Northern and Regional Economic Development Program

Important dates

Overview

The Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) Program funds initiatives led by Alberta municipalities, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations that promote regional economic development and diversification.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants

Entities eligible to apply for funding under the NRED Program include:

• incorporated non-profit organizations
• municipalities
• Indigenous communities, including First Nations or Metis Settlements

Applications from project-based partnerships are permitted provided the application is submitted by an eligible entity (listed above). This entity will be considered the ‘lead’ and, if successful, will enter an agreement with the Alberta government on behalf of their organization and their partner(s).

Eligible projects

The NRED Program funds initiatives that support economic development and will achieve tangible and impactful results in one or more of the following priority areas:

• investment in economic development infrastructure
• business supports
• labour force attraction and retention
• tourism planning, capacity building and infrastructure
• economic development capacity building

Project streams

Applicants are required to apply under one of the following 2 streams:

Northern Development and Indigenous Stream

Open to eligible projects based in northern Alberta and to Indigenous applicants.

Regional Development Stream

Open to eligible projects based outside of northern Alberta and to applicants who do not represent Indigenous organizations or communities.

Funding

Approved applicants are eligible to receive between $20,000 to $200,000 to support eligible project costs. While there is no maximum total project cost under the program, grant funding will not exceed $200,000 per project.

For Indigenous applicants

• The NRED Program will provide up to 75% of total eligible project costs.
• Total eligible project costs must be a minimum of $26,675.
• Applicants must be able to match the funding requested at a minimum of 25% of the total project cost.

For all other applicants (northern and regional projects)

• The NRED Program will provide up to 50% of total eligible project costs.
• Total eligible project costs must be a minimum of $40,000.
• Applicants must be able to match the funding requested at a minimum of 50% of the total project cost.

How to apply

The NRED Program follows a competitive application process. Applicants are required to fill out and submit their applications through the online application portal accessible through this web page.

A basic Alberta.ca Account, used across the Government of Alberta to authenticate online users, will be required to access the portal. If you do not have an Alberta.ca Account, you will be required to create one using the link provided on the application portal.

Step 1. Read the guidelines

NRED Application Guidelines

Step 2. Complete the application package

Include the following documents in your application package:

• Management and Measures template (XLSX, 13 KB)
• Budget template (XLSX, 24 KB)
• letters or documents confirming matching funding is secured or committed
• quotes to support the proposed budget
• letters of support – or other documents confirming support for the project from the community
• Band Council Resolution that authorizes the project (only for an applicant that is a First Nation)
• job description(s) if the funding request includes hiring new economic development staff as part of the project
• evidence of regulatory approval (if required)

Step 3. Submit the application package

Complete the application form through the online portal and upload the above documents.

After you apply

NRED Program applications will be evaluated through a competitive process in alignment with the program’s criteria.

The NRED Program has a limited funding pool, and not all eligible applicants may be approved for funding.

Final decisions are expected in March 2023.

Reporting

Applicants will be provided a grant agreement for successful projects. This grant agreement must be signed and returned by the recipient before the deadline communicated by the program – when the grant agreement is supplied.

The grant agreement will outline the terms and conditions of support. Before the release of any payment, this agreement must be signed by both parties:

• recipient organization’s representative
• representative from Jobs, Economy and Northern Development

As a part of the grant agreement, recipients will be required to regularly report on the financial status of projects and on the outcomes achieved. The reporting schedule and requirements will be outlined in the grant agreement.

Any significant variations in project scope or other requirements of the contract must be agreed to by both parties.

Contact

Connect with the NRED Program:

Email: [email protected]