How much funding is available?
Eligible non-profits and community organizations may apply for grants of up to $20,000.
Grassroots Grants Program
Grassroots Grants
Powering Our Communities
Communities are powered by more than electricity. They're powered by the people, organizations, and local initiatives that bring people together, address real needs, and make Nova Scotia stronger.
Through our Grassroots Grants program, we're proud to give back to the places we live and work by supporting community-led projects that help Nova Scotians thrive and create meaningful impact close to home.
Impacts Across Nova Scotia: Our Grassroots Grants Recipients
Since 2025, 18 organizations have received grants. We're proud to support these initiatives that make a lasting difference across Nova Scotia.
- Alma-Westville Community Program Society
Community program called Nourish, Flourish, Empower - Akoma Family Centre
Electrical upgrades to support washer and dryer - Boys and Girls Club of Preston
Fruits of Our Labour program - Community Justice Society
Creating Restorative Environments Within (CREW) - Lincolnville Community Development Association
Food pantry - Malagash Community Club
Building Digital Skills: Keeping Seniors Thriving in the Community - Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Society - Peer Outreach Support Services & Education (POSSE)
Friendship, Education, Acceptance, Shared meal & Thoughtfulness (FEAST) - Milton Community Association
Community garden - North Sydney Food Bank Society
Community Choice Food Access Program - Pugwash Community Garden
Community garden enhancement - Royal Canadian Legion Branch 4
Water treatment plan - St. Michael Catholic Parish Hall
Accessible door and ramp to hall - The Deanery Project
Woodworking hub and community tool library - Voglers Cove Community Hall
Health (CPR, AED) and kitchen ventilation - We Feed Lunenburg Association
Food access support - Woods Harbour Community Centre
Heat pump installation - YMCA Cape Breton
Community kitchen
Recipient Stories
Great things can grow from a single idea. Explore how organizations across Nova Scotia are using Grassroots Grants to turn ideas into action and create lasting impact in their communities.
The North Sydney Food Bank is reimagining what food assistance can look like with their Community Choice Food Access Program. This innovative approach is helping reduce waste while enhancing dignity and independence.
North Sydney Food Bank
Cape Breton
The Milton Community Association has transformed the site of the former pool into a space for people to garden, connect, and spend time together. The garden is helping turn a loss into an opportunity for connection, sustainability, and growth.
Milton Community Association
Queen’s County
Through the FEAST program, POSSE is using the power of food to bring people together. Through shared meals, cooking classes, and food supports, the program is building connections, reducing barriers, and creating a more inclusive community.
Peer Outreach Support Services & Education (POSSE)
Hants County
In Lincolnville, neighbours helping neighbours is more than a saying, it's a way of life. Through a community pantry program, residents are coming together to support one another and keep their community strong.
Lincolnville Community Development Association
Guysborough County
How It Works
Nova Scotia Power’s Grassroots Grants Program provides grants of up to $20,000 for projects and initiatives that build stronger communities and have a long-standing impact.
Program Objectives
- To enable local initiatives that are essential to the well-being and development of our communities.
Eligibility
- Registered non-profits and charities based in Nova Scotia are eligible to apply.
- Projects that focus on one of these key themes: Sustainability, Youth, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Food Security, Education, Safety, Community Development, Cultural Preservation.
Projects should align with Nova Scotia Power’s community investment priorities:
- Local voices: We support grassroots and community-led initiatives that matter most to Nova Scotians. From regional projects to local non-profits, we believe the best ideas often come from the ground up—and we’re here to help bring them to life.
- Connected Communities: We celebrate the traditions and shared experiences that bring people together. From festivals to parades to long-standing community events, we’re proud to support the activities that make each community unique.
- Safety & Resilience: We invest in building safer, more resilient communities across the province. This includes funding for training, equipment, and infrastructure improvements that help protect the places where people live, gather, and thrive.
Ineligible Activities and Expenses:
- Operating expenses, e.g., salaries, utility bills, rent, etc.
- Fundraising events or activities.
- Political Parties, political campaigns/candidates, and related advocacy groups.
- Religious institutions and related advocacy groups, unless there is an impact to the greater community.
- Research projects.
Application Process and Timeline
- Apply online: Submit your application online by November 13, 2026 at 11:59pm to be considered for funding.
- Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed by January 15, 2027, with grant winners notified by February 2027.
- Grant Distribution: Successful applicants will be awarded grants, either in partial or full, to support their projects.
Legal Terms and Conditions
1. Grant recipients will be selected by a Selection Committee, comprised of members of our Community Advisory Committee, in their sole discretion.
2. Grant applicants give Nova Scotia Power permission to share their organization name on all social media platforms in relation to the Grassroots Grants Program should they be successful in their application.
3. Nova Scotia power reserves the right to terminate the Grassroots Grants Program early and the circumstances under which they might do so.
4. Nova Scotia Power is not required to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.
Applications are open!
Together, we can power your next community project. Apply today for Grassroots Grants funding.
FAQs
Who can apply?
Registered Nova Scotia-based non-profits, charities, and community organizations.
What types of projects are eligible?
Many types of projects are eligible. Grassroots Grants supports initiatives that strengthen communities and create meaningful local impact, including projects focused on food security, education, sustainability, accessibility, health and wellness, and community connection.
What expenses can grant funding be used for?
Grants are intended to support project-based initiatives and may be used for project-related costs such as materials, equipment, supplies, program delivery, and other expenses directly related to the project.
When can I apply?
Application timelines and deadlines are posted during each intake period. Applications have opened October 1, 2026, and close November 13, 2026.
Can an organization apply more than once?
Previous recipients are permitted to apply for consecutive years.
How will I know if my application was received?
Applicants will receive an email confirmation after submitting their application, should you not receive this email please contact grassrootsgrants@nspower.ca.
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are reviewed by an external selection committee. Evaluations are based on eligibility requirements, project impact, community benefit, and alignment with program objectives.