Ontario Opens Applications for Rural Funding
August 21, 2026NIPISSING — Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government has opened the third application window for the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program. The ROD Program provides cost-shared funding to municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and small rural businesses.
“Our government understands that rural Ontario is essential for the province’s economy and is a significant contributor to the vitality and resilience of our province,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “As part of our plan to protect Ontario, our government is helping rural communities strengthen local economies and create opportunities for long-term growth by supporting local projects.”
Eligible rural municipalities, nonprofit organizations, Indigenous communities, and small businesses can apply for funding through these streams until October 1, 2026:
- Economic Diversification, Competitiveness and Capacity Building: building economic development capacity and implementing strategies that increase competitiveness to retain businesses, attract investment and enhance growth.
- Workforce Development, Attraction and Retention: investing in strategies and/or to undertake initiatives for attracting and retaining workers.
- Community Infrastructure Enhancements: investing in community infrastructure and improving public spaces or existing community assets.
- Business Development: investing in projects that support businesses to be financially sustainable and competitive, including cyber security initiatives, accessibility enhancements or expansion to new markets.
Officials from the Ministry of Rural Affairs will host a webinar on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, to provide more information about the various funding streams and how to apply. Please visit Register for a free information webinar.
Quick Facts
- Last year, our government announced $20 million over two years through the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program to protect and strengthen rural communities by promoting economic growth and helping them attract and retain investment.
- Through the first application period of the ROD Program, our government is providing nearly $6 million to support 160 projects across rural Ontario.
- The ROD Program is part of Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy, our government’s roadmap for building safe and strong rural communities, growing the rural workforce and ensuring rural Ontario remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
Additional Information