) 869-4375

Western Region

Halifax Peninsula and Mainland,Timberlea, St. Margarets,Prospect and area (902) 490-5650

before the Community Council votes todecide whether to approve or reject aproject. These processes vary in length, butmay take months to complete.

HRM Planning and Development Servicesacts as one business unit, but the twosections have different responsibilities in thedevelopment process. What this means tohousing providers is that applications for ‘asof right’ projects with correct zoning aredirected to Development Services staff,while applications for zoning or municipalplan amendments are directed to PlanningServices staff.

Development ‘as of right’ is clearlypreferable from both time and costperspectives. Locating a property with thecorrect zoning allows affordable housinggroups a quicker, easier path to receive theirdevelopment agreements and buildingpermits. If your group does not have achoice with regard to the location, you canmeet with planning staff before filing anapplication. You might consider hiring aplanning consultant to assist you with theprocess.

Development and Building Permits

A development permit is written approvalthat your development complies with HRMland use by-laws. After applying for abuilding permit, HRM staff will examine yoursubmitted plans to ensure that the proposedbuilding complies with the variousgovernment building codes. Developmentand building permits can be issued at thesame time. Permit applications are typicallyprocessed within five business days, butcomplex applications may take longer. Apermit application must include:

♦ A site plan that documents thebuilding ‘footprint’, the location ofdriveways, doorsteps, or any buildingappendages. Other importantinformation needed is set-backmeasurements, parking spaceallocation and building height. If the

The federal government manages manyaspects of housing, such as financing, taxpolicy, energy codes and assistance formunicipal infrastructure. The main federalgovernment agency involved in affordablehousing is the Canada Mortgage andHousing Corporation (CMHC). The CMHCworks to remove barriers to affordablehousing by encouraging neighbourhoodrehabilitation, conducting research andpromoting home ownership & non markethousing.

CMHC provides funds for housing projectsthat are innovative, affordable, andcommunity based. These definitions areimportant when you apply for some CMHCand Nova Scotia housing programs.

Innovative refers to a non-conventionalapproach to addressing a need or demand,such as:

♦ A concept that has been triedelsewhere, but is new to theimmediate area

♦ New or non-conventional financingarrangements

♦ New building materials, componentsor systems

Affordable is defined as the rent or saleprice of the project as compared to averagemarket rents, price, size and design in thesame housing market. A project is affordableif the monthly costs to residents is belowtwo levels of affordability, or 30% of medianincome. The more affordable the housingproject, the wider the range of benefits

Community Based is when a project isproduced by residents or for other membersof the same community, and has supportfrom the geographic community in which thehousing will be located.

CMHC Seed Funding

CHMC Seed Funding provides up to $20,000per housing project, to help pay for thepreliminary costs of planning anddevelopment. Up to half of the funds areavailable in the form of a grant, with norepayment required. An additional $10,000is available as an interest-free loan, and isrepayable if the affordable housing

development succeeds. Housing projectsapproved for this program must be eitheraffordable, innovative, community based, orany combination of the three. There are norestrictions on building form or tenure type.There are also no restrictions on what sortof organization proposes the project, soeligible groups may include non-profit, FirstNations, housing co-ops, entrepreneurs orunincorporated groups.

Seed Funding is focused on preliminaryexpenses in the early planning stages of aproject. Eligible expenses may includehousing market studies, developing businessplans, financial viability analysis andpreliminary design, as well as activitesrelated to group organization, training orincorporation. There is traditionally aJanuary deadline for applications, but pleaseconfirm this with your local CMHC officer.

Contact: Carla StaresinaPhone: (902) 426-8430

Consultation Services

CMHC sponsors the Canadian Centre forPublic Private Partnership in Housing, whosestaff actively works to help affordablehousing providers develop housing projects.

The Centre helps organize communitymeetings, to explain the developmentprocess to the public. Housing seminars andworkshops can be provided, where fellowhousing providers and CMHC staff givepresentations about housing related topics.

The Centre also provides one-on-oneconsultation and financing advice to preparegroups for approaching a lender. Up-to-datehousing market analysis and research isavailable, with knowledgeable staff qualifiedto comment on the information. The centrealso gives advice and provides opportunitiesfor affordable housing providers to networkwith like-minded groups.

There are no deadlines for CHMCconsultation services.

Contact: Carla Staresina Audrey MoritzPhone: (902) 426-8430 (902) 426-8430

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Federal Housing Programs (CMHC)

Proposal Development Funding

CHMC helps foster the development ofaffordable housing through the ProposalDevelopment Funding (PDF) program. PDFprovides repayable interest-free loans of upto $100,000 to facilitate project proposals byany proponent of affordable housing,provided that the intended project meetsaffordability criteria set by CHMC. PDF loansare repayable if the project succeeds, but aportion of this loan may be forgiven forprojects that add to the stock of affordablehousing.

PDF funds must be used to develop proposalsfor new construction or conversion from anon-residential or non-affordable housing toaffordable housing. The project must have atleast five housing units, be below the marketvalue for similar housing, be modest in sizeand design, and there must be ademonstrated need for the proposed housingproject.

PDF is focused on reducing the ‘soft costs’ ofdevelopment planning that occur before theaffordable housing providers approach alending institution. Projects that are eligiblefor PDF are usually farther along in theplanning stages than projects in the ‘SeedFunding’ program. Providers using the PDFare restricted from applying for programsfunded under the 2003 Canada-Nova ScotiaAffordable Housing Agreement. The PDFprogram is available throughout the year, withno deadlines.

Contact: CMHC Halifax OfficePhone: (902) 426-3530

Capital Replacement Planning

CMHC helps non-profit housing providerswith capital replacement planning. Aninteractive software program specificallydesigned to consider the major repairs andreplacements that occur over a number ofyears helps housing providers to plan andbudget for these signifigant costs withoutlarge rent increases or emergency funding.

With the capital replacement planningsoftware the user can run scenarios, print

reports, enter or edit data and calculateannual reserve requirements. The manualprovides a step-by-step plan for affordablehousing providers to be ready for long-termreplacements.

The software can be downloaded at:www.cmhc.ca/en/prfias/otaspr/otaspr_001.cfm

Mortgage Loan Insurance

Mortgage loan insurance, offered by CMHC,makes it easier for non-profit groups toobtain financing for affordable housingprojects. Affordable housing providers areprovided relief through lower premiums andmore flexible underwriting criteria for theirmortgage loan insurance. CHMC insuredloans reduce the risk to lenders byprotecting them against loan default, so NHA(National Housing Act) approved lenders canoffer lower interest rates to housingprojects. Most major banks are CHMCapproved lenders.

CHMC provides mortgage loan insurance forall forms of rental properties, retirementhomes, nursing homes, mixed useproperties, and other forms of co-ownershipsuch as co-housing, co-op, life lease andundivided interest. Mortgage financing isavailable for a variety of purposes, includingthe purchase of an existing property, newconstruction, renovations, conversions andrestructuring of existing debt.

CHMC has a three-step approach inassessing mortgage loan insurance. First,they will analyse the housing market todetermine the level of risk. Then, CMHC willstudy the borrower’s assets and considermanagement experience and financialcapacity. Finally, CMHC will assess themarket value of the real estate.

Groups looking to access mortgage loaninsurance must apply through an NHAapproved lender listed on the CMHC website.Application for this program is on a case-by-case basis.

Contact: CMHC Halifax or an NHA lenderPhone: (902) 426-3530

Federal Housing Programs (CMHC)

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CMHC Capacity DevelopmentTraining

CMHC provides a Capacity DevelopmentTraining program to assist housing providersin acquiring the skills they need to organizethemselves and develop and managehousing. The CHMC training program isflexible and can accommodate almost anytraining that an affordable housing providerthinks will help them along. Trainingprograms are divided into three modules:

Organizational Development - to helphousing providers understand their roles,responsibilities, liabilities and legalobligations.

Housing Project Development - To helphousing providers understand communityhousing needs through market assessmentand examination of development options.This module also covers project viability,leveraging funds, finding partners andunderstanding the design and tenderingprocess.

Housing Project Management - To provide anoverview of housing project managementand maintenance. Training is morespecifically focused on financial planningand budgeting for repairs and upgrades.

Training offered by CHMC can be tailored tothe needs and skill level of housing providersand developers. This program is availablethroughout the year.

Contact: Carla StaresinaPhone: (902) 426-8430

Home Energy Efficiency RetrofitGrants

In Canada’s commitments to the KyotoProtocol, a goal was set for energyefficiency retrofits of 20 percent of existinglow-rise housing by 2010. The Governmentof Canada launched a grant program toencourage homeowners, particularly thosewho have older homes, to retrofit theirhomes to make them more energy efficient.The applicant dwelling must have received a

pre and post-retrofit energy efficiency ratingunder ‘EnerGuide for Houses’ to be eligiblefor the grant. One time grants are providedto owner occupied homes and Aboriginalhousing, to a maximum value of $3,348. Thehouse must be a principal residence that is alow-rise, detached, semi-detached or rowhouse or a mobile home on a permanentfoundation. The applicant’s house must notshare heated areas with another house.Rental properties are not eligible for thisprogram.

The grant application must be submitted toNRCan (Natural Resources Canada) no laterthan 18 months after the date of the pre-retrofit evaluation. The closing date forsubmissions is March 31, 2007, when thisprogram expires. For an application, phonethe toll-free number below.

Contact: Natural Resources CanadaToll-free: 1 (800) 387 2000

Website: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/houses-maisons/english/homeowners/grant/grant.cfm

Supporting CommunitiesPartnership Initiative (SCPI)

The SCPI program is a community basedapproach offering local, long-term solutionsas well as immediate care to the needs ofhomeless people, and is one of severalprograms belonging to the federal NationalHomelessness Initiative. Halifax has beenselected as one of ten national “mostaffected cities”. The program is funded bythe federal Department of Labour andHousing, but locally coordinated by theCommunity Action on Homelessness.

Funding is available under SCPI for pre-development costs of projects aimed athousing the homeless or people with low-income, but also issues proposal calls forspecific capital homeless initiatives.

Contact: Judy McMillanPhone: (902) 426-2568

Website: www.homelessness.gc.ca/initiative/scpi_e.asp

Other Federal Housing Programs

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The Canadian and Nova Scotia governmentsagreed to assign $37 million towardsaddressing the need for affordable housing.Funding for affordable housing projectsunder this agreement will be available until2007. There are four programs funded withinthe agreement, two for rental units and twofor owner occupied units. The Nova ScotiaDepartment of Community Servicesadministers the four programs under theagreement.

Contact: NS Community Services - HousingPhone: (902) 424-5110

The New Rental Housing Initiative

This program is focused on creatingaffordable rental housing through newconstruction or conversion of buildings fromother uses. Assistance is provided by directcapital contributions to affordable housingproviders for low and moderate incomehouseholds. Capital funding of $25,000 perunit is provided upfront, with an additional$25,000 per unit provided in supplementalfunding over 10 years.

Projects sponsored under the New RentalHousing Initiative must meet a specificcriteria, developed by proposal call to boththe private sector and the non-profit sector.The second proposal call expired in February2005, and a third proposal call isanticipated. Requests for information aboutthis program or the proposal package can bedirected to the Nova Scotia Department ofCommunity Services.

Home Ownership PreservationProgram

The program assists in maintainingaffordable home ownership in specificallytargeted areas where the loss of affordablehousing stock is occurring. This program isfocused on renovating buildings to convertthem from other uses and carrying out majorrepairs to provide a standard of health andsafety. Nova Scotia has one of the highestrates of home ownership in the Canada, butalso has a large stock of older houses.

Like the other programs, assistance is

provided by direct capital contributionsbetween $25,000$ and $30,000 per house, toreduce costs and maintain housing so it isaffordable for people with low and moderateincomes. The program is meant tocomplement existing ResidentialRehabilitation and Assistance Programs(RRAP) funding, where the original sum isnot enough to cover the building repairs.

New Home Purchase Program

This program assists affordable homeownership within designated ‘urban areasbeing revitalized’ by either new buildingconstruction or conversion of existingbuildings from other uses. The programencourages moderate income households toremain in a community, by assisting them inpurchasing a new home.

Assistance is provided by direct capitalcontributions, aimed at reducing costs andmake the housing affordable for people withlow and moderate incomes. Forgivable loanagreements of between $30,000 - $40,000are available for each property, butrestrictions exist so that any unforgivenportion of the loan must be repaid if the unitownership changes within a decade.

Rental Housing Preservation Program

This program is focused on non-profithousing providers creating affordable rentalhousing through the acquisition orrenovation of existing buildings or housing atrisk of being removed from the pool ofaffordable housing. Capital fundingassistance is aimed at reducing costs andmaking the housing affordable for peoplewith low and moderate incomes.

Capital funding of $25,000 per unit isprovided upfront, with an additional $25,000per unit in supplemental funding added over10 years.

The program administrators work with pre-selected non-profit groups, so this programis not as accessible as others. However,groups interested in this program should callNova Scotia Department of CommunityServices for more information.

Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Agreement

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The Nova Scotia government is directlyresponsible for housing in Nova Scotia. TheProvince, through the Department ofCommunity Services, plays a major role inaffordable housing by influencing municipalplanning and development decisions throughpolicy and legislation and by funding housingprojects, either through land donations orfinancial assistance. Provincial programsintended for the public at large or affordablehousing providers are described on the NovaScotia Department of Community Serviceswebsite:

www.gov.ns.ca/coms/hous/programs/default.asp

Telephone and mail contact information forthe Halifax metro area is:

Dapartment of Community Services - Housing2131 Gottingen Street, Suite 502Halifax NS B3J 3E4

Phone: (902) 424-5110Toll free: 1-800-774-5130

Parent Apartment Program

This program will loan a family member up to$25,000 to build an addition to a house for anelderly relative. The family member eligiblefor benefits under the program must be olderthan 50 and have an income of less than$20,000. The building addition must add aminimum of 120 square feet of space(including closet space) and have abathroom that is easily accessible. Interestrates may vary with income, and loans mustbe repaid within 10 years.

Small Loan Assistance Program

This program improves housing conditionsby providing low interest loans to qualifiedapplicants. Low interest loans of up to$20,000 are available to households whoseincome is less than $35,000, who own theirown home and have a good credit rating.Loans less than $3,000 are secured by apromissory note and loans greater than$20,000 are secured by a registeredmortgage. A title search is required for

loans over $5,000. The loan interest ratevaries, depending on income, and therepayment period is usually 5 to 10 years,depending on the loan amount.

Shelter Enhancement Program

SEP offers capital funding to support non-profit groups in enhancing existing sheltersfor women or children victims of familyviolence. This program covers both newdevelopment and renovation of existingstock. For new projects, a contribution of upto 100% of capital costs may be awarded,secured by a forgivable 15-year mortgage.For renovation, loans vary up to $18,000 perunit, according to the location and numberof existing units within the project.

Senior Citizens Assistance Program

Grants of up to $5,000 are available forhomeowners over 65 years old to repairconditions that threaten the occupants’health and safety (e.g., roofing, plumbing,heating, etc). The maximum grant of $3,000is available to homeowners with incomesless than $11,000. Households eligible forthis program must have annual incomes lessthan $20,000.

Provincial Housing EmergencyRepair Program

This program provides assistance to lowincome households who cannot afford tocarry out emergency repairs on their homes.Grants of up to $5,000 are available forhouseholds making less than $14,000 a yearto make safety related improvements to asingle family residence. This program isoriented towards homeowners in smallertowns or rural areas.


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Home Adaptations for Seniors’Independence (HASI)

The HASI programs offer a maximum grantof $2,500 to homeowners or landlords to payfor home adaptations to extend the timeseniors can live independently in their ownhomes. Funds are awarded to applicantsassisting people 65 years and older, withobvious declining mobility. The grant must beused for upgrades that foster seniorindependence, such as handrails, grab bars,walk in showers or lever handles on doors.The income limit for people eligible for thisprogram varies, depending on location andhousehold size.

HASI applicants must fill out a general form,available at any of the Department ofCommunity Services offices and theapplication is sent to the appropriateprogram managers. Applicants are asked toprovide their last income tax return, andhomeowners are to provide proof of homeownership (eg. property tax bill or deed).

After an application is made, an inspector issent to the applicant residence to considerwhat is being proposed. The inspectorreports to the program manager, and theapplication process continues.

Rent Supplement Program

The purpose of this program is to assist inmaintaining adequate, affordable rentalhousing to seniors and families on fixed orlow incomes. Applicant income, family size,special needs, and present accommodationsare considered before acceptance. The rentsupplement program is a rental subsidy paidto selected private landlords and housingco-ops who have entered into an agreementwith the Province. The rent paid by tenants isbased on their household income, and thedifference between what the tenant pays andthe local market rent is supplemented to thelandlord by the program.

Contact: Metropolitan Housing AuthorityPhone: (902) 420-6000

Access-A-Home

This program provides funds for renovationsto make houses wheelchair accessible forfamily members with long-term disabilities.Households with incomes less than $30,000are eligible for grants between $1,000 and$3,000.

Access-A-Home applicants must fill out ageneral form, available at any of theDepartment of Community Services offices,and the application is sent to the appropriateprogram managers. Applicants are asked toprovide their last income tax return, andproof of home ownership (eg. property taxbill or deed). After an application is made aninspector is sent to the applicant residenceto look at what is being proposed. Theinspector reports to the program manager,and the application process continues.

Family Modest Housing Program

This program is designed to provide fundsfor lower and middle income families to buildor buy modest housing. Mortgages of up to$70,000 are offered to families with incomesless than $50,000 who do not own a home,have a good credit rating, steadyemployment and the ability to repay the loan.Interest rates are fixed for 5 years and mustbe repaid within 25 years.


13

Notes

There are several RRAP programs forhomeowners or landlords who ownapartments and rooming housing. TheseRRAP programs repair substandarddwellings of households that are unable toafford shelter that meets adequacy,suitability and affordability norms. Fundingfor this program is provided jointly by theGovernment of Canada (75%) and theProvince of Nova Scotia (25%).

To access any of the RRAP programs,applicants must fill out a general form,available at any Department of CommunityServices offices and staff will forward theapplication to the appropriate programmanagers. Applicants are asked to providetheir last income tax return and homeownersare to provide proof of home ownership (eg.property tax bill or deed).

After an application is made for theseprograms, an inspector is sent to theapplicant’s residence to look at buildingcondition and consider the proposedrenovation. The inspector reports to theprogram manager, and the applicationprocess begins.

Homeowner RRAP

This program provides homeowners with aforgivable loan of up to $12,000 to repairsubstandard housing. The amount offinancial assistance depends on the cost ofrepairs, household income and housing size.

Rental RRAP

The Rental RRAP provides landlords withforgivable loans of up to $18,000 per unit, topay for the mandatory repairs to apartmentsfor low income occupants. Landlords mustenter into an agreement that limits rentincreases after assistance is provided.

Disabled RRAP for Landlords

This program provides landlords withforgivable loans of up to $18,000 per unit tocarry out work to modify a unit for a disabledoccupant.

Disabled RRAP for Homeowners

This RRAP program provides a loan of up to$16,000 for homeowners to modify theirhomes to accommodate somebody with adisability. Up to $12,000 of this loan may beforgivable, depending on household incomeand cost of repairs.

Rooming House RRAP

The Rooming House RRAP assists landlordsof rooming houses by providing up to$12,000 per unit in forgivable loans formandatory repairs. Landlords must enterinto an agreement that limits rent increasesafter assistance is provided.

Conversion RRAP

This program provides forgivable loans toentrepreneurs, non-profit groups, co-operatives, and Municipalities to convertnon-residential properties into affordablerental housing units and/or units for lowincome households. Landlords renting torelatives are not eligible for assistance.

Eligible properties must be five years orolder and be non-residential property free ofenvironmental hazards. The maximum loan is$24,000 for self-contained units and $16,000for shared units, forgivable over a period ofup to fifteen years.

Residential Rehabilitation and Assistance Programs (RRAP)

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Community ACCESS-ability Program

This program, under the Nova ScotiaDepartment of Municipal Services, offerscost shared grants to non-profit communityorganizations for accessibility relatedcapital improvements, such as newconstruction aimed at improving publicaccessibility or to upgrade existingaccessible facilities, using the Barrier FreeDesign requirements of the Nova ScotiaBuilding Code Regulations.

The program is intended for shelters andgroup homes run by non-profit groups.

Grants of up to 2/3 of eligible costs to amaximum of $10,000 per project areavailable. Cost sharing is required, butapplicants may use donations of eligiblelabour and materials as part of theircontribution. Grants from other governmentsources may affect the amount awardedunder this program.

The deadline for applications is March 31 ofeach year. Application forms are available onthe website listed below.

Contact: Karen RamslandPhone: (902) 424-7798

Website: www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/muns/infr/access/access.asp

Community Development /Community Wellness Fund (CD fund)

The Chebucto West and Halifax PeninsulaCommunity Health Boards CommunityWellness Fund handed out over $100,000worth of grants to twenty groups in 2004.The fund has five categories to apply under.Affordable housing providers may applyunder the ‘Social Supports’ or ‘HealthyEnvironments’ categories.

This fund is focussed on grassroots groups,and is noted to be an easy program to applyfor.

Contact: Sharon FraserPhone: (902) 424-5147

Website: www.cdha.nshealth.ca./communityhealth/halifaxpen/index.html

Other Nova Scotia Housing Programs

15

Notes

The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM)does not play a direct role in the funding anddelivery of affordable housing, but supportsnon-profit groups through the CommunityGrants program, councillor funds, taxexemptions and capital land donations. Eachprogram has policies, procedures, eligibilitycriteria and an annual budget.

HRM Community Grants Program

The Community Grants program providesboth one-time and multi-year grants to non-profit organizations for special initiatives.This includes capital funding for affordableand supported housing and emergencyassistance for vulnerable individuals. Thisprogram targets ten categories under threesectors. Each category offers ProgramGrants (up to $5000) and Capital Grants (upto $25,000). The Capital Grants programprovided over $480,000 to 98 differentgroups in 2004. Specific criteria apply toeach category. Potential applicants areencouraged to read “Community GrantsProgram 2005-2006 Handbook” for moreinformation, which can be downloaded forfrom this website address:

www.halifax.ca/boardscom/bccgrants/grants.html

The other grant sectors where housinggroups may be eligible to receive fundinginclude:

Healthy Communities Sector

♦ Affordable Housing – Details arelisted on page 17

♦ Environment – Program Grants areavailable for ‘greening’ projects, birdfeeding stations or bird nestingboxes. Capital grants are available forlook-off or viewing stations, outdoorseating and other expenses forbuilding outdoor amenities

♦ Supportive Housing – Grants aregiven to groups that operate assistedliving accommodations for personswith special needs. Program and

Capital Grants are available for avariety of construction,maintenance and acquisition projectsfor supportive housing

Safe Communities Sector

♦ Emergency Assistance – Funding isavailable for projects on communityowned and operated sites thatprovide crisis support with access tothe general public, but does notinclude affordable or supportivehousing applicants.

♦ Emergency Shelters - These grantsare available for projects by groupsthat operate shelters for peopledeemed to be at risk.

♦ Social Supports – Grants areavailable for groups that providesupport to people who face barriersto participating in community lifedue to disability, literacy, economicstatus or family composition.Affordable housing groups can applyunder this category.

Cultural Communities Sector

♦ Heritage – Affordable housing groupscan apply for funding if their projectprotects heritage assets or promotesthe unique character of the HRM.Program Grants are available forphotograph displays, reproduction ofolder properties or for specializedstorage equipment. Capital grantsare available for buildings with ahistorical character.

♦ Ethnocultural – These grants areavailable for groups to preserve localcustoms and traditions, and promotea collective, distinctive and localsocial heritage.

♦ Arts and Crafts – Affordable housinggroups may apply for these grants ifa project helps publicize local talent,original composition and artisticexpression.


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Priority in the Affordable Housing categoryis given to independent livingaccommodations for low and moderateincome groups, mixed use developments andprojects near existing services (roads,water, sewer, public transportation). Theprogram also prioritizes re-development ofpotential heritage properties, urban infill,abandoned buildings and the re-use ofcommercial or industrial sites for lofts, live-in studios, apartments or co-operative living.Proposals that demonstrate good planning,community integration, sustainability andaesthetic design are encouraged.

The program does not fund groups for whothey are, but funds groups for the activitiesthey want to do. In the Affordable Housingcategory, the activities eligible for ProgramGrants include technical studies, such asmarket analysis, feasibility studies,environmental assessment, and othersurveys or reports. Professional fees and thepurchase of safety equipment are alsoeligible expenses.

Activities listed as being eligible for CapitalGrants include energy efficiency andbuilding code compliance upgrades and‘Greening’ (planting trees, etc.) or majorrepairs to existing buildings. Capital Grantsmay also contribute towards costs ofpurchasing property or the construction ofaffordable housing.

Groups must be non-profit, located withinthe HRM and registered with the Nova ScotiaRegistry of Joint Stocks for at least one year.Funds must be spent on the submittedproject and not on staff salaries. Groupsapplying must submit financial statements,and prove that they can meet all their legal,fundraising, financial and organizationalobligations.

Municipal staff accepts grant applicationson behalf of the HRM Grants Committee,who make recommendations to RegionalCouncil for final approval.

Grant proposals or information requests canphone or mail to:

HRM Grants Programc/o Regional Grants Program Co-ordinatorPO Box 1749Halifax NS B3J 3A5Phone: (902) 490-5469

Deadline: March 31 (Some programs vary)

Website: www.halifax.ca/boardscom/bccgrants/grants.html

Residential Property Tax ExemptionProgram

This program reduces the amount ofproperty tax for HRM property owners with agross yearly income of under $26,000. Thevalue of the tax rebate is calculated usinggross household income, the residentialportion of property tax assessment and theamount of property tax billed. This programallows for flexibility in paying property taxthrough either a payment plan, a propertytax rebate or a deferral, depending on thehomeowner’s needs.

HRM staff have some flexibility in thesematters, so if the circumstances are special,people are encouraged to call HRM staff foradvice. Program applications are available inMay from HRM Customer Service Centres,but application deadline is December 31 forthe following fiscal year.

Contact:

HRM Customer ServicePhone: (902) 490-4000Toll Free: 1 (800) 835-6428

HRM Tax & Grants OfficePhone: (902) 490-5454


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Property Tax Exemption for Non-Profit Organizations

Under By-law T-201, HRM can offer propertytax exemptions and reductions to non-profitorganizations based on the type of servicethey provide to the community. Thisexemption was extended to affordablehousing groups in 2004.

Eligible non-profit groups must be registeredwith the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stockswith a Federal Charitable Status Number,and the program applicant must be theregistered property owner. Other eligiblegroups in the housing sector include,transitional residences, emergency sheltersand homes for persons with special needs.Levels of tax relief vary and are non-transferable. Tax exemptions must berenewed each year.

Application forms are available inSeptember, can be either downloaded fromthe website listed below or mailed to peopleinterested by writing to:

HRM Grants Program3rd Floor, 5251 Duke Street,PO Box 1749Halifax NS B3J 3A5

Contact: HRM Financial ServicesPhone: (902) 490-4000Deadline: Nov 30 for the following fiscal year

Website: www.halifax.ca/boardscom/bccgrants/taxexemp.html

Councillors District Activity Fund

Each Councillor is allocated $3,000 yearly toprovide modest donations (under $500) tovolunteer groups and projects within theirelectoral district. Funds must be spentbefore March 31. This fund is for causes thatare not eligible for funding under the CapitalGrants programs, because they are too smallor time sensitive.

Applicants must be registered non-profitorganizations or charities. Staff at theCouncillors’ Support Office and FinancialServices process these requests for funds.

Requests are received throughout the year.

Contact: Your Municipal Councillor orCouncillors’ Support Office

Councillor Support Office phone numbers:

Halifax and area Councillors(902) 490-4050

Dartmouth and area Councillors(902) 490-5692

Sackville and area Councillors(902) 869-4360

Cole Harbour and area Councillors(902) 490-6261

Fall River and area Councillors(902) 860-4258

Land Donations and Below MarketValue Sales

HRM periodically donates surplus land tonon-profit groups. Affordable housingproviders are eligible to request that themunicipality sell them land at less thanmarket rates. To promote the financialaspect of the affordable housing, themunicipality has in the past financed theland sale through deferred payments. Landdonations or sales must go through a publicmeeting.

Contact:HRM Real EstatePhone: (902) 490-5931

HRM Planning and Development ServicesPhone: (902) 490-4612


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Each private charitable foundation expectsapplicants to be registered charities. Groupsapplying are encouraged to learn moreabout the foundations they are applying for,as each program has different degrees ofrestriction.

The Edwards Family CharitableFoundation

This foundation places emphasis on fundingNova Scotia charities for children,disadvantaged, the community andinnovative causes that promote socialresponsiveness. Donations are awarded inmid December.

For an application form, phone or write to:

PO Box 29093Halifax Shopping Centre RPOHalifax NS B3L 4T8Phone/ Fax: (902) 466-0085

Flemming Charitable Foundation

The foundation funds smaller charitableorganizations in the HRM that focus onrelieving poverty and illness.

For an application form, phone or write to:

Fleming Charitable FoundationPO Box 65Dartmouth NS B2Y 3Y2Phone: (902) 435-1291

Bishop William E. Power FamilyCharitable Foundation

Part of the foundation’s mission is to assistthe poor by providing seed funding forprojects that enable those in need to helpthemselves. Housing is specificallymentioned as a funding target.

For more information, phone or write to:

WIlliam E Power Charitable FoundationPO Box 5000Antigonish NS B2G 2W5Phone: (902) 867-2375 Fax: (902) 867-3628

United Way of Halifax

The United Way supports selected localcharities and organizations through theiryearly fundraising campaigns. Phone orwrite to the United Way and ask for an‘Expression of interest’. This packagecontaining the guidelines for funding.

47 Portland StreetDartmouth NS B2I 1H4Phone: (902) 422-1501

The McCain Foundation

The McCain Foundation funds a wide varietyof Maritime charities. The foundation will faxor mail information and applications togroups upon request.

c/o Kim DeMerchant, Secretary, CharitableDonations107 Main StreetFlorenceville NB E7L 1B2Phone: (506) 392-5541 Fax: (506) 392-6840

The Beaverbrook CanadianFoundation

This foundation funds organizations seekingto improve the quality of life for the nextgeneration, mainly in the Maritimes, throughactivities in the fields of education, health,social welfare, and culture. For moreinformation, phone or write to:

Beaverbrook Foundation Head Officec/o Mr. Hugh Cowans350 Brandy Cove RoadSt. Andrews NB E0G 2X0Phone: (506) 529-4432 Fax: (506) 529-4435

Alward Charitable Foundation

The foundation funds charities in generaland groups can apply by sending a letterdescribing their project to:

Alward Charitable FoundationPO Box 2001Havelock NB E4Z 6H3Phone: (506) 534-2241 Fax: (506) 534-8263

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Private Charitable Foundations

Sir Joseph Flavelle Foundation

The foundation’s purpose is to providefunding, with a preference for seed andproject funding, to smaller registeredcharitable organizations in Canada involvedin innovative projects that directly supporttheir local communities.

Grants of between $500 and $2,500 areawarded in December of each year. Formore information, phone or write to:

Sir Joseph Flavelle Foundationc/o Scotiatrust1 Adelaide Street East, 4th FloorToronto ON M5C 2W8Phone: (416) 361-3615 Fax: (416) 361-3717

Donner Canadian Foundation

The foundation is a general charity thatallocates funds to charitable groups fordevelopment projects and social servicesacross Canada. The foundation does notaccept unsolicited requests. Instead, groupscan send the director a two or three pagedescription of their goals and programs, andthe letter is kept on file. Letters can be sentto:

Donner Canadian FoundationPatrick Luciani, Executive Director8 Prince Arthur Avenue, 3rd FloorToronto ON M5R 1A9Website: www.donnerfoundation.org

The McLean Foundation

This foundation funds local projects bycharities across Canada related to the arts,health and welfare. Groups can apply bywriting a brief letter describing theapplicant, project goal, duration, references,previous contact and finances. The lettercan be sent to:

The McLean Foundationc/o Ms. Ev McTaggart2 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 1008Toronto ON M4V 1L5Phone: (416) 964-6802 Fax: (416) 964-2804Website: www.mcleanfoundation.on.ca/

The J.W. McConnell FamilyFoundation

This foundation supports initiatives acrossCanada that directly strengthencommunities. Housing corporations thatprovide low-cost housing for the aged areinvited to apply, although funds are notavailable for buildings, facilities orequipment. The foundation funds projectsthat respond to a pressing national socialissue, such as affordable housing. This fundalso supports training and leadershipinitiatives and may make exceptional grantsthat fall outside of its stated restrictions.

Organizations are invited to submit a four orfive page project summary by mail to:

The J.W. McConnell Family Foundationc/o The Secretary1002 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1800Montréal QC H3A 3L6Website: www.mcconnellfoundation.ca/

Dewdney Family CharitableFoundation

The mission of the foundation is to providefinancial assistance to groups focussed onhelping youth and families.

For more information about this foundation,phone or write to:

Dewdney Family Charitable Foundationc/o Wilfred Taylor, PresidentMcClurkin Ahier & Company57 Queen StreetStreetsville ON L5M 1K3Phone: (905) 858-4147 Fax: (905) 858-1162

The Harold E. Ballard Foundation

The foundation is known to provide financialsupport for special needs housing groups.For more information, phone or write to:

The Harold E. Ballard Foundationc/o Thomas W. OuchterlonyBorden Ladner GervaisScotia Plaza 40 King Street WestToronto ON M5H 3Y4Phone: (416) 367-6006 Fax: (416) 361-7098

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Private Charitable Foundations

Most of the corporate foundations requireapplicants to be registered charities. Groupsare encouraged to explore these programsbefore applying, as many have restrictionsthat are not listed here.

Citigroup Foundation

The Citigroup Foundation supports initiativeswhich help build the communities in whichCitigroup does business, which includes theHRM.

The CitiFinancial Local ContributionsProgram is designed to help CitiFinancialbranches contribute to not-for-profitcharitable organizations. Construction andrenovation of affordable housing is one oftheir priorities. The Local ContributionProgram administers grants made availablethrough the Citigroup Foundation.

Grants range between $100 and $5,000.Applications are available at the localCitifinancial branch.

Halifax Dartmouth6100 Young Street 100 Main Street,Halifax NS B3K 2A4 Dartmouth NS B2X 1R5(902) 455-2228 (902) 462-4097

Website: www.citifinancial.ca/eng/ewho/ecommunity.html

RBC Foundation

This foundation is focused on fundingcommunity programs related to youth andthe elderly, and has given to non-profithousing projects in the past.

The list of application requirements can befound on their website.

RBC Foundationc/o Lori Smith, Manager Public Affairs5161 George Street, 13th FloorHalifax NS B3J 2Y1

Website: www.rbc.com/community/donations/

Download form at: www.rbc.com/community/donations/Atlantic.rtf

CIBC In Your Community

CIBC gives priority to organizations andcauses that contribute to and supportcommunity development.

Requirements and restrictions are listed onthe CIBC website. Applicants can send theirinformation to:

CIBC In Your Community - Atlantic1809 Barrington Street, 16th FloorHalifax NS B3J 3K8Fax: (902) 429-6416

Website: www.cibc.com/ca/inside-cibc/cibc-your-community/how-to-apply-for-funding.html

Manulife Partner in the CommunityProgram

Manulife supports many community focusedgroups and programs. Each year employeesgive their time, energy and commitment toraise funds and offer volunteer support for alarge number of community organizations.

Manulife require a comprehensivedescription of the organization and project,these requirements are listed on thewebsite. Groups applying for this programmust use the online application form.

Website: www.manulife.com/corporate/corporate2.nsf/Public/corporategiving.html#

21

Corporate Charitable Foundations

Notes

Bank of Montreal Community GivingProgram

Bank of Montreal gives grants to communityprojects and has given funds to groups thatprovide housing affordable for low-incomefamilies. Affordable housing groups mustapply under the ‘Civic and CommunityService’ category.

Applicants should send a short letter ofinquiry describing their project to theaddress below. When a project is selected,applicants will be asked to submit aproposal.

BMO Financial GroupDonations Coordinator-Atlantic DivisionPO Box 22075151 George Street, 15th FloorHalifax NS B3J 3C4Phone: (902) 421-3405

Website: www2.bmo.com/content/0,1263,divId-7_langId-1_navCode-3676,00.html

Bank of Montreal Fountain of HopeEmployee Foundation

Fountain of Hope is run entirely by Bank ofMontreal employees and donates funds tocharities across Canada where the primaryfocus is humanitarian causes.

To make a donation request, download anapplication from the website and mail theforms to:

Fountain of Hope - Atlantic Regionc/o Marilyn Dawdy - Regional Administrator5151 George Street, 15th floorHalifax NS B3J 1M5Phone: (902) 421-3555

Website: www.fountainofhope.ca/application.html


22

Canadian Tire Foundation forFamilies

Foundation for Families is a cluster ofsmaller programs that provides assistanceto charitable organizations that help familiesmeet their basic needs, including shelter.

Program details are listed on the website.Groups must make a written request forfunding and send it to:

Canadian Tire Foundation for Families2180 Yonge Street, 10th FloorToronto ON M4P 2V8Phone: 1(877) 616-6600

Website: www2.canadiantire.ca/CTenglish/foundation.html

ING Canada Online

ING Canada provides donations andcommunity investment funding for not-for-profit and registered charitableorganizations in Canada that are importantin the communities where ING employeeslive. ING does not support capitalcampaigns, but has supported communityhousing projects in the past. Groups applyingfor funds must use the online applicationform.

Website: www.ingcanada.com/en/foundation_apply.html

online application. Requirements andrestrictions can be found on the TD website.

Website: www.td.com/community/how_submit.jsp#focus

Online application: www.grantrequest.com/SID_371/

Nova Scotia Credit UnionsCharitable Foundation

Grants are provided to charitableorganizations whose work is in keeping withthe four main giving areas of the foundation(health care, education, the environment andthe arts). This charity has given money togroups involved with providing emergencyshelter and women’s shelters.

For more information or to apply, visit theNova Scotia Credit Union website at:

Website: www.ns-credit-unions.com/cf-howtoapply.html

Imperial Oil Charitable Foundation

This foundation gives grants to programsaimed at improving the health ofcommunities, such as those that emphasizewellness, safety and healthy lifestyles.Feasibility studies, funds for operatingbudgets or groups funded by the United Wayare not eligible.

Grants are directed to community basedprojects that improve the quality of life incommunities where the company hasemployees. The HRM is an eligible area, sosend application or information requests to:

Imperial Oil Foundation111 St. Clair Avenue WestToronto ON M5W 1K3

Phone: 1(800) 668-3776Website: www.imperialoil.ca/Canada-English/Thisis/Donations/Charitable/TI_D_C_CharitableDonations.asp

TD Canada Trust ‘The FutureMatters’ Program

TD Canada Trust offers cash donations,gifts-in-kind and charitable sponsorships tocharitable non-profit groups that promotearts and culture, improve social services,and strengthen our civic institutions.

Groups applying for funding can use the


23

Notes

This handbook was printed with fundsprovided by the Government of Canada

Planning and Development ServicesPO Box 1749Halifax, NS B3J 3A5Phone: (902) 490-4612www.halifax.ca/planning/homeless

Many people contributed advice and information for this handbook. Thanks to

the staff at the HRM Housing Resource Group in the HRM Planning Department,

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Nova Scotia Department of

Community Services. This is a student project by T. Williams.

http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census01/Products/Standard/themes/Statistics Canada Census Topic Based Tabulations

http://www.gov.ns.ca/finance/communitycounts/technotes.aspNova Scotia Community Counts Census information

http://www.proposalwriter.com/sitemap.htmlProposal writing ideas

http://halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/services/information.html#smallInformation about services provided by the Halifax Public Library

http://www.charityvillage.com/Canada’s supersite for the non-profit sector

http://www.onpha.on.ca/publications/A variety of publications and resource guides for non-profit housing groups

http://bsa.cbsc.orgBusiness Startup Assistant, from the Canadian Business Service Centre

http://www.imagine.caImagine Canada encourages partnerships between charities, business and non-profit

groups to build stronger Canadian communities

http://www.ginsler.com/html/free.htpWebsite with resources for non-profit groups

http://www.designadvisor.org/Design ideas for affordable housing

Internet Links for Affordable Housing

affordable housing handbook affordable housing programs in the halifax area

Documents