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
How It Works
Nova Scotia Power's Grassroots Grants program provides funding of up to $20,000 to eligible non-profits, charities, and community organizations across Nova Scotia.
Eligibility
- Registered non-profits and charities based in Nova Scotia are eligible to apply.
- Grants of up to $20,000 are available.
- Funding will support projects and initiatives that create meaningful community impact.
- Projects must be completed within the eligible funding period.
Application Process
- Apply: Applications will open during the next intake period.
- Review: Applications are reviewed following the application deadline.
- Notification: Successful applicants will be notified following the review process.
- Funding: Grant funding is distributed to successful recipients after selection is complete.
Timeline
- Dates will be announced soon.
- Application Period: Fall 2026
- Recipients Notified: Winter 2027
- Project Completion: Projects must be completed within the eligible funding period.
1. Grant winners will be selected by Nova Scotia Power, in its sole discretion.
2. Grant applicants give Nova Scotia Power permission to share the applicant's name on all social media platforms in relation to this Grassroots Grants Pilot.
3. Nova Scotia Power reserves the right to terminate the Grassroots Grants Pilot early and the circumstances under which it might do so.
Applications are currently closed
Join our mailing list to be the first to hear about future funding opportunities, application dates, recipient stories, and program updates.
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. Join our mailing list to be the first to hear!
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.