Funding Sources and Partnerships
For larger projects, playground planning committees may consider and apply for grants through multiple sources, including municipal, provincial, and federal sources, as well as business and corporate partners.
The funding required for a project may exceed the maximum funding available through one source. For example, applications for larger funding amounts may be directed to provincial sources, with additional applications being made through the Municipality through community grants programs to cover smaller portions of a larger project.
Planning committees may also consider a planned, phased-in approach, where individual components of a larger project are completed over a period of several years.
Creating partnerships with private sector, non-profit and community organizations (i.e. advocacy groups, corporate or local businesses) is welcomed. Organizations, corporations and businesses must reflect the Vision, Mission and Core Beliefs of the SRCE and receive prior approval. As a registered charity, the SRCE will issue tax receipts for contributions made to the project.
Planning committees should consider infrastructure in the broader community to see if there are options for shared spaces. It is important to work collaboratively as a community to create, refurbish, or enhance spaces, that will not only benefit the school but the community as a whole. Collaboration with town/community, municipal and provincial and educational leaders may result in a coordinated, strategic, long-term community or regional plan that is responsive to the needs of the broader community.
Provincial Funding
The Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage (CCTH) offers several grants that support projects that align with the recreation goals and priorities of their community and the Shared Strategy for Advancing Recreation in Nova Scotia. Post-secondary education institutions, and schools (through their Regional Centre for Education and Conseil scolaire acadien provincial whose facilities are available for community use) may be eligible for funding to develop or enhance sport, physical activity and recreation, including:
1. Community Recreation Capital Grant – CRCG: For smaller capital recreation projects of $30,000 or less, including playground projects that require refurbishing, schools may be eligible for funding through the Community Recreation Capital Grants – CRCG. Funding may be available for up to 1/3 of a maximum of $8,000.
2. Recreation Facility Development Grant: For projects over $30,000, funding may be available to fund 2/3 of total cost, to a maximum of $150,000. This is a competitive program and process, and funding is not available to all applicants.
3. Community Accessibility Program: Funding for refurbishment or new builds may be available for 2/3 of a project cost to a maximum of $58,000. Accessibility requirements as outlined in Access by Design 2030 must be followed.
For a full CCTH online grant program guide, please see the following resource:
Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage Funding Programs and Resources (2024-2025)
For a list of grants, program and eligibility criteria, and application processes offered by Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, please refer to their website at the following link: Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.
To discuss any of the Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity funding programs, please contact the corresponding regional manager for the area.
Municipal
The Recreation Department of each municipal unit within the Strait Regional Centre for Education provides recreational programs, services and equipment for residents of every age across their counties and districts. In collaboration with the Strait Regional Centre for Education, there are several partnerships that enable shared use of space to provide recreation opportunities for the whole community beyond the instructional day and throughout the summer.
In each municipality, there are a number of funding programs available which help cover some of the costs associated with participating in a variety of recreation programs and sporting activities, as well as a commitment to projects and initiatives that are inclusive, equitable and accessible and eliminate barriers to participation.
Additionally, there are several initiatives that have resulted from coordination, collaboration, co-sponsorship, and cost-sharing that have enhanced recreational and educational opportunities for County residents. Through these collaborations, several community use of schools’ initiatives have provided recreation activities in gymnasiums, outdoor fields, and play spaces to the community at large.
The Municipality of the County of Inverness currently offers a grant to communities in Inverness County and not-for -profit groups who have partnered with schools/education entities on projects related to physical activity and healthy living. Funding from this source may be combined with money raised through fundraising efforts and funding received from other sources. Application criteria and funding applications for the Community District/Regional Development Grant & Recreation Facility Grant Funding can be accessed through the links provided below:
For additional information on programs, services and potential funding and partnership opportunities, contact the municipal office and recreation department in your specific region.
Municipality of the County of Richmond
Municipality of the District of Guysborough
Municipality of the County of Antigonish
Municipality of the County of Inverness
Town of Port Hawkesbury
Town of Antigonish
Canada Post Community Foundation Grants
Canada Post will support projects that include playground equipment and upgrades to parks, and sporting equipment. A full list of eligible projects that have been supported in the past can be found in the link below:
Eligible Projects for Community Foundation Grants