Municipal Grants
The municipality recognizes the value and contributions made by community organizations and volunteer groups to improve the well-being and the quality of life for its residents, in recognition of this the Municipality is committed to provide assistance to these organizations through the Municipal Grants Program, governed by the Municipal Grants Policy.
Applicants are required to submit a Grant Application which can be forwarded to the Director of Finance/Treasurer at treasurer@huroneast.com or PO Box 610, 72 Main Street South, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0
Applicants may choose from two streams of funding:
- Program Funding: intended to be used by community organizations to support an activity, event or program that provides immediate or near-term benefit to the residents of Huron East. Program funding is not intended to e used to offset or cover regular operational expenses of the community organization. Program funding is a direct payment to a community organization.
- Program or Project In-Kind Assistance: intended to provide in-kind contribution grants to support specific project initiatives that promote a broad community benefit through the improving of well-being of the community and quality of life for Huron East residents. In-kind assistance is not a direct payment to a community organization, it is a reduction or full relief of municipal fees, rental charges and/or permit/licensing costs.
Applications for funding in 2025 is currently open.
The application period for funding in 2026 will open Monday, September 1, 2025 and close Friday, October 31, 2025.
For full details including exclusions and requirements, please review the Municipal Grants Policy, prior to any submission.
Community Improvement Plan
Section 28 of the Ontario's Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, allows municipalities to designate by By-Law a "Community Improvement Project Area" and prepare a "Community Improvement Plan (CIP)". A CIP aims to leverage private investment to promote revitalization, redevelopment, and enhancement by providing financial incentives to projects within defined community improvement project areas.
The Municipality of Huron East adopted a Community Improvement Plan in February 2024 and designated the entire municipality a Community Improvement Project Area. Many different programs are included in the CIP. Programs and incentives offered under the CIP, and funds available, may vary from year to year at the discretion of Council, based on recommendations from municipal staff.
Current Community Improvement Programs
The 2025 Program is now closed.
Façade Improvement Program |
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The purpose of the Façade Improvement Grant is to encourage commercial businesses and property owners to update and improve the exterior façade of their building(s). Façade improvements associated with agricultural uses are eligible so long as the building is being used for farmgate or agri-tourism purposes and is open to the visiting public. Funding may be used towards the restoration of an existing storefront or the design and installation of a new façade. The Municipality will fund 50% of the total project cost (excluding taxes) up to $5,000. Up to an additional $1,000 will be made available for projects that improve buildings that are designated under Part IV or Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. The Municipality will provide a maximum of $7,000 per project when the building has multiple storefronts or street addresses or the building is on a corner lot, where façade improvements are proposed on both frontages. |
Signage Improvement Program |
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The purpose of the Signage Improvement Grant is to encourage commercial business and property owners to install clear and effective storefront signs. Signage improvements associated with agricultural uses are eligible so long as the building is being used for farmgate or agri-tourism purposes and is open to the visiting public. The Signage Improvement Grant may be used towards the restoration of an old sign or the design and purchase of a new sign. The Municipality will fund 50% of the total project cost (excluding taxes) up to $1,000. The Municipality will provide a maximum of $2,000 per project when the building has multiple storefronts or street addresses or the building is on a corner lot, where signage improvements are proposed on both frontages. |
Agri-Business Innovation Program |
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The purpose of the Agri-Business Innovation Grant is to assist agricultural operators with expanding their markets and increasing their revenues. The Agri-Business Innovation Grant provides funding for agricultural operators to improve or implement new value-added and innovative technologies. The Municipality will fund 50% of the total project cost (excluding taxes) up to $5,000. |
Vacant and Underutilized Properties Conversion/Expansion Program |
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The purpose of the Vacant and Underutilized Properties Conversion/Expansion Grant is to encourage property owners with vacant lands and/or buildings to convert and revitalize the spaces to serve new purposes. This program is open to commercial, industrial, institutional and agricultural property owners. For a definition of "Vacant and Underutilized Properties", please refer to the Huron East Community Improvement Plan. For the purposes of this program, buildings are considered vacant if they have been unoccupied for at least twelve (12) months. The Municipality will fund 50% of the total project cost (excluding taxes) up to $7,000. Vacant and Underutilized Properties Conversion/Expansion Program Guidelines Vacant and Underutilized Properties Conversion/Expansion Program Application Form |
Accessibility Improvement Program |
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The purpose of the Accessibility Improvement Grant is to remove barriers and increase accessibility in our communities. This program is open to commercial, industrial and agricultural property owners. The Municipality will fund 50% of the total project cost (excluding taxes) up to $5,000. |
Past Projects
Photo Gallery: 2024 Community Improvement Projects will appear here on the public site.
5-Year Community Improvement Program Funding Plan
Other Funding Opportunities
The Municipality offers initiatives for designated heritage properties. If interested, please see our Heritage and History page. Other funding opportunities for businesses are listed on the Business Supports page.
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